Huerta Honda

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


CLASSIC OR MODERN?.......

Nestled next to the astounding medieval palace of the Dukes of Feria in the historic town of Zafra, lies Huerta Honda. Occupying what was the palace´s orchard, this delightful Hotel offers a harmonious mixture of the past and the present. With Andalucian inspired architecture, Huerta Honda surrounds a large open-air courtyard. Vast corridors with beautiful archways and vaulted ceilings create a sense of calm and relaxation.

The roof terrace is a quiet space for enjoying tranquil conversation or simply appreciating the silence, accompanied by the fountain´s gentle trickle. Potted plants and greenery abound. An inviting Arab-style swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a day´s sightseeing.

The diversity of Huerta Honda´s 48 bedrooms is intriguing. A fabulous mixture of decor can be found throughout the premises. If you prefer classical, you will have classical. If modern is more your style, modern it is. On one side, 6 Classic Superior rooms with their own small terraces with fountains, are beautifully decorated with gorgeous tiled floors, sumptuous drapery and antique furnishings. Some have romantic four-poster beds. One of these lovely rooms has been specially adapted for wheelchair users. The other wing features 33 modern, Standard Double rooms, 6 Modern Superiors and 3 Suites. The modern rooms are zen-inspired, and the contrast to the original building is like a time-warp. The Suites are fantastic, in particular the ¨Al-Andalus¨ Suite. Like a mini-Alhambra with its carved ceilings and cornices and Andalusian ¨azulejos¨, you will slip into yet another epoch of Spain´s colourful history. All have exquisite bathrooms, and the Suites feature hydromassage baths. Rooms amenities include satellite TV, telephone, internet access, heating and air-conditioning and hair dryer.

Whether indoors in the cooler months or on the peaceful courtyard in summer, the atmostphere for breakfast is lovely. Meal time in Spain is a moment to be savoured; long lunches and dinners – with a siesta in between, of course – are a must experience, especially with the delicious local produce on offer! The Hotel´s restaurant, Barbacana, provides an intimate setting for sampling delicious regional cuisine, or enjoy tapas in the elegant ¨cafetería¨.

For the history buffs among you, Zafra is ideally situated for exploring the handfull of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Extremadura and neighbouring Portugal. The Roman ruins of Mérida (at 60km), the medieval town of Cáceres (at 130km) and the historic centre of Évora in Portugal (at 140km). In the heart of Extremadura wine country, do not miss a tour or two in the nearby bodegas, and sampling varieties of famous Iberian serrano ham on a gastronomic tour is highly recommended. Huerta Honda also has its own delicatessen where you can stock up on scrumptious souvenirs.

An ideal Hotel as part of a historic cultural tour from Andalucía or Madrid to Portugal, or for simply discovering the diversity and richness of Zafra and the surrounding region of Extremadura.