From our cocoon of bedsheets, the blinds of our floor-to-ceiling windows roll up with a click of a remote, revealing a panoramic view of the Guadalest valley, first laid eyes upon only through last night’s dusk. Sunlight poured over the dramatic landscape, accentuating every detail of the ragged, tree-covered vista that fell at our feet.
This Bond-esque hideaway tastefully inserts minimalist, angular architecture into the otherwise wild and rolling terrain. Individual carbon structures jutt out of the landscape, carefully concealed by greenery.
Their glass-fronted galleries offer endless views of the sweeping valley in utmost privacy. A sloping road snakes through the pruned grounds of the hotel, connecting the suites to the epicentre of the hotel.
The guest lounge and restaurant invite visitors to sink into low slung sofas or recline next to the two inky infinity pools lined with pointed black parasols.
After breakfast around the pool, we follow a dusty track from the bottom of the property down to the turquoise lake at the foot of the valley. The surface of which ripples gently in the breeze, reflecting the perimeter of pine trees that sit atop the chalky banks.
We hike a circuit of the lake, exploring the wild terrain and catching views of the onlooking villages dotted around the valley before heading back to the hotel for an afternoon in the spa.
The entrance to which is lined with lavender and thyme, invigorating the senses ahead of our 5 elements of the earth ritual.
The hotel’s signature treatment consists of a 5-stage therapeutic circuit inspired by the 5 elements of nature in Ayurvedic culture: earth, water, air, fire and aether. As promised, the treatment restored balance to our mind, body and soul.
After which, we melt into our loungers next to the inside infinity pool and gaze with renewed wonder at the familiar scene out of the cinema screen-sized window. Herbal tea is brought to us in weighted cups, inviting us to sink even deeper into our lounger.
As dusk settles, we make our way to dinner along the illuminated path. In the bar, our apéritif cocktails are poured tableside from individual shakers before we are led to our table in the adjoining, dimly lit restaurant.
A window runs the entire length of the room, placing the valley centre stage with the village lights sparkling in the background. The look is lean and industrial, with metal tables meeting steel beams and monochrome décor, contrasting with the untamed greenery outside. The kitchen draws its produce from local farms, orchards and waters, championing a farm-to-table approach inspired by simpler times.
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