La Perla Spa, Postmodern seaside resort in Mar del Plata, Argentina
La Perla Spa is a postmodern building complex on the coastline of Mar del Plata, Argentina, made up of five connected sections. Elevated walkways at different levels link the city streets to the beach and allow movement across all parts of the complex.
The complex was designed in 1985 by Argentine architect Clorindo Testa following a national competition focused on connecting the city to its waterfront. The project was part of a broader effort to develop the coastal area of Mar del Plata.
The complex takes its name from the La Perla neighborhood, one of the most visited coastal districts of Mar del Plata. The open walkways and terraces serve as a natural meeting point where people pass between the city streets and the beach.
The complex sits close to downtown Mar del Plata and offers direct access to the beach along with fitness areas, shops, and rental rooms. The terrain slopes gradually from the city streets down to the shore, so comfortable footwear is helpful.
Testa deliberately left gaps between the buildings to frame ocean views and protect the natural plants growing on the site. As you walk through the complex, these openings and closed sections alternate in a way that creates a changing sense of space at each step.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
