A stone and terracotta villa with wrought-iron balconies, it looks like it’s been here for a century or more, but Thorsten and Sonia Herrmann built this place from scratch - everything, even the furniture. There was nothing here, says Thorsten, except goats, ruined farmhouses, a ledge of wooded hillside and a sensational view. They opened in 2005 with just one guest room. Today there are 9 luscious suites, plus a cool pool terrace, Jacuzzi and chill-out area, and an intimate dining room and bar. It’s a very personal space, drawing influences from the Herrmanns’ globe-trotting past: German-born, they have lived in Italy and California; Sonia was brought up in Spain.
Their country retreat is a hybrid of Italianate villa and mini Moorish palace, set in a tranquil Spanish landscape where craggy mountains overlook a haze of coastal plains and a patchwork of lemon, almond and orange groves. In the gardens, trees cast pools of shade onto pristine lawns; you can smell the pines, and watch a light Mediterranean breeze ruffle the palms. Don’t be put off by the crowds who pour into nearby airports. Up here in the mountains, nature is the big draw. Opportunities for hiking, biking and fresh air open up a wild side to the Costa Blanca that tourists rarely see. You can see a glint of Benidorm in the distance, but you couldn’t be further away.
Highs
- The wonderful views across mountains and valleys, down to the coast. You're high in the hills, surrounded by wonderful hiking and biking; there are mountain bikes to borrow
- The 9 Junior Suites are large and sunny with handmade four-poster beds
- A relaxed house-party atmosphere - spiced up by the mix of nationalities
- Fantastic set dinners on the terrace at sunset, served with a gentle evening breeze, candles on the tables, cocktails and Rioja
- Great value
Lows
- It’s a bit out of the way so you'll need a car, and the access is steep via narrow lanes
- Dinner is only available 5 nights a week (and no lunches) though there are restaurants in Bolulla, a 3km drive away
- No kids under 16 permitted (a high for some!)
Best time to go
Finca el Tossal is open all year round and, in an area that attracts visitors in or out of season, it claims 320 days of sunshine a year. In winter it can be cold, cosy and very quiet; spring and autumn are great for hiking, biking and the outdoors. Come in late spring for orange blossom, and in summer for lazing by the pool in the hot sun or day trips to the beach.
Our top tips
Guadalest (20 minutes by car) is a spectacular mountain village, speckled with the ruins of ancient Islamic castles. Reached via a rock tunnel, the castle village offers tours, souvenir shops and amazing views, but try to avoid peak-season crowds.
Location
Finca el Tossal sits above the Algar Valley, 3km from Bolulla and 55km from Alicante in southeast Spain.
By Air:
The closest airport is Alicante (55km / 1-hour drive). Valencia airport (120km) takes a couple of hours by road.
From the Airport
The best option is to hire a car so you can explore the area while you're here. You can park for free at the hotel. Alternatively, take a taxi (but relying on taxis while you're here could be arduous).
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Valencia and getting around
Airports:
- Alicante 55.0 km ALC
- Valencia 120.0 km VLN
Other:
- Beach 14.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Finca el Tossal is a beautiful boutique hotel with Moorish Spanish style and a natural simplicity which met all our expectations. The location, views and service surpassed our expectations and nothing was too much trouble. Very cosmopolitan guests, lovely outdoor spaces and the pool and jacuzzi were well used and enjoyed. The food was outstanding. Only minor issue was the rooms were poorly lit with insufficient storage for unpacking, so we lived out of our suitcases. Bathrooms very well designed and well lit. The weather for mid-April was good and allowed us to make the most of the outdoor spaces where we could enjoy the scents of the orange blossom, jasmine and pine whilst listening to the nightingales. Well worth the windy drive up the hillside.
This is a really wonderful place, with gorgeous views, fantastic food, and truly relaxing atmosphere all around. Complemented by the very kind and welcoming owners and staff, the spacious and maticulously clean rooms, and the peace and quiet of the surroundings, I highly recommend it, for anyone looking for a very relaxing getaway.
Fabulous small hotel! Beautifully clean and well-kept. We had fantastic salad lunches and there is a great wine cellar. Melvin went above and beyond when we left our iPad behind, and although we couldn’t go back for it, he has forwarded it on to us. Thanks to all at Finca el Tossal!
This was a long awaited trip - originally planned for 2020 - we throughly enjoyed the hotel - despite overcast weather - we had no difficultly filling our time with walks at the coast (Altea, Greenwich, Villajoy, etc). While it was too cold to use the pool - the jacuzzi was very welcome indeed.
The view from our room was spectacular and the room itself was beautifully appointed and stylishly furnished. The evening meals were quite exceptional, using locally sourced produce in an inventive and creative way and tremendous value. Life at the hotel felt like a world away - just what you want in a holiday!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape