Play Polo at Mar del Plata
14 days - Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
This fortnight is aimed at the rider who has always fancied 'having a go at polo' and provides a fun introduction to the game. Operated by Carlitos and Kim Gonzalez of the Mar del Plata Polo Club, Carlitos (a 3-goal player) and his team deliver the dream polo holiday. You don't need to be an experienced rider or to have ever played polo before, Carlitas has a large string of ponies and will find the mount to suit you. By the end of the two-week holiday you will be playing chukkas and competing in a club tournament.Mar del Plata Polo Club is situated right next to the beach just north of Mar del Plata city, some 400 kilometres southwest of Buenos Aires. With its beaches, casinos, shopping centres, restaurants, parks, Aquarium and museums there is plenty to see and do if you fancy a break from the riding. 
Your days will be spent at the polo club and the evenings eating out in fantastic restaurants. Each day starts with a ride on the beach, to warm you and your polo pony up. This is followed by two polo sessions, one in the morning and one late afternoon. During the heat of the day you can enjoy a barbeque lunch and a siesta. Each polo session will consist of 'stick and ball' practice, followed by some chukkas, each lesson focusing on particular skills, tactics and rules of the game. The holiday will culminate with a club tournament on the final weekend, in which you take part.
- Day 1 (D)
- Transfer by luxury bus from Buenos Aires International Airport to Mar del Plata. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours. On arrival in Mar del Plata you will be met and transferred to the Maison Apart Hotel. Each room has sheets changed daily and beds turned down at night. After check in, Carlitos will take you, with all your riding gear to the polo club. If time permits try your first ride on the beach so that he can assess your riding and plan your next two weeks polo training. It is important to let Carlitos know what you hope to get out of your holiday. His aim is to teach you enough polo during the fortnight so that you can play with confidence and skill. He will push you and is a tough coach, so be ready for many hours of hard tuition. However, perhaps all you want is fun - please feel free to tell Carlitos what you want. It is also important to advise how you feel physically as your comfort and safety is of paramount importance. Evening meal in one of the many excellent local restaurants to discuss the day with Carlitos and the plans for the forthcoming days.
- Days 2 to 13 (B,L,D)
- The format for the next two weeks will be as follows:
- 08:30 breakfast
- 09:30 pick up from hotel
- 10:00 Ride on the beach. This helps you get used to the polo ponies and teaches you how to control your pony polo, stopping and turning and fast transitions. It is fun way to get used to the speed of the polo tournaments.
- 11:30 Stick and ball session.
- 14:00 BBQ in the stables, (at the weekend lunch in the polo club restaurant).
- 15:00 Siesta.
- 16:00 Chukkas. During these sessions you will learn to play polo as part of a team, and cover defence and attack and the tactics and rules of the game of polo.
- 20:00 Return to the hotel for a chance to freshen up.
- 21:00 Evening meal with Carlitos to discuss the next day's training. On the final weekend you will be able to take part in the scheduled club tournament. The tournament matches take place in the afternoon, so the itinerary for the morning stays the same at weekends as on a weekday.
- Day 14 (B)
- Transfer back to Buenos Aires.
- Please note that polo is weather dependent and that in the event of heavy rain additional beach riding will be offered.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only:
- 01 Jan to 31 Jan: £2,545
- 01 Feb to 31 Mar: £2,460
- 01 Nov to 09 Dec: £2,460
- 10 Dec to 31 Dec: £2,545
- Includes: Return transfers from Buenos Aires Airport by minibus or luxury coach, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding. Daily transport between the hotel and polo club are not included. Taxis are arranged and cost about £4 per day.
- All Inclusive: From £3,105 depending on the season. Please note a night???s hotel accommodation may be required in Buenos Aires.
- Includes: Flights, taxes, transfers from Buenos Aires Airport by minibus or luxury coach, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding. Daily transport between the hotel and polo club are not included. Taxis are arranged and cost about £4 per day.
- Single Supplement: From £235 to £299 depending on season.
- Departure Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays ??? November to March. Departures from the UK are one day earlier.
- The Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in the Maison Apart Hotel, a small friendly hotel just 10 minutes drive from the polo club. Each apartment has a fully stocked and equipped kitchen, cable televison, safe, sofa and table with chairs, bath with shower. The hotel has a laundry and restaurants close by and is opposite the beach and casino.
- Food & Drink: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at the polo club and evening meals (with Carlitos and Kim)at one of Mar del Plata's suberb restaurants are included in the holiday cost.
- Laundry: There is an excellent laundry service opposite the hotel, with same day turnaround it costs about £1.30 a load for a service wash. You can drop it off in the morning and itls washed, dried and folded for the evening.
- Children: Children of 10 years and upwards are welcome.
- Non-Riders: Are welcome and can either watch their partners learn to play polo or just relax on the beaches of Mar del Plata. Prices for non-riders start at £580 (land only) according to season.