Hotel La Quinta de Villanueva is close to Llanes, a delightful seaside town in the most oriental part of Asturias that borders Santander. The Picos de Europa mountain range looks down majestically on these parts – arguably the prettiest in Spain. We have mountains, beaches, a gusty sea and all sorts of caves – one of which, El Soplao, is of world renown. Our 3–star hotel with 20 double rooms is the typical mansion that the Spaniards who migrated to the Americas, built with their newly acquired fortunes upon return.

Completed in 1908, it has been so painstakingly reformed that it’s now part of the Patrimonio Arquitectónico of Asturias. To walk around its premises is of great pleasure, with its grand balconies, stone and wood terraces and a large garden. It comprises four floors that can be reached – after passing through the mahogany reception – by climbing a magnificent staircase. Here is where the rooms are – all with full bathrooms, phone, TV and Wi-Fi.

The Quinta has a restaurant, several sitting rooms and a sizable open-air terrace. Buffet breakfast is available with coffee/tea and orange juice served at the table – the rest, whether sweet or salty, can be selected by the guests. Try the typical local buns: the “corbatas” and the “palmeras de Unquera”. The hotel, placed on a mount, lies half way between Mount Cuera and the sea. You can view from here the surrounding hills, as well as Valle Oscuro (Dark Valley) – a serene and beautiful landscape.