VIP VACATION

TV stylist Hannah Sandling, 33, flew 15 hours to South America for a romantic three-week reunion with her boyfriend

Last year I got the best Christmas present ever - my dream man. I met Bruno, a 30-year-old estate agent from Uruguay who was in England visiting family, through a friend. When he returned home, we pledged to make it work. Three months later, I was on my way to Uruguay's capital, Montevideo.

Bruno is passionate about his country and couldn't wait to show me around, starting with the Port Market (Mercado del Puerto). I was hungry after the flight, but the giant open grill sorted that out. Chefs cook slabs of meat to individual taste - it was the best beef I've ever had!

The next day we drove a few hours to Punta del Diablo, a small fishing village with amazing sandy beaches. Bruno had hired a secluded beach hut with fantastic views of the ocean and we had a sunset stroll along the mile-long beach. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

It was tempting to laze around, but every morning I got up for a run. I've been training for the Gobi March, a 250km endurance race across the Gobi Desert, so I wanted to keep up my stamina.

From Uruguay, we flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a treat, Bruno booked us into the Faena, a five-star boutique hotel. It was a total fantasy land - the glass-walled bathroom had a claw-footed bath and pewter swan taps. It was totally over the top, but I loved it!

After two nights, we headed to Salta City in north-west Argentina. The Salta cathedral and baroque San Francisco Church were beautiful - I took tons of photos to inspire me on 60 Minute Makeover.

I experienced so much on our trip - horse-riding in ¿the desert, playing polo, pottery, cookery lessons and shopping. I can't wait to return to Uruguay to explore the country, taste the food and, of course, see Bruno again.

Return flights to Uruguay cost from £682 with Tam Airlines (Tamairlines.com). Rooms at the Faena start at £200 per night (Faenahotelanduniverse.com).

Hannah is being sponsored by David Lloyd to run the seven-day Gobi March, which starts today. Visit 4deserts.com.

AS TOLD TO: OLIVIA BUXTON PHOTOGRAPHY: WIREIMAGE

This article has 0 comments