On our last day of the GNetwork360 Convention I was fortunate enough to join a handful of speakers from Pink Press Media, Grindr, the Tourism Ministry of Thailand as well as a world-class blogger from Duanewells.com on a small boat trip. We were invited by Andres Felipe Duran, one of the owners, to cruise to Isla El Descanso in Tigre to a property that he co-owns with his partner Claudio Stamato, prior to attending the closing night gala of the conference.
Not knowing really what to expect, but excited nonetheless, we bustled into the tour bus where we were whisked through the streets of Buenos Aires to the docks, situated about 40 minutes away. After a short boat ride we were docked on the island.
Created 20 years ago with an idea, and a labour of love, by Claudio, what initially looked like a simple albeit lovely cabin on a hilltop, amounted to so much more. The caretaker of the property greeted us to the grounds which, when you include the wetlands that stretch over 30 acres, have no less than eight gardeners on staff.
Once we garbed ourselves in rubber boots and traditional gardening hats (featuring the logo for Isla El Descanso) at the Olympic-sized pool, we were off through what may best be described as a maze.
Some of the first things you notice when walking the gardens is the art and sculptures surrounding them. There is literally nothing like it in the world. As art aficionados, Andres and Claudio do not buy artwork for their gardens. They bring the artist to Isla El Descanso to create the art and sculpture specific to their perception of the island.
As it was winter, not all of the flora were in bloom, but for a year-round garden, there were more than an ample supply of flowers for us to absorb the essence. Isla El Descanso is an escape from reality; such beauty makes it difficult to describe in a limited word count.
Crossing over the bridge of the Angel of Love, we were told to make a wish. It is said that if you wish for love, you will find it. I’m not sure if love will find me, but should it, I will want to walk over that breathtaking bridge, covered in vines, foliage and flowers, with my special someone.
To give you an accurate reflection of the gardens, in bridges alone, there are 11. In addition to Angel you will find Thankfulness, Superiour Conciousness, Acceptance, Peace, Humbleness, Abundance, Prosperity, Friendship, Good Hope and Health, and the last, Family. There is a story behind each bridge, in fact a story under every leaf of the gardens.
My personal favourite piece, with a rust-colour appearance, was a massive sculpture with the letters hollowed out tenemos el poder de elegir, which translated means: we have the power to choose. Such words resonate with me personally, and I would imagine a fair number of others. Such a powerful statement, and I thank Andres for inviting me.
Seeing as how Argentina was the 10th country in the world to promote same sex marriage, the gardens are a perfect location for a destination wedding. Not only is the plant life ideal, but they have built the most stunning gazebo one could take vows on.
A fascinating tidbit; no one actually stays on the property, with the exception of the Andres and Claudio. However there have been a couple of guests of notoriety that have come for a visit, perhaps for the beauty, and perhaps due to its remoteness. Will Smith has paid a visit, and Madonna has spent a bit of time on the island as well.
We actually came across the Madonna bench while on our tour. We could not resist; Matt from Pink Press Media, Steve from Grindr, and I from Blue Flame Ventures had to take a ‘Hear, See and Speak No Evil’ photo. Camp yes, but fun too.
I invite you to look at the couple’s website to see the multitude I can’t possibly put into justifiable words. I can only hope one day to return.
