Palacio de Cutre

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


PALATIAL PANORAMAS..............

When this 16th century palace comes into view a couple of kilometres before you actually arrive, you might find yourself saying, ¨Ooooh, I hope that´s where we´re staying!¨ Palacio de Cutre sits proudly on its 4.5 acre hilltop estate, from which panoramic views of the Picos de Europa, the Sueve Mountains and the Piloña River Valley are breathtaking. Lovely gardens surround the palace, where birds sing from the branches of centenary trees and cow bells tinkle in the distant countryside. Elegant iron and marble tables and chairs dot the premises, which is more like a natural balcony over the valley – ideal for taking in those views.

A cobbled pathway leads you to the main entrance, and when you step inside you know you have come to someplace special. All the elements of a country palace are in place: soft, classical music and the scent of pot-pourri fill the air, and an impressive stone staircase and gorgeous wooden beams dominate the foyer. Attention to detail is very apparent. An awe-inspiring collection of antiques that includes birdcages and cradles, and pretty porcelain dolls arranged in Louis XV cabinets. All can be found in the welcoming salons, one of which has a cosy fireplace and another, the original kitchen of the Palace.

Friendly owners Javier and Alejandra have lovingly maintained the Palace as close to its original style and structure as possible. The chestnut floors are exquisite, as are the antique doors and furnishings.

Palacio de Cutre´s 17 bedrooms have been individually decorated in Provençal style and are brimming with ¨frills and furbeloes¨. Floral prints abound, from bed covers to wallpaper, and from lamp shades to drapery. Divided amongst Standard Doubles, Superior Doubles, Triples, 1 Family Suite (with two bedrooms and one bath), and two magnificent Junior Suites (with hydromassage bath). I highly recommend these two rooms. The ¨petirojo¨ Suite, a pretty and bright, 60 square metre suite on the top floor, offers the best views in the house, with windows in 3 of the 4 walls. ¨La Regenta¨ is the second Suite, very large and sumptous with its own log fireplace. All rooms feature en-suite bathroom, TV, heating, safe and hairdryer. Superior rooms have DVDs, with movies available for rent. For the best night´s sleep possible, select your preferred pillow from their pillow menu.

Buffet-style breakfasts are served in the ground floor restaurant, and beautifully elaborated ancestral Asturian recipes are on offer for lunch and dinner. Head Chef Tomás Montoro puts his own sophisticated twist into the most traditional dishes of the region.

Palacio de Cutre, located nearly mid-way between the sea and the ¨Picos¨, is ideally situated for exploring Asturias. Walking routes are plentiful and canoeing and kayaking on the Sella River are great fun. Get to know the countryside on a quad-biking excursion or try horse riding from Villamayor. Rafting, mountain climbing and fishing can all be arranged through the Hotel. The sandy beaches and golf at Ribadesella are just 30km away; whilst two other golf courses are within 40km near Oviedo and Gijón. For nature lovers, the Cavadonga Natural Park is a mere 40km from the Palace.

An ideal Hotel if you are looking for a charming Hotel with old-world character and attentive service. A spectacular setting from which to discover the region.