WINTER WARMERS

There are three wise ways to pass the spare time in winter: hibernate, snow goose it down to the Southern Hemisphere, or move to a Spanish hotel with scenic views, the possibility of walks, and a warm fire in your bedroom

IT’S not hard to find casa rurales and mountain hotels in Spain where you can sink into a deep sofa in front of a warm fire in the library or lounge, but if you want a flickering fire you can enjoy in your pyjamas and the privacy of your own room, read on.

IF you want snow (and it’s winter), you have a good chance of finding it here in Aragon’s high Pyrenees, 1230 metres up and just 20 km away from the ski slopes of Cerler y Benasque.

The thick-walled 18th century house is exactly as a winter getaway should be, with wood-panelled rooms, plenty of charm. The multilevel suite El Torreon has its own cosy living room and fireplace as well as a hydro-massage shower, and there’s also a good place for lolling in front of the fire with a glass of wine in the shared areas. The hotel (its full name translates as The Holly Tree of Maria’s House) is set in the beautiful glacial landscape of the Benasque Valley. www.casamuria.com www.fincaelcabezo.com

PICTURESQUE though the other entries are, if you tried to imagine the perfect rural farmhouse, there’s a chance it would look like this family-run gem, with its old tower, and stone walls smothered in ivy and jasmine. It’s equally enchanting inside with flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and lovely rooms, several of which have fireplaces. The huge farm is in the Sierra de Gata in the western region of Extremadura (close to Portugal and within visiting distance of Salamanca, Plasencia and Caceres). It’s excellent walking, riding and birdwatching country, but you may want to just sit and gaze into space.

STRIDE along the beaches of nearby Llanes or climb the mountains of Covadonga Natural Park or borrow a bike and explore the local villages, then come back and recover at this cosy place. Some rooms at the hotel have fireplaces, as have each of the apartments (just 400 metres away); there are views of the Picos de Europa – and you can even bring your dog. Perfect. lamontanamagica.es

ANOTHER charming Catalan house – this one from the 11th century, with atmospheric mediaeval architecture, antiques, paintings and many personal touches combined with contemporary, luxurious mod cons of a luxurious retreat. All rooms are gorgeous but one third of them – the Deluxe and Suites – are rendered heavenly with massive windows, open fireplaces, strategically positioned sofas and a supply of wood.

This gem is located in 300 hectares of farmland and forest in the pre-Pyrenees. www.hotelvellafarga.com www.eljardinvertical.com

NORTHEAST of Benicassim (as a reference to all rocking hipsters) in the lovely village of Vilafames, in the Valencian Community, this lofty 17th century manor house has been lovingly converted to preserve its architectural features and character. Among the nine rooms are three suites with wood-burning stoves visible from the beds. The hotel looks down from ivy-covered city walls across plains of ancient olives and almonds (in flower in January) to the weird and mighty Penyagolosa mountain and natural park.

THROUGH the massive windows of this warm, calm, light and modern, ‘adults-only eco spa resort’ you can see wooded hills to be explored on foot or by bike. You could even drive to Biarritz, Pamplona, or San Sebastian as none of them are far. But if you are in one of the apartments, with a deep bathtub and wood-burning stove, you may not care to – especially as the hotel also boasts a well-stocked wine cellar and gourmet restaurant. www.arantzahotela.com