We spent two weeks in Northern Spain in June and stayed for 2 nights at Amada Carlota, a rural hotel in the Asturian mountains, with outstanding accommodation and incredible scenery. The hotel itself is new and modern; tastefully designed, with magnificent views from all the windows. Wherever you are, either eating in the restaurant, or relaxing in bed, the panoramic views, from valley floors to snow capped mountain peaks, makes you feel really exhilarated.
There are 6 rooms for guests, each offering a slightly different interior. The rooms are spotlessly clean and ours had a large unique shower, constructed with glass on two sides allowing you to see out across the mountains (unless you get too steamed up)! There are plenty of indulgent toileteries and luxuriously thick towels to wrap yourself in afterwards. The rooms have telephones, free WiFi internet and open out on to verandah's where you can sit and relax, read, or just enjoy the scenery, listeneing to the birds singing in the trees. No traffic, just peaceful, natural bliss.
The restaurant is tastefully furnished and the food is out of this world. Yolande's recipes are gastronomic delights. While we were there we had truffle, pressed prawns, aubergine foie gras, tender duck with apple wrapped in a delicate parcel, accompnied by polena chips and fantastic homemade mango ice-cream. The ingredients are bought freshly from the market.
Carlos is very friendly and speaks very good English. He is more than happy to provide information about interesting places to visit while you are in the area..
If you want to venture around the area, there are plenty of places for walking, climbing, cycling, riding, visiting nearby monasteries, or going to the coastal area with lovely sandy beaches and rocks. Carlos told us about a place on the coast called Tazones, which was worth a visit. It is a well known, historical, picture postcard village with a fishing port. The sandy beach is about two hundred metres long and the tiny resort is also known for its excellent seafood. Although I was unaware at the time, there is apparently several dinosaur footprints about one hundred and fifty metres from the beach. (There is a Jurassic Museum in Colunga). The village is also famous as being the place of disembarkation of King Carlos1st. It is a very colourful little village with a picturesque backdrop.
Carlos and Yolande ensure you have a wonderful stay and a unique experience.
Green Spain is an amazing place to visit, and if you do, I would certainly recommend you stay a few days at Amada Carlota. I wish we had stayed a little longer… but then, there is always another time!
