Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Rural La Figar, Villaviciosa, Spain
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Hotel Rural La Figar in Villaviciosa, Spain. Forget perfectly polished reviews – this is going to be real. And I'm hoping it's as breathtaking as that "pool with a view" is promising to be. Let's get this messy, glorious show on the road!
Hotel Rural La Figar: Escape to Paradise? (Or, Did I Just Find My New Happy Place?)
First off, the name itself – "Escape to Paradise." Bold, right? Let's see if La Figar lives up to the hype, shall we? Because trust me, my definition of paradise includes copious amounts of sangria and absolutely zero hotel room faff.
Arrival Chaos (and the Grace of Free Parking!)
Okay, so the drive is stunning. Seriously, the Asturian countryside is a postcard come to life. Rolling hills, grazing sheep (yes, I counted them!), and that breath of fresh air that makes you feel instantly less stressed. Finding the place? A breeze! And the car park is free. HUGE win. Especially after a long drive. Thank you, La Figar, you’ve started well.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and the Elevator Gods Heard My Prayers!)
Now, I'm not a mobility expert, but I do appreciate when a hotel thinks about accessibility. La Figar has facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator? Thank the stars! The exterior corridors, though, might present a slight challenge for some. And you'd likely need to call ahead to confirm specific accessibility options. Let's face it - it's not a sterile hospital, it's a rural hotel. I dig it, but it's worth knowing what you're walking into.
Checking In: Smooth as Butter (Contactless FTW!)
Contactless check-in/out? YES! Less chatting, more vacationing. The 24-hour front desk is a comforting touch. Because, let's face it, sometimes you just need a late-night glass of wine (or a very strong coffee) and someone to point you in the right direction.
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Cozy Bed (and Free Wi-Fi, Obviously)
Okay, I'm going to be honest, the word "Rural" had me worried. Like, "rustic" in a "no wifi, shared bathroom, and the chickens wake you up at dawn" kind of way. Thankfully, La Figar is gloriously updated.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Seriously, a lifesaver.)
- Air conditioning? Check. Essential.
- Air conditioning in public area? Check! Again, essential.
My room? Spacious. Clean. And the bed… oh, the bed. I swear it was like sinking into a cloud shaped like a giant croissant. The blackout curtains were a godsend for those sleep-in mornings. The shower? Powerful. No fiddly water pressure woes here. There’s even a bathtub! Oh, the luxury!
Little touches like the bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea (and the coffee/tea maker) made it feel genuinely special. The mini-bar was tempting, but the refrigerator saved me. I may have brought some local cider…
On-Site Goodness: Lounging, Swimming, and Spa-ing! (My Kind of Schedule)
This is where La Figar truly shines. Forget "escape," I was ready to move in!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pictures don't lie. The pool with a view? Stunning. I spent a significant portion of my stay perched on a sun lounger, questioning all my life choices (in a good way).
- Spa/sauna/steamroom: Okay, this is where I truly lost it. This is where I decided that I was not longer an adult, and had fully transformed into a princess. I might have spent an embarrassing amount of time in the sauna. The massage was pure bliss. That body scrub? Okay, yes, I felt amazing. Seriously, I booked a second one. Don't judge me.
- Fitness center: I saw it. I considered it. Let's just say the croissants won. But hey, at least the option was there!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach is Still Singing
- Restaurants: The main restaurant is a delight! They boast international cuisine, vegetarian restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- A la carte in restaurant: Chef’s kiss always.
- Poolside bar: Happy hour is a must!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee Shop: The coffee was legit.
- Bar: Great, great, GREAT.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast buffet? Legendary. Fresh pastries, a mountain of fruit, and the fluffiest scrambled eggs I've ever encountered.
- Alternative meal arrangement: This is crucial, and they are excellent at it.
- Bottle of water: Always welcome!
- Room service [24-hour]: For those late-night cravings.
- Desserts in restaurant: Try the local dessert! And send a photo of my stomach straight to heaven.
- Snack bar: For when you need a little something between meals (which, let's be honest, is often).
The "Stuff To Do" Bit (Besides Sunbathing)
- Things to do: This part is all about the location. Villaviciosa itself is charming. The concierge can help you plan your outings.
- Bicycle parking: So you can explore!
- Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge]: so you can explore with ease.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind in a Post-Pandemic World
La Figar takes this seriously. I felt completely safe and comfortable:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Practiced everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Absolutely.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Wonderful.
