Cover Casa Rosada, or the Pink House, is the official workplace of the president of Argentina. The balcony is world-famous and is associated with Eva Perón, as depicted in the musical “Evita”
Casa Rosada, or the Pink House, is the official workplace of the president of Argentina. The balcony is world-famous and is associated with Eva Perón, as depicted in the musical “Evita”
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In Argentina, Buenos Aires pulses with energy, transforming everything into art, passion and obsession
From the moment you arrive, you feel it: that unmistakable Argentine passion that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s in the melancholic embrace of tango, where heartbreak and desire become a dance.
But nowhere is this passion more palpable than in Argentina’s twin obsessions: football and polo. Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi aren’t merely footballers here—they’re saints, their exploits discussed with religious fervour. The Hand of God wasn’t just a goal; it was national transcendence. Messi’s World Cup victory felt like justice finally delivered.
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Above The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, built in 1890, is dedicated to the patron saint of Argentina
Above The statue of General Manuel Belgrano, located in Plaza de Mayo in front of the Casa Rosada, is one of the landmark monuments of Argentina
The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, built in 1890, is dedicated to the patron saint of Argentina
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Above Jeta Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso, Adolfo Cambiaso, Sr and Barto Castagnola are among the top polo players in the world. Their team, La Natividad La Dolfina, beat Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú in the 85th Tortugas Final, where this photo was taken. Building on that momentum, La Natividad La Dolfina has made history at the 132nd Argentine Polo Open. In a thrilling final at Palermo, the Cambiaso father-and-son duo and the Castagnola brothers powered their Cañuelas team to a 17–13 victory over Ellerstina, securing the coveted Triple Crown. The win also cements Adolfo’s legendary status as the only player to claim the Triple Crown five times—this time, triumphing alongside his own family
Jeta Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso, Adolfo Cambiaso, Sr and Barto Castagnola are among the top polo players in the world. Their team, La Natividad La Dolfina, beat Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú in the 85th Tortugas Final, where this photo was taken. Building on that momentum, La Natividad La Dolfina has made history at the 132nd Argentine Polo Open. In a thrilling final at Palermo, the Cambiaso father-and-son duo and the Castagnola brothers powered their Cañuelas team to a 17–13 victory over Ellerstina, securing the coveted Triple Crown. The win also cements Adolfo’s legendary status as the only player to claim the Triple Crown five times—this time, triumphing alongside his own family
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Yet it’s in polo where Argentina’s soul truly reveals itself. This is a nation that has transformed a gentleman’s sport into something entirely its own—a breathtaking fusion of gaucho horsemanship, breeding genius and competitive fire. The relationship between Argentine and horse isn’t simply practical; it’s mystical.
Argentine polo ponies are considered the finest in the world, bred with obsessive attention to detail. These magnificent animals embody everything Argentina values: beauty, strength, grace under pressure and an unbreakable spirit.
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These are some of the landmarks, places, people and families that we captured in our 15-day trip. They fill our minds and become lingering memories long after.
Above Asado is the unique grilling method used in cooking Argentinian barbecue
Above A musician plays his tunes in La Boca
Asado is the unique grilling method used in cooking Argentinian barbecue
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Above The tango, which originated in Argentina, is a national symbol of the country’s culture around the world
Above Football legend Lionel Messi—like Diego Maradona—is considered a “god” in Argentina
The tango, which originated in Argentina, is a national symbol of the country’s culture around the world
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Rocio Gonzalez and Loló Tanoira, with the wives and children of the most essential polo players in Argentina, wearing Rocio G outfits
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Above Rocio Gonzalez and Loló Tanoira, passionate business partners and lifelong friends, are the creative minds behind the thriving brand Rocio G
Rocio Gonzalez and Loló Tanoira, passionate business partners and lifelong friends, are the creative minds behind the thriving brand Rocio G
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Above Casa Fagliano, established in 1892, is recognised as the world’s most renowned maker of polo boots and has been operated by five generations of bootmakers
Above An antique corridor in San Telmo showcases Buenos Aires’ bohemian spirit. The renowned flea market is a sanctuary for collectors and explorers alike
Casa Fagliano, established in 1892, is recognised as the world’s most renowned maker of polo boots and has been operated by five generations of bootmakers
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Above The wooden doors of the Banco de la Nación Argentina in Plaza de Mayo evoke the grandeur of Buenos Aires’ neoclassical architecture
Above A sleek polo horse from La Hache, a stable in Pilar owned by Hilario Ulloa
The wooden doors of the Banco de la Nación Argentina in Plaza de Mayo evoke the grandeur of Buenos Aires’ neoclassical architecture
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Yet it’s in polo where Argentina’s soul truly reveals itself. This is a nation that has transformed a gentleman’s sport into something entirely its own
Above loralis Genérica, the monumental stainless-steel flower by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano, stands proudly in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas in Buenos Aires. Once engineered to open with the sun and close at night, this iconic sculpture remains a symbol of the city’s rebirth and ever-evolving spirit
loralis Genérica, the monumental stainless-steel flower by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano, stands proudly in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas in Buenos Aires. Once engineered to open with the sun and close at night, this iconic sculpture remains a symbol of the city’s rebirth and ever-evolving spirit
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Above Paola Zobel Laborde lives in Sotogrande and Pilar with her husband, Argentine polo player Santi Laborde, and their two sons, Iñigo and Lucas
Paola Zobel Laborde lives in Sotogrande and Pilar with her husband, Argentine polo player Santi Laborde, and their two sons, Iñigo and Lucas
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Above Argentine empanadas are a national staple—filled with meats, onions and olives, and baked or fried to perfection. They offer a bite-sized
taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage
Above Handwoven with lively geometric patterns, these traditional Argentine belts—favoured by gauchos—honour the country’s rich artisanal heritage and deep-rooted equestrian traditions
Argentine empanadas are a national staple—filled with meats, onions and olives, and baked or fried to perfection. They offer a bite-sized taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage
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Above The city of Buenos Aires is home to around three million people. The iconic Obelisco, erected in 1936, towers over Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, flanked by broad pedestrian promenades perfect for strolling or paseo
Above A building in La Boca’s renowned Caminito, the area is part street theatre and part living gallery
The city of Buenos Aires is home to around three million people. The iconic Obelisco, erected in 1936, towers over Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, flanked by broad pedestrian promenades perfect for strolling or paseo
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Credits
Photography: Aline Coquelle and Ramon Mangila
Anton San Diego, editor-in-chief of Tatler Philippines for 24 years and founding member of Manila House, blends his background in fashion and hospitality to shape the country’s leading voice on luxury and culture.
IG and Threads: @antonsd
Facebook: Anton San Diego
