Play polo with the pros at Argentina's La Aguada Resort

Despite an action-packed agenda of award ceremonies and the Cartier Queen’s Cup games during the English polo season, Argentine polo player Eduardo Novillo Astrada made time for a chat with the trade – beef empanadas and wine in hand.

He came to the UK to invite more Brits to his home: La Aguada Polo resort in the Argentinian pampas.

I met Astrada when he hosted an event at Gaucho, an Argentinian steakhouse in Piccadilly.

He told me that a visit to La Aguada was “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see how polo players like myself train”.

Located just 40 miles east of Buenos Aires, the 990-acre estate has courses for high goal polo (the highest handicap rating) which are used by the Argentinian team for practice and also a farm for breeding and training polo ponies.

Polo enthusiasts can book lessons to polish their skills with on-site trainers under the watchful eyes of the four Astrada brothers (pictured).

And if you happen to know a plucky polo pundit who would brave the challenge of taking on the world champions, the brothers won’t turn down the offer of a friendly match.

A seven-night stay including polo lessons costs in the region of £6,000.

Afterwards, guests can ride their horses to explore the scenic oak forests of the estate, take a dip in the pool or relax over a game of golf.

They can help themselves to snacks such as homemade fruitcake and green salads from the kitchen’s fridge, and evenings are a social occasion with a typical Argentinian barbecue and wine tasting.

Astrada said: “At four in the afternoon, we have drinks and then dinner unless guests wish to take their dinner privately. Every day after we train and play, we get together.”

There are two guesthouses – La Rosada (pictured) and La Amarilla – with a maximum occupancy of 16 in total.

La Rosada has two master suites and two junior guestrooms and a panoramic view of the countryside.

La Amarilla has three suites and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Both houses are homely, with living areas, dining spaces, and outdoor terraces.

Further benefits include a personal chef and daily housekeeping service and free internet.

Astrada regards the estate as home: “It’s a very nice house and we live and train there. I would recommend it to those who want the chance to train and play with one of the top polo teams in the world. There’s no better place to have the polo experience.”