La Escondida, Valencia Region

Within an hour’s drive of Alicante or the airport, the beautifully restored and refurbished La Escondida offers a delightful oasis of elegance and calm. The pretty country villa sits proudly amid five hundred acres of its own olive trees and terraced farmland. A capacity of only twenty-four guests in lovely rustic yet stylish bedrooms make you feel more like house guests than hotel visitors. Indeed, if you're lucky enough to be there when owners Mr and Mrs Terry Venables are staying, you'll feel even more like you're part of the “family”. The first terrace provides a lovely balcony for breakfast with rural views stretching for miles around. Below that is a spacious one for sunbathing, partying or simply quietly sitting and reading. And below this is a stylish indoor pool. For those who prefer the fresh air and sun, a stroll across a well-tended lawn will take you to the outdoor pool and peaceful sun loungers. Formal lunch and dinner menus offer delightful food from local produce, or for something lighter opt for the lunchtime tapas. Friendly and helpful staff make the stay effortless and comfortable. There's sights to see in nearby Biar and Alcoy, but then again why leave the property if you don't have to? La Escondida is a special experience and an easy adventure from Alicante airport - it's the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The peace and tranquility which is so hard to find these days. The atmosphere in and around the hotel gives the feeling of relaxation and being able to 'switch off', and enjoy delicious food and a friendly staff which make them feel 'at home'.

What is there to do in the area?
There is a very good safari park 10 minutes away. Museums in Alcoy and the famous tourist attraction at Guadalest. Valencia is only 45 minutes away and has a wonderful Zoo and is a very interesting city with many places to visit for a day out.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
A cold buffet of ham, smoked salmon and cheeses, croissant, local jam and honey, homemade granola, a choice of fruits prepared by our chef, and a cooked breakfast of eggs any style, bacon, sausage mushrooms, tomatoes, smoothies and of course freshly squeezed orange juice.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
If given 24 hours notice our chef is always happy to prepare specific meals requested by our guests, maybe paella or fideua a specific type of paella made with noodles and sea food. He also prepares very good vegetarian dishes.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
All of the rooms are popular and we are now receiving repeat guests, who strangely enough all have their favourite rooms. The corner rooms are the most popular as they are the largest.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
One corner room is suitable to have an extra bed. Whilst children are always welcome, La Escondida is a more grown up hotel and the peace and quiet is not really conducive to a family with young children.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge your batteries in the beautiful surroundings of the Spanish countryside whilst enjoying peace, tranquility, good service and lovely food then La Escondida is the place.