Argentine hotel Las Balsas is proud to announce it is the recipient of the Sustainability Trophy 2026 and revieved the award during the 2025 Relais & Châteaux Rendez-Vous event held at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The award was presented to the hotel’s General Manager Sebastián Tuvio, by Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, and Anthony Torkington, CEO of Relais & Châteaux.

The Sustainability Trophy celebrates the property’s continued commitment to excellence in hospitality, gastronomy, and guest experience, reinforcing its position as one of the leading boutique hotels in South America.

Representing the hotel, General Manager Sebastián Tuvio attended the ceremony and received the award on behalf of the entire team. The recognition highlights Las Balsas as a property that exemplifies the core values of Relais & Châteaux: authenticity, personalized service, and deep respect for local culture and nature.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the spirit of Patagonia that inspires everything we do,” said Sebastián Tuvio. “Las Balsas continues to evolve while honoring its heritage, and we are grateful for the trust of our guests and the support of the Relais & Châteaux family.”

Nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, in the heart of the Andean Patagonian Forest, Las Balsas has long been celebrated for its serene atmosphere, refined experiences, and its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. This recognition further strengthens the hotel’s vision for the future, as it continues to expand with new villas and elevated guest offerings.

The award ceremony was attended by Relais & Châteaux members from around the world, making recieving the award all the more meaningful, infront of an audience of peers from the global luxury hospitality community.

It is the first hotel in world to hotle both B Corp Relais & Châteaux accreditations and the Sustainability Trophy 2026 acknowledges the hotel’s comprehensive and measurable approach, including:

Advanced waste management programs, prioritizing reduction, separation, and responsible disposal.

Elimination of single-use plastics throughout guest services and operations.

Strong partnerships with local producers, reinforcing the regional economy and reducing transportation impact.

B Corp Certification, ensuring high standards of environmental and social responsibility.

Native forest restoration initiatives, including the removal of invasive species and reintroduction of native flora to support biodiversity.

Environmental impact measurement systems, monitoring energy, water, waste, and emissions to guide strategic decisions.

Energy efficiency improvements, from low-consumption infrastructure to optimized heating systems.

A zero-kilometer culinary philosophy, centered on seasonal, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients.