From US$225 including breakfast
– The hotel has 17 rooms in total including 4 suites with open fire
– Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues
We arrived at dusk in early autumn having travelled 2.5 hours from Valencia along winding roads increasingly overlooked by medieval towns and castle-topped rocks the closer we got. After a final bumpy 5 km we reached our destination, a collection of ivy-clad, low stone buildings lit atmospherically by warm recessed lighting. We made our way in through narrow corridors, up worn steps and through leafy courtyards to be welcomed into the farmhouse style kitchen. This, it was explained, is the heart of the house, and a symbol of the hotel’s ethos as being a home away from home.
The hotel was originally a scattering of farm buildings, and a 15th century tower. With careful renovation the disparate elements were transformed into a delightful labyrinth of airy bedrooms, generous living spaces, sweeping archways, garden nooks and picturesque stone terraces. Rooms retain their original character through features such as exposed brickwork, deep stone window ledges or the spacious bathrooms not constrained by traditional architecture.
In summer you’ll find no end of shady corners to enjoy the sunset or gaze at the stars. As the evenings turn chilly you’ll find yourself curled up in front of an open fire or browsing the extensive library, never far from the impressively stocked honesty bar tucked inside the chilled stone cellar.
Organic produce is grown on the 220 acres of land, which is the foundation for the delicious and contemporary evening menus and plentiful homemade produce such as preserves and oils. The open kitchen fire smoulders and smiling cooks are constantly whipping up something mouth-watering, whether it’s lemon curd, marmalade or fresh chocolate cake. Check the hotel website to coincide your visit with a weekend cookery workshop if you like your relaxation to have a productive element, and if cooking isn’t your thing you could try some liquor tasting (gin, whisky) or even a spot of astronomy from their fabulous high powered telescope.
La Torre del Visco manages to strike an enviable balance of unhurried and friendly atmosphere whilst maintaining a professional and efficient service. It’s an ideal combination for a heart of the Spanish countryside luxury retreat.
