EASTERN SPAIN
CONSOLACIÓN Monroyo
Zaragoza - 90 Miles , Tarragona - 90 Miles , Teruel - 100 Miles , Valencia - 120 Miles , Barcelona - 150 Miles
Enjoy rugged isolation and captivating views from the elevated perch of Consolación , where the dramatic landscape falls away from minimalist pods . Outside Monroyo in the Mataraña region of Aragon , the natural setting is made part of the furniture here , with expansive windows inviting the outdoors in . This is true of the guestrooms , where the fourth wall is a sheer pane of glass . Housed in self-contained ‘ kubes ’ accessed via a natural garden of indigenous shrubbery , these spaces are 850 metres above sea level , so you can expect magnificent vistas to greet you every morning . With log fires warming the slate underfoot , interiors embrace a design simplicity that does not deny warmth , making them cosy hideaways for enjoying simple pleasures . Two further rooms are located in the main building - a chapel and former hermit ’ s home - which is the centre of communal life at Consolación . Guests are welcome to gather in the kitchens , where snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day , while meals are held three times a day in the old barn . Having been converted into a dining room , the use of stone , steel , wood and glass creates an intimate environment for enjoying a menu that marries tradition and innovation – much like the hotel itself . Seek the 14th Century church for a feel of the site ’ s history , but , owing to the hotel ’ s isolation , you will have to venture a bit further to discover more of the region ’ s ancient architecture .
Hotel architecture , Consolacion
CONSOLACIÓN EXH1519 Best for : Long stays Official category : No official category Open : All year Location : Outside the municipality of Monroyo Nearest airport : Valencia 125 miles Nearest train station : Ulldecona- Alcanar-La Sènia 57 miles Own transport needed : Yes Multi-centre suggestions : Valencia , Tarragona or Barcelona for culture , or the Costa Brava for seaside relaxation .
THE HOTEL Accommodation : 12 rooms with private balcony , open fire , radio and ipod station , desk , plasma TV , Wi-Fi and minibar . Facilities : Restaurant , Communal kitchens , Lobby bar , Library , Multimedia room , Swimming pool .
THE LOCAL AREA Local interest : Local villages of Monroyo , La Fresneda and Valderrobres , Chapel of Santa Bárbara . There are a number of festivals which take place nearby including a town party in Monroyo to celebrate Asunción and San Roque ( 14-18 August ) and a handicrafts fair
Baroque lounge at Consolacion
( November ). Activities nearby : Trekking excursions , Cycling , Climbing , Kayaking .
PRICES Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with British Airways London to Valencia , hire-car and bed and breakfast . We can offer almost all other airlines that operate flights from any airport in the UK . Prices for 7 nights based on two people sharing a Kube . From £ 1080 per person Guide price only as hotel is usually combined with other hotels
OFFERS All current special offers are displayed on our website as the offers change throughout the year . All applicable offers will be applied to your booking at the time the price is confirmed to you .
PARADOR DE CARDONA Cardona
Manresa - 18 Miles , La Seu D ’ urgell - 55 Miles , Barcelona - 60 Miles , Lleida - 87 Miles , Girona - 89 Miles ,
A construction of sheer fortifications and Romanesque details in its hilltop home , the four-star Parador de Cardona is a commanding sight above the Catalonian town of Cardona . Mediaeval through-and-through , the sober façade holds an undeniable sense of drama thanks to a history which spans back to the 9th Century . The 2nd Century Minyona Tower is evident at its heart . Not surprisingly , the hotel offers the best views of the town , the Catalonian countryside and River Cardoner , particularly from the Romanesque church within the fort ’ s walls . From charming courtyards with little water wells to shady arcades and an al fresco café terrace , the scale of the building does not deny the hotel a sense of intimacy . This can also be seen inside , where the decoration is unexpectedly fresh , which nicely contrasts original features such as ancient , exposed brickwork and bowed arches . This is best seen in the two dining rooms – one large , one small – where an outstanding menu of Catalan cuisine is served . Simple dishes from the Mediterranean , the plain and the mountains harness rustic ingredients such as meat and game and fresh vegetables , including a variety of mushrooms . Other public spaces either embrace the castle ’ s ancient features or hold a more contemporary air , while the 54 guestrooms are individually decorated to suit varying dimensions . A Mediterranean feel is gained by four poster beds , terracotta floor tiles and shuttered windows which view remarkable aspects of the charming town below .
Parador de Cardona
PARADOR DE CARDONA EXH1569 Best for : Short stays Official category : Four star Open : All year Location : Hilltop position overlooking Cardona Nearest airport : Barcelona Airport , 61 miles Nearest train station : Manresa- Alta Train Station , 19 miles Own transport needed : Yes Multi-centre suggestions : Tarragona or Barcelona for more culture , the Costa Brava for seaside relaxation , or the Pyrenees for mountain activities .
THE HOTEL Accommodation : 54 rooms Facilities : Restaurant , Café , Bar , Sauna , Fitness centre , Room service , Laundry , Luggage storage , Safety deposit box , Free Wi-Fi .
THE LOCAL AREA Local interest : Montana del Sal Cultural Park . Barcelona , La Seu de Urgell and Vic all daytrips away . Activities nearby : Cycling and hiking trails
Restaurant Abad at Parador de Cardona
PRICES Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with British Airways London to Barcelona , hire-car and bed and breakfast . We can offer almost all other airlines that operate flights from any airport in the UK . Prices for 3 nights based on two people sharing a Standard double room . Low season rom £ 850 per person High season from £ 1050 per person Guide price only as hotel is usually combined with other hotels
OFFERS All current special offers are displayed on our website as the offers change throughout the year . All applicable offers will be applied to your booking at the time the price is confirmed to you .
For expert advice call our travel consultants on 01392 441276 59