Tunel del Hada Hotel & Spa

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


SNOW WHITE WOULD HAVE LOVED IT......

Long, long ago in 1809, the sleepy town of Jerte perished in flames during the War of Independence. The town was rebuilt in keeping with its original architecture and is brimming with character. Leading you to the Hotel entrance is an enchanting stone tunnel under the watchful eye of the ¨Hada¨, or fairy, of course pertaining to the same family as other magical creatures such as dwarves, elves, gnomes and nature deities. A magical spell will be cast upon you on arrival and then deep, deep relaxation sets in...

The old ¨bodega¨has been converted into a library and salon where ambience is key. Sounds of nature coupled with soothing lighting set the tone for chilling out with a book. Comfortable leather chairs and sofas are perfect for a romantic snuggle next to the fire in winter.

Take in the views of the Jerte Valley from the outdoor hydrotherapy swimming pool. Invigorating massage jets for ankles and legs and a massage fountain for the back and shoulders more than make up for its small-ish size. Citrus trees encircle a lawned garden, providing plenty of shade over the modern sun loungers. Please note the swimming pool and garden are only open from end June to September.

There is a fabulous Spa in which to revitalise the body and refresh the spirit with a variety of treatments. Fully equipped with Turkish Bath, Jacuzzi, hydrotherapy, hot stone therapy, body wraps, Vichy treatments, mud showers and and a large selection of massages and facials both for him and for her. Indulge and be indulged!

The Hotel has 17 fabulous bedrooms. Modern, minimalist, rustic, design, classical, zen – you name it, these bedrooms have it. Difficult to imagine, but decorator Josetxo Lamy has done it brilliantly and the result is calming. The individually decorated rooms, comprised of 1 Grand Suite, 1 Suite (my absolute favourite), 4 Junior Suites, 7 Superior Doubles and 4 Standard Doubles, are spacious and bright. Some rooms face the Jerte Valley nature reserve, and others the pretty village. The bathrooms are stunning and spotlessly clean. Some have showers and baths, others baths, and the hand-painted ceilings found in some are a lovely touch. With the exception of two Superior rooms situated over the tunnel, all bedrooms have either a balcony or terrace. Room service is available during the day. All rooms feature telephone, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, plasma TV, heating and air-con, bathrobes, safe and hair dryer. This is a non-smoking Hotel.

Breakfast is buffet-style and an array of fresh produce from the area can be enjoyed whilst taking in those views, either from the breakfast room or on the patio. Lunch and dinner are served in the stylish restaurant. Appropriately named¨De la Tierra al Arte¨ or ¨From Earth to Art¨, a mouthwatering menu of innovative regional cuisine will tickle the tastebuds. The restaurant closes most Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year.

This is a nature lover´s paradise. Jerte inherited its name from the Arabic ¨Xerete¨, meaning crystal waters. Where there is water there are trees, and the Jerte Valley is a sight to behold. Cherry blossoms blanket the hills in springtime, leaving April and May for sweet indulgence. A sea of greens follows in summer, and never far behind are the magnificent colours of autumn. Jerte is home to two natrual springs, and just 2km from the town is the magnificent Garganta de los Infiernos, a gorge with naturally formed rock pools – a fantastical experience to be had. Many activities such as guided walks and horse rides, canoe trips, rock climbing and quad bike adventures can be arranged from the hotel.

An ideal Hotel and Spa for a relaxing getaway at an exceptional value, and for those who still believe in fairytales....