Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Weekend Hotspot – Abadia Reteurta L’Domaine www.ledomaine.es
Abadia Retuerta L’Domaine ninety minutes from Madrid by car or nearer by fast train is an oasis of tranquillity & style situated in the dramatic landscapes of Castilla y León’s premiere wine producing valley. A converted Premonstratensian abbey surrounded by vineyards, the property is now a luxurious fivestar wine estate & boutique hotel.
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Ancient and of aristocratic origin, the land on which L’Domain now stands was previously owned by the Lord of Valladolid. In the year 1145 his daughter, Doña Mayor, donated the estate and surrounding vineyards to the church, which in turn built the Abbey of Santa Maria de Retuerta. Baroque-Romanesque in style, it has a classic Benedictine layout of church, cloister, refectory, hospital & chapterhouse. The abbey renovation captures the integrity of 1000 years of history perfectly with the architecture conserved now for
Award Winning Wine at Abadia Retuerta Le Domain Madrid.
future generations to marvel. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Duero Valley, the hotel is the result of an incredible renovation project led by Italian architect Marco Serra. There are 20 bedrooms and two suites overlooking the vines that produce Spain’s leading Abadia Retuerta collection. The interiors include wooden floors, exquisite stone work with bespoke furniture complimenting the origins of the property. Expect totally modern facilities, contemporary fixtures, subtle inroom lighting, sumptuous linens, satellite television, free wireless internet access & large bathrooms cleverly hidden. Le Domain’s lounge is a comfortable retreat for guests to relax by the fireplace while its gym, Buddhist yoga centre and spa treatment room relax the mind and body. L’Domaine, is the only hotel in Spain offering a private butler service. All skilled professionals they cleverly “Google” search guest profiles learning as much as possible about preferences, needs and expectations. The former refectory now the “Refectorio” restaurant offers the finest regional flavours paired with estate-produced wines all in the shadow of vaulted ceilings and frescoes. This classic Spanish cuisine is Michelin star in substance & service
Abadia Retuerta leDomaine Madrid.
with an emphasis on local produce and herbs found on the property. The degustation menu paired alongside the very best wines of the estate was sublime. The Capitular Lounge and Bar offers guests a secluded spot to sip wine or a hibiscus infused gin & tonic reflecting on a day spent admiring one of the finest hotels in the world. The La Vinoteca tapas bar is perfect for traditional bites and estate wines and lunchtimes could never have come fast enough! For those looking to experience authentic winemaking, a visit to the Abadia Retuerta winery can be organised by your butler. Guests learn about the Abadia Retuerta vinification process which includes a vineyard tour & tasting. The effect is calming and life-affirming and you appreciate that every aspect of terrain & climate ensures the grapes are per-
fect for the finished result. Abadia Reteurta L’Domaine 2017 packages include overnight accommodation in a double room, full butler service, a bottle of champagne, massage treatment for two, romantic dinner in the Refectorio restaurant, rose petal turn down, in-room breakfast and guided tour through the ancient Abbey. For more information and best rates visit www.ledomaine.es. A reminder Aer Lingus fly between Dublin and Madrid. Fares start from €59.99 one-way including taxes and charges. Visit www.aerlingus. com for more information on fares and schedules. Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com