Hailed as the Tuscany of Spain but without the crowds, the Matarraña region is a well kept secret in north-eastern Spain, where curious, medieval streets wind, and vineyards thrive. And we’ve discovered a gem of a hotel there.
Set in miles upon miles of lush forest and mountain peaks, Torre Del Marques is a chic, lovingly restored 18th-century farmhouse. The design is a pleasing mix of old and new, including in its 18 elegant rooms. Think trendy wishbone chairs against a calming stone wall backdrop. But the real star of the show is the landscape. Those spectacular, far-reaching views keep on coming, whether swimming in the outdoor pool set among almond trees and lush gardens, or dining on locally sourced deliciousness in the top rated restaurant. It’s all about peace and serenity here. Switching off is a breeze. You’d be forgiven for staying put - there’s a back rub to be had in the heavenly spa and homegrown wine to sample - but should you wish to head out, there’s Gothic castles to explore and crystal clear pools to cool off in mid-hike. For disconnection, utter relaxation and discovery of the undiscovered, head this way.
Highs
- We love the sleek design – think farmhouse-chic with a midcentury modern twist
- The outdoor pool, surrounded by rolling countryside, is positively dreamy
- The service is outstanding by all accounts, and the spa is fabulous
- With nothing but picturesque nature for miles around, this is the spot to come for a proper escape
- The restaurant serves excellent food alongside wine from the hotel's vineyards and to-die-for views
Lows
- Such a gloriously remote location means a car is essential
- Breakfast is not included in the rates
- We hear the top floor standard rooms can be on the small side
- Under 16s are not allowed in the spa's indoor pool, but the outdoor pool (April-Oct) is fab – and heated
- If you’ve come for buzzing nightlife, look elsewhere!
Best time to go
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Matarraña is pleasant year round. For maximum warmth and minimum rainfall, visit May to July.
Our top tips
One of many perks to staying somewhere so remote with zero light pollution, is the exclusive access to our impossibly impressive solar system. Sit back and relax with a glass of the local tipple and marvel at the Milky Way.
- Boutique Hotel
- 18 rooms
- Restaurant (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Closed: sometimes in Jan-Feb
- Pools
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Electric car charger
Rooms
The vibe here is all about peace and serenity, which doesn’t stop at bedtime. Each of the 18 rooms ooze calm. Think soothing stone and muted tones beneath beamed ceilings. And those vast countryside views are yours whichever room you choose.
There are five room types, ranging from a Standard Double up to a two-bedroom Family Room. Some Superior Doubles come with balconies, while Junior Suites have a separate lounge. For maximum splurge, opt for the two-bedroom two-bathroom Family Room, complete with private outdoor terrace for excellent stargazing.
All have kingsize beds (which can be made up as twins) and ensuite bathrooms with either showers or tubs. Equipment includes quiet air-con, hairdryers and Nespresso machines; pre-loaded tablets are available on request.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
Eating here is an experience that is, by all accounts, hard to top.
Breakfast (with a choice of several hot dishes) and dinner are served in the dining room of dreams. Gaze at epic, panoramic mountain views through floor to ceiling windows as you feast on meals made from only the freshest local ingredients. Think seared sea bass with peppers, saffron, mashed almonds and pickles and finish with a scrummy hazelnut soufflé with raspberry ice cream for dessert. If pushing the boat out, there's a gastronomic five-course tasting menu. Wash it all down with a bottle of their homegrown vino, produced onsite at the hotel's Mas de Llucia Winery. Other suppliers are so local you might even be able to spot the vineyard it came from through the window.
For a change of scene, you’ll need wheels. The nearest outside restaurant is Posada Guadalupe in Monroyo (15 mins) which serves simple local cuisine. Or head a little further to Valderrobres (20 mins) and scoff pickled rabbit or baked shoulder of lamb at Fonda La Plaza. Or get your tapas fix at Bar Maestrazgo in pretty La Fresneda (30 mins).
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- While away the day in the spa, breathe in the views from the dreamy pool, or sample homegrown and local wines in the serene, shaded hotel bar
- Have the full winery experience: visit the hotel's vineyards, learn about the harvest (and join in if the right season) and end with a wine-tasting
- If you want even more, go wine-tasting at nearby wineries including Vinyes del Convent who make organic wines, or to Mas de Torubio which specialises in wines from the native 'Garnacha Peluda' grape. There are also olive oil farm tours hereabouts
- Borrow e-bikes (complimentary) and explore the spectacular local scenery on two wheels. Hotel staff will advise on best routes
- Don your boots and take on El Parrizal (60 mins), a stunning hike through a gorge via wooden walkways. Expect crystal clear pools and waterfalls (and a potentially hairy drive there during busy periods). Or try canyoning in Els Ports National Park
- Explore the winding gothic streets of Valderrobres (35 mins), whose 12th-century castle is worth exploring
- Birdwatchers can visit the observatory at Mas de Bunyol, to watch vultures being fed
- Take a dip in the Beceite river pools (40 mins), a wild swimming spot surrounded by the canyons of the River Matarranya. There are more good hikes nearby too
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
All ages are welcome at Torre Del Marques Hotel & Spa. There are no facilities specifically aimed at children, but the outdoor pool - open April-October and heated in the cooler months – is a godsend (note that under 16s aren't allowed in the spa's indoor pool). There are also river pools to swim in, bikes to borrow and castles to explore locally. The hotel restaurant has high chairs and a kids menu.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots are available for those with a bambino. A family of 4 can opt for a Family Room: two connecting rooms with a double and 2 singles for the kids.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming
Families Should Know:
Under 16s aren't allowed in the spa's indoor pool unless they have signed authorisation from their parents and are using it at the same pre-reserved time as their parents'.
Distances:
- Airport: 3 hours (Barcelona and Valencia)
- Hospital: 45 minutes (Alcañiz)
- Shops: 10 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Torre del Marques Hotel & Spa is set in the north-eastern region of Aragon, inland between Barcelona and Valencia – both of which are 2.5-3 hours' drive away. It is 5km from the village of Fuentespalda and 12km from Monroyo.
By Air
The nearest airports are Castellon and Reus, which are 1-2 hours' drive away but have limited international flights. For a wider choice, fly into Valencia or Barcelona (2.5-3 hours).
From the Airport
You'll need to hire a car, as public transport to Monroyo is very limited, and the hotel is set in the countryside.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Castellon (Costa Azahar) 70.0 km CDT
- Reus (Tarragona) 135.0 km REU
Other:
- Beach 97.0 km
- Shops 5.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km