Montevideo. (Best of Latin America).

BEST WAY TO RELAX ON A DAY AWAY FROM WORK

Uruguay's wine industry has been thriving since the 16th century, when the first vines arrived from Europe for religious purposes. An interesting short tour is possible to the Santa Rosa winery, established in 1898 near Montevideo, phone: [phone]. Other day tours are possible to the beach resort of Punta del Este or to Estancias Gauchas, a working Uruguayan ranch. For those tours, contact Cecilia Regules Viajes, phone: [phone].

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

MT International Travel Service. This agency knows what executives want--and it delivers. Phone: [phone]. www.mt.com.uy

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL

Sheraton Montevideo. The big drawback to this hotel could be a temptation to forget about business--it is close to a beautiful beach along the Rio de Ia Plata where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean and to the 18-hole Club de Golf, where the hotel has a very special deal. (It is rumored fees below US$30 can be arranged.) The three-year-old Sheraton is just 10 minutes from Plaza Independencia (the center of town) and 14 kilometers from the Carrasco International Airport. It connects to the Punta Carretas shopping center and sometimes there are old, classic car rallies in the neighborhood as befitting a city with an overabundance of antique cars in spit and polish condition. Executive floors are 23 and 24 and executive suites boast oversized Jacuzzis. The Sheraton has a business center for work and, for play, a spa, indoor pool and gym. For runners, there's a special treat: The hotel sits on the oceanfront avenue, La Rambla, that curves for more than 15 kilometers along the sea. French Chef David Damge cooks up gourmet meals in the La Carretas dining room. Phone: [phone]. www.sheraton.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Avis. The counter at the Carrasco International Airport is always open with a good selection of cars. The downtown office operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Daily prices run from US$24 for a subcompact up to US$57 for a full size. Carrasco Airport phone: [phone]. Downtown phone: [phone]. www.avis.com

BEST SMALL BUT ELEGANT DIGS

Belmont House. Inducted into the posh French hotel chain, Relais & Chateaux, in 1997, this lovely hotel with 24 rooms and four suites sits in the midst of beautiful gardens in the Carrasco neighborhood, near the beach and airport. Just because it's small doesn't mean it's incomplete. It has a bar, restaurant, pool, gym and business services. Rates start at US$195. Phone: [phone]. www.belmonthouse.com.uy

BEST BUSINESS MEAL

Dona Flor. The architecture is Art Nouveau in this 100-year-old home and it is as exquisite as the French cuisine. (However, it closes for the summer season, so call first or double check with your hotel concierge.) Boulevard Artigas 1034. Phone: [phone]. Open all year is La Casa Violeta in front of the Puerto del Buceo. Grilled meat is the house specialty at this casual and typical Uruguayan restaurant. Sitting under an umbrella on the deck is a nice option. Rambla Armena 3667. Phone: [phone].