- Safe dining setup: Very well done.
The "Other" Stuff (That Matters!)
- Couple's room: Perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Family/child friendly: Looked like fun, and they even provide babysitting service!
- Luggage storage: Always handy.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: The ultimate convenience.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Because you have to bring something back.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect!)
Okay, some small nitpicks:
- Internet access – LAN: I didn’t actually use this, and probably wouldn’t.
- Bathroom phone: I'm old enough to remember these, and I'm old enough to find them kind of useless.
- Invoice provided: So you can claim it back with your company!
Final Verdict: Go! (And Book Me a Second Room!)
La Figar? It's a winner. From the stunning location to the impeccable service, this place genuinely delivers on its "Escape to Paradise" promise. It's a place to unwind, recharge, and maybe (just maybe) forget about the real world for a while. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, with a touch of luxury, in a beautiful setting, then book this hotel now. You will not regret it. I’m already planning my return.
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Body:
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a getaway that rejuvenates your body and soul? Look no further than Hotel Rural La Figar in Villaviciosa, Spain! Nestled in the breathtaking Asturian countryside, La Figar offers an unforgettable experience, blending rustic charm with modern luxury.
Here's Why You'll LOVE La Figar:
- Stunning Location: Wake up to panoramic views of rolling hills and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Indulge in a spa experience like no other. Unwind in our sauna and steamroom, treat yourself to a blissful massage, or soak up the sun by our stunning pool with a view.
- Gourmet Dining: Savor delicious meals at our diverse restaurants. Enjoy international cuisine, vegetarian and asian cuisine at our restaurant, or grab a snack at our snack bar. From our amazing buffet breakfasts to our poolside bar every culinary desire will be met.
- Unbeatable Comfort:
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my ridiculously chaotic (and hopefully slightly inspiring) trip to Hotel Rural La Figar in Villaviciosa, Spain. Forget pristine itineraries; we're going for "organized chaos." Prepare for ramblings, opinions sharper than a Sidreria's knife, and enough emotion to make a Spanish soap opera blush.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (Villaviciosa, Asturias)
- Morning (Let’s call it “whenever I finally rolled out of bed”): Okay, so I thought I'd be a model traveler. Up before dawn, breakfast on the go, airport vibes, you know the drill. HA! Woke up with the sun blasting through the window (curtains? Who needs 'em!). Chugged down some lukewarm Nescafé and grabbed my bag - half-packed, naturally. Flight… delayed. Cue the internal screaming. Honestly, airports are just colossal waiting rooms for existential dread, aren't they?
- Quirky Observation: Saw a woman in a full-on sequined jumpsuit at 7 AM. Respect. Dedication to the glitz. Must be her life philosophy. Mine involves coffee.
- Afternoon: (Finally!): Landed in Asturias! Gorgeous, even through the haze of travel-induced grumpiness. The drive to La Figar was a dream. Rolling green hills, the air smelling of… something delicious (still not sure what, but I wanted to eat it), and cows! So many happy cows! My emotional reaction? Instant joy. Like, genuine, wide-eyed, grinning joy.
- Anecdote: Almost got lost. Twice. My sense of direction is… fluid. Let's just say Google Maps and I have a complicated relationship. Eventually, I found the turn-off, though, thanks to a very patient elderly woman with a surprisingly detailed knowledge of local landmarks. Bliss.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: (La Figar - Home Sweet Home): Okay, La Figar. Wow. Just… wow. The stone walls, the rambling gardens, the scent of… something else delicious (this time I'm guessing it's the local cider). It's utterly charming, in a way only a place that's been loved and lived in for centuries can be. Checked in (the owner, a lovely woman with the warmest smile, made me feel instantly at ease, after the travel of horror) and… well, collapsed in my room. Needed a moment to absorb it all, to check my emotional state.
- Opinionated Language: The rooms are simple, but perfect. No sterile hotel white here, thank goodness. The bed? Cloud-like. Pure, unadulterated cloud-like bliss.
- Evening: (Dinner Disaster & Cider Redemption): Okay, so dinner was supposed to be this romantic, "first night in Spain" moment. It started well. Delicious local cheese, some sort of cured meats that were better than anything I'd ever tasted, and then… the main course. I ordered something… that was clearly not for me! My taste buds weren't having it! My emotional reaction? Disappointment, but the cider… oh, the cider. Crisp, refreshing, and poured from a height by a waiter who clearly knew what he was doing (he was a young, and very, very stylish guy). That cider saved the night. Seriously, a life-saver.
