El Gran Sueno

Rooms

El Gran Sueño offers 5 immaculate double rooms, and 3 separate self-catering apartments.

We stayed in Terraza (Deluxe Double with Terrace), which is seriously worth splashing out on. Its large furnished terrace has a breathtaking mountain and pastoral view, where you can watch the sunrise. Terraza connects to Jardín (Deluxe Double with View) via a private corridor - useful for groups (but no under 16s). Inside, it boasts original features, a bathtub with overhead shower, and dreamy country views. Both the Terraza and Jardín rooms can be set up with twin beds.

All the rooms are full of light, but Galería (Deluxe Double with View) has a traditional galleried window that is particularly bright. Loft (Deluxe Double) overlooks picturesque barns, and has a seating area under the eaves (the cosy mezzanine reached by a ladder) plus a skylight view of the stars. Plaza (Deluxe Double), overlooking the rustic hamlet, has a gorgeous bathroom with an exposed brick wall.

Expect nothing but the best high-quality mattresses, top-notch linens, super-soft towels and posh toiletry sets by La Chinata. There are characterful touches, such as salvaged wood for bathroom shelves and framed records for art. Lovely extras include Bose speakers and underfloor heating.

Since our last visit, 3 self-catering apartments have been added, which are ideal for those seeking a little more independence. La Casita is a 2-storey cottage with exposed brickwork, El Duplex is an apartment with its own freestanding rolltop bath in the bedroom and El Estudio is a neatly designed living and sleeping space with its own private garden. These have fully equipped kitchens, terraces and balconies with sweeping views of the gardens and mountains.

Features include:

• Bluetooth sound system
• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Radio
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

An all-organic breakfast is included for those staying in the guesthouse (guests in the apartments can pay extra to have it). It is served at crisply dressed tables in the dining room, or on the terrace in sunnier months. The standout feature of breakfast is the love and care that goes into the food on your plate; almost everything is homemade - cakes, jams, freshly squeezed OJ and even sourdough bread (Dave rises early!).

Their set three-course dinner has a real posh dinner party feel. The daily-changing menu is based on the market choice that day: fresh, seasonal, and unwaveringly local. We loved our starter of tiger prawn and monkfish salad (salpicón), followed by French favourite coq-au-vin and a vegan chocolate brownie for dessert. Wines are all Spanish and carefully chosen. The whole experience really felt like a lovely evening in with friends. Book dinner well ahead, and note that in August the restaurant doesn't offer 3-course meals, but light bites and raciones (tapas) are available instead.

The three apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens for easy self-catering. It's best to come prepared with supplies, though, as it's a fair drive to the nearest supermarket.

If you fancy heading out, your hosts know the best little eateries nearby, from simple bars in Infiesto (7km) to a Michelin star restaurant in Arriondas (25km). Our top pick is nearby eatery Pusáki, who offer a sublime 7-course Asturian tasting menu.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Room service
• Self-catering

Activities

• You're on the edge of wild, snow-capped Asturian mountains: circular walks from the doorstep lead through rolling green hills, chestnut and apple orchards, and you may spot vultures or semi-wild Asturcón ponies
  
• Kayak down the River Sella, or try horse-riding, canyoning and potholing with local operator Frontera Verde (Dave and Javier can advise and book)
  
• Check out the luscious beaches of the emerald coastline - sandy sweeps, pebbly coves, great surf, no crowds - stopping off in the villages of Ribadesella (45km, stamping-ground of Queen Letizia) and Lastres (40km, densely-packed fishermens' houses)
  
• Nearby Infiesto (7km) is an authentic, gentle town with cafés, markets and sidrerías, where you can try locally brewed cider, poured from a great height
  
• See the Romanesque churches of Santa María (Villamayor) and San Juan de Berbío (Infiesto), which line a stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Canyoning
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Surfing

Kids

El Gran Sueño welcomes over 16s only.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

El Gran Sueño is set in the mountains near the village of Pintueles and 7km from the small town of Infiesto, in the Asturias region of northern Spain. It's around 2 hours west of Bilbao.

By Air
Asturias Airport is an hour away (83km) and has direct flights from the UK and some European cities, otherwise Santander (150km) and Bilbao (3 hours, 250km) are other options.

By Ferry
If you don't want to fly from the UK, Brittany Ferries runs services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander, 1.5-2 hours' drive from the hotel.

From the Airport or Port
We'd definitely recommend hiring a car so you can explore the area - see our car rental recommendations. Otherwise, there are trains to Infiesto (7km) and taxis locally.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.