Palacio de Samaniago

Ruth — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:40:47 +0000

Culinary Heaven in the Heart of Wine Country Palace de Samaniago is one of my favourite hotel finds ever. Nestled in a small village in the heart of the vineyards in Rioja, it is a relatively unassuming building from the outside, and upon arriving we thought we might be at the town hall until we saw the little hotel plaque by the door. The building was discovered by Ariane de Rothschild in 2016, and a year and a half was put into revamping the interior to a luxurious but simple feel. We were welcomed in the reception area, which feels more like a lounge, and taken up to our room – one of 9 suites at the hotel. Each suite is named after a wine, and they are all spacious, with huge bathrooms, and fitted out beautifully. Large, comfortable beds, with colourful rugs artfully draped across them, various pieces of art around the room, a sofa, desk and table for any work you might be doing, and facilities to make tea or coffee. Luxury toiletries in the bathroom and a choice of big rainfall shower, or a huge bathtub. The rooms almost make you not want to leave them, were it not for how great the rest of the hotel is. . Heading into the garden, there is a small pool in one corner, and then a large chill area overlooking it. I spent many hours here, in one of the comfortable chairs, with a glass of wine reading my book. The service was fantastic – with regular asks of whether we needed more tea / wine / water or snacks, and the staff were really helpful for organising anything else we wanted as well. The Food The other key highlight of the hotel is the food. . . Starting with breakfast – there is a real spread of local delicacies – from pastries, to fruits, to bread and homemade jam. There is then a selection cooked breakfast or additional cold breakfast items. There are then two options to choose from for lunch or dinner – there is Ariane’s Garden – which as the name suggests is on the lower terrace in the garden. Here you can order a selection of dishes, from salads, to burgers, to croquettes. Everything was delicious and the portions were good. For dinner there is also the option of their Tierra y vino restaurant, which features in the michelin guide. You can choose from a tasting menu or a la carte. We did both whilst there and it was well worth it! The staff were also able to recommend some great wines to go with the food. As far as hotel restaurants go this was one of the best. Activities from the hotel Wine tasting Being in the heart of Rioja one of the best activities is wine tasting. There are a few family run vineyards you can walk to in the village – and the hotel helped ring some of them to ensure someone would be in to show us around and give us some wine to taste. I am always amazed in Spain how much amazing wine there is for such good value, and we were not disappointed here. . Some of our favourite vineyards we visited were: Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza Bodegas Baigorri Marques de Riscal Ysios E-Biking The hotel has free electric mountain bikes the guests can use, so we spent a couple of afternoons cruising around on the mountain bikes up some of the trails and to some of the vineyards. The scenery is beautiful and there are some great trails going up some of the rolling hills surrounding the vineyards. Balloon Ride We had an amazing early morning balloon ride up over the hills seeing all the vineyards from above. We organised this through the hotel and it was incredible. . Overall, Palacia de Samaniago ticked all the boxes for me in terms of a wonderful experience at a hotel that felt like the staff really took those few extra little steps to ensure everything was just right. The food was spectacular, we were given so many recommendations for vineyards and other things to do, and it felt like a super luxurious home away from home.

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Escape to Paradise: The Ultimate Luxury Getaway in Mustique

Ruth — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:42:27 +0000

Picture sparkling turquoise waters, lush green hills, and incredible villas nestled discreetly into the hillside, each featuring expansive infinity pools. As Mustique comes into view from your hopper flight—whether you’re arriving from Barbados or St. Lucia—you can already sense you’re about to experience something truly special. Landing at the island’s one-room airport, mostly open to the elements, offers one of the most dramatic arrivals I’ve ever had. The plane swoops over the hill at an angle that feels a bit like imminent danger, only to ease gently onto the tarmac for a smooth stop. It’s a moment made even more unforgettable by the sight of locals, often standing on the airport roof, waving to loved ones—a charming tradition of Mustique. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Jenson, the exceptional butler at the villa we were staying in—Blackstone. With a warm smile, he loaded our bags into a golf buggy and whisked us up the hill to the house. Each villa on Mustique is uniquely designed, but all share one thing in common: absolute breathtaking beauty. Blackstone: The Villa At Blackstone, we were immediately struck by the elegance and serenity of the space. Upon entering through the front door, you’re welcomed by the tranquil sight of a koi pond and a small glimpse of the ocean. As you move through the living area, the view opens up—an infinity pool stretches out before you, a pagoda just beyond it, all overlooking the vast ocean horizon. The living room is expansive, filled with plush, comfortable seating designed for relaxation. I spent hours lounging on one of the sofas, a book in hand, occasionally looking up to enjoy the magnificent view. The dining area, equally impressive, features a large round table seating 10–12, where we shared most of our meals. Jackie, the chef, must be one of the island’s finest—each meal was a perfect blend of flavors and artfully prepared. The rooms at Blackstone are the epitome of understated luxury. Spacious with king-sized, incredibly comfortable beds, massive wardrobes, and bathrooms fit for royalty, most rooms have stunning views of either the garden or the ocean. The villa staff are attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring everything is ready for you the moment you step out for breakfast—your room is tidied, the bed made, and the space opened up for the day ahead. Mustique: What to do Mustique offers a vacation experience suitable for most. Whether you’re after being active and keeping fit, a totally laid-back escape, partying the night away, or a balance of all three, this island delivers. We visited during New Year’s and, as expected, the island was full of social occasions. New Year’s Eve on Mustique is legendary—from the extravagant fancy dress to celebrity sightings and the wild party that stretches into the early hours. Most people aim to end the night with a sunrise swim at Macaroni Beach to ring in the new year – unfortunately the days of pulling all nighters are beyond me but those who made it said it was as special as ever. One of the greatest charms of Mustique is its laid-back, informal vibe. While you may occasionally spot celebrities, the island’s policy of no photos or press means everyone feels relaxed and at ease. This makes it feel almost normal to find yourself working out in the gym alongside Daniel Craig or dancing near Gigi Hadid at the New Year’s party. For those who want more than just sunshine and reading, Mustique offers a variety of activities to enjoy: Swim in the OceanThe water around Mustique is pure bliss. Whether you’re casually snorkeling or swimming more seriously, the colorful fish, coral, and sea creatures like turtles and eagle rays make for an unforgettable experience. A great swim is the route from Basil’s Bar to CottonHouse Bay, roughly a kilometer each way. Alternatively, head to Lagoon Beach or the serene Jeliceau Bay. I would advise avoiding the East Coast, as the waters can be rough and there are stronger currents—stick to the West and Southern coasts for calmer seas. Hike or Run the TrailsDespite its small size, Mustique has an excellent network of trails, perfect for either a morning hike or an afternoon run. The views are incredible, and the trails are well-maintained, making it ideal for families or solo explorers. The early morning or evening is the best time to go, avoiding the midday heat. Visit CottonHouse GymThe CottonHouse Gym is a lovely space with a great range of equipment and friendly staff. If you’re looking for a personal training session or want to join a yoga class, this is the place to be. Sundowners at Basil’s BarNo trip to Mustique would be complete without a visit to the iconic Basil’s Bar. Situated right on the ocean, Basil’s offers the perfect blend of music, cocktails, delicious food (for when you want to give your villa staff a night off), and a lively atmosphere. Wednesday nights feature the “Jump Up”, where the energy can get a bit wild, but it’s always a blast! Whether you’re lounging in the sun, enjoying the luxury of your villa, or exploring the island’s natural beauty, Mustique offers a holiday experience unlike any other—one that feels effortlessly chic, serene, and impossibly special.

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Palacio de Samaniago

Escape to Paradise: The Ultimate Luxury Getaway in Mustique