The Place
Situated in the Valle de Ruesga, Palacio Torre de Ruesga is enclosed by the mountains and forests of the Cantabrian Valley. You feel as if you are way off the beaten track, but in fact this is a convenient location if you fancy both a woodland retreat and a trip to the seaside, with the nearest beach only a 20-minute drive away.
Once the seat of an aristocratic family, the stunning 17thC palace is an alluring fusion of modern design and historic charm. Great care has been taken to ensure that the recent renovations have brought the building into the 21st century, without disturbing the majestic architecture – essential since the palace has been named as a Spanish National Heritage site. This is seen most notably in the four public areas of the hotel, where exquisite frescoes by the Catalan painter Leon de Criach have been superbly restored.
If the striking setting isn’t enough, there is plenty else to keep you occupied. The hotel has a pool area, a spa, a meeting room and a garden, and they organise a varied list of excursions, such as riding, cave visits and hiking for the more active explorer.