Aultre Naray

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


THE PICK OF THE PICOS.........

The natrual beauty surrounding the tiny Asturian village of Peruyes welcomes you long before you arrive. In the foothills of the Picos de Europa, Aultre Naray offers an exceptional setting for its guests. Peace and tranquility abound, eccentuated by the soothing sounds of songbirds and distant tinkle of cow bells. When Iñaki and Susana, Aultre´s owners, came from their native Basque Country to view the property in 2005, they were instantly seduced by this beautifully restored 19th Century manor house and its captivating surroundings.

Aultre Naray exudes warmth. As you enter the Hotel, the magnificent stone archway and staircase will catch your eye. I loved the music collection; jazz and classical sounds play gently in the background throughout the day. Whether from Susana´s manicured garden or from the pretty salon, with its classical decor and comfortable sofas, the views of ¨The Picos¨ are unbeatable. Fresh flowers adorn the tables, and candles flicker in the evenings. Iñaki takes great satisfaction in seeing his guests kick of their shoes and cosy up with a book or magazine from the library, as he knows they feel at home.

The Hotel´s 11 tastefully decorated bedrooms, comprised of 8 Doubles, 2 Special Doubles and one Family room (two double adjoining rooms, each with their own bathroom), are situated over the 1st and 2nd floors of the house. The rooms are not large, but they are brimming with charm with their pretty duvets, drapery and decorative touches. One of the Special Doubles has a sitting room that offers fantastic views of the Picos through gallery windows. In order to respect the original structure of the building, there is no lift, but Iñaki will be more than happy to help with luggage. The sloping beamed ceilings in the 2nd floor rooms add a romantic touch to their already cosy feel; if you are especially tall I do recommend requesting a room on the 1st floor. All rooms are equipped with television, telephone, free internet access, heating, safe and hairdryer. This is a non-smoking hotel.

A lovely breakfast, accompanied by soft classical music, is served (and I mean served – no buffet here!) from 9-11am. A tasty array of freshly baked croissants and rolls, crusty toasted bread, jams, home-made yoghourts, fresh orange juice and coffee will will give you a refreshing start to your day. If you are hoping to hit the trails and wish to have breakfast at a slightly earlier hour, this can be arranged upon request. Lunches are not served at the Hotel.

A la carte dinners of traditional Asturian and Basque cuisine are lovingly prepared by Susana. A good variety of starters, mains (tasty meats, fish and seafood) and desserts are on offer, providing plenty of choice for extended stays. I can still taste the warm goat´s cheese salad with caramalised onion...four words: melt in your mouth. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. Although the wine list is not the most extensive, with Iñaki´s connections in the wine industry (not to mention his ¨buen gusto¨ for vino), the selection is superb. In true Spanish style, dinner is served from 9:00pm.

Guests of Aultre Naray are never at a loss for things to see and do. A few walking routes start from the Hotel, and the possibilities are endless in the Picos de Europa (at 12km). The sea (and beach) at Ribadesella is just 10 minutes by car, take a dip in the natural spring at 15km, walk 12km along the gorge of the Cares River – stunning! Horse riding, canoeing on the Sella River, quad adventures, etc., can all be arranged through the Hotel. Golfers, you have an 18-hole course in Llanes (a half hour by car), or a 9-hole course in Ribadesella. Iñaki is a wealth of knowledge on the area and will happily offer fantastic suggestions on local areas of interest, restaurants or whatever else you may need to make the most of your stay.

An ideal Hotel for walkers, nature lovers, birdwatchers and romantics alike.