CECILE ADAM

OWNER, ENTRE CIELOS

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

When we think of Cecile, we think of a woman we aspire to be: elegant, poised, and a force to be reckoned with!

Cecile is the owner of Entre Cielos - a magical, modern boutique hotel with an incredible spa in the heart of Mendoza wine country. Although she originally hails from Switzerland, she fell in love with Argentina and its wine culture. So, together with a few of her friends she decided to open a wine hotel. Now, Entre Cielos is considered one of the best hotels in Argentina, and where we stay on our Argentina group trips that visit Mendoza.

Follow Entre Cielos here.

1. BEFORE OPENING ENTRE CIELOS IN MENDOZA, YOU HAD A CAREER IN TEACHING AND HR IN YOUR NATIVE SWITZERLAND. WHAT INSPIRED THE CHANGE?

In my case, I had started a comfortable life with a nice career opportunity, but it turned out to be an industry that did not trigger any passion nor attraction for me, although it was a very secure and success-promising one. I always had a nomadic heart. So together with my friends who all wanted more from life, we designed our proper future by exploring a new country and creating a hospitality experience we thought could create some meaningful content. That was 2008. With some savings, heritage, and courage - completely out of our comfort zone - we created Entre Cielos.

2. WHAT THREE WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE MENDOZA (AND WHY)?

Connected. I choose this word for several reasons, firstly because wine-producing regions connect people from all over the world on a social table. Also because Mendoza Airport is internationally connected with Peru, Chile, Brasil, Panama and Miami. Lastly because it is beautiful to connect with the locals who are very warm and welcoming. Unexplored. I say this because there are so many beautiful spots in the mountains, deserts, with its rivers that are just known to locals and its off the Grid as well as so many wines to explore. Delicious. So many excellent wines! And such good food to pair with. There is always fresh and organic produce of excellent quality.  

3. WHAT DOES A DAY OFF LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

It’s usually going out in nature. By bike, horse or foot with my dogs, or motorbike with my favorite person. Usually it ends with opening a special wine in the evening and enjoying a self-made dinner.

4. WHO ARE THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LOVE TO HOST AT ENTRE CIELOS?

A scientist, a musician and a cook all from different ages who have the aspect in common of thinking out of the Box, or being rebellious but contributing to society in unique ways. This would be an animated social table shared! As example: Hilda Geiringer, Ann Lennox, Ayurveda Chef Nira Kehar. And if possible, my mother and my niece and my godchild. These people are just examples, as there are so many interesting women around. But you get the idea!

5. HOW DO YOU DEFINE A DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATION?

A place and time where everything adds up perfectly through the good local vibe. A place where you find authenticity, passion and simplicity, and where one can get in touch with the true self and then let go of the Ego. A dream destination must be different than home, and motivate you to learn something new. For example, you should be able to enjoy tasteful but different food and try what you can.  A dream destination should still feel secure.

6. IS THERE A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOURSELF AS A YOUNG GIRL?

Some advice to myself would be: learn an instrument and songs from your home; if you don’t understand the language, with music you can talk and connect more deeply. Also write in a diary! I did not practice this long enough and regret not having more diaries to read. Nowadays, pictures so easily taken with your phone substitute this a little bit, but the ritual of taking your time writing and reflecting is as important as a meditation.