- Messy Structure: Seriously, I was this close to just ordering more cheese and cider. And I might have… if I hadn’t been too embarrassed to say it to the super lovely waiter. Next time, cheese and cider it is. Full stop.
- Minor Categories:
- Weather: Beautiful. Sunny with a slightly cool breeze. Perfect.
- Food: Mostly excellent. Minus the “mystery meat” fiasco.
- Accommodation: Perfect. Cozy, charming, and quiet. (Other than the random loud noises from the house)
- Overall Mood: Good. Tired, but good. The cider really helped.
Day 2: The Cider Experience (and the Emotional Rollercoaster)
- Morning: The "lazy start" I'd originally envisioned? Nope. Woke up at, like, 6 am, thanks to the chickens next door. (They're adorable, though.) Breakfast was simple but glorious--fresh bread, local jam, and that heavenly coffee (the real stuff, not the Nescafé). Today? We embrace the cider.
- Morning/Mid-Morning: (Cider Distillery Pilgrimage): Off to a cider fabrica. I'd heard tales of the Asturian cider experience, the escanciar (the pouring technique!), the sidrerias (cider taverns!). Intriguing, dangerous? I was more than prepared to endure.
- Anecdote: The cider-maker (an older man, with hands as weathered as the cider barrels) showed us, like, everything. The apples, the pressing, the fermenting… I was utterly captivated. He spoke with such passion. He poured us a sample, and… whoa. Bold, acidic, and alive.
- Lunch: (A Sidreria Odyssey): Okay, this is where things get messy. Found a sidreria recommended by the hotel, and the real fun began. Ordered a bottle of cider (properly escanciado - poured from a height, allowing it to "breathe"). The waiter, a young man who looked like he stepped out of a Spanish painting, was a master. He poured, and the cider landed with a splatter. We got to work.
- Quirky Observation: The place was packed. Loud laughter, clinking glasses, and the distinct smell of… well, cider. This is where I became a proper cider enthusiast.
- Afternoon: (The Cider… and the Food): The food was phenomenal. Simple, honest, and utterly delicious - Spanish omelet, salty chorizo and grilled fish and the most tender octopus. But the true star was the cider, each bottle different from the last. Each pouring technique became a work of art.
- Afternoon Cont'd: I'm not going to lie, at this point I was probably a little too enthusiastic. The cider hit the spot and I got carried way.
- Evening: (The Post-Cider Glow): Back at La Figar. The evening began with a walk along the garden. I sat watching the sunset, feeling a sense of contentment. This is what I needed.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Pure, unadulterated joy. A sense of peace I haven't felt in ages. I might have shed a little tear (happy ones, I swear). This place… this cider… this experience… it's magical. It’s a feeling.
- Minor Categories:
- Weather: Still perfect. The light here is incredible.
- Food: Exceptional. No "mystery meat" in sight.
- Accommodation: Even better. Felt totally at home.
- Overall Mood: Exhilarated. Content. And, yeah, probably still a little tipsy. Worth it.
Day 3: Farewell (Already?).
- Morning: Woke up feeling… surprisingly good. The cider hangover was mild, which is a total win. Last breakfast at La Figar. Sadness creeping in already. Gonna miss that feeling.
- Morning/Afternoon: (Last Moments): One last walk through the gardens. I inhaled the fresh air. Did a little journaling. Sat on the little porch and watched the birds. It was all perfect.
- Afternoon: (Departure): Checked out. Said goodbye to the lovely owner. A hug (yes, really!). The drive back to the airport was… well, tinged with sadness. I was already planning my return.
- Opinionated Language: Leaving that place was genuinely painful. It's a special spot. A sanctuary. Don't tell anyone. (But seriously, go.)
- Evening: (Back to Reality?): Airport madness. Another delayed flight. More waiting. But the memories? The cider? The feeling of "being"? Those stayed.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so back in my own home? Already considering how soon I can return. Dreaming of cider. Planning.
- Minor Categories:
- Weather: A bit grey, mirroring my mood.
- Food: Airport food… *shudders
Is La Figar truly as idyllic as it looks in the pictures?
Alright, let's be honest. The pictures? They're *good*. But actual idyllic? Well...it depends. Did you *really* need that perfectly Instagrammable sunset? Maybe not. BUT! Here's the deal: the basic ingredients are absolutely there. Rolling green hills? Check. Charming, rustic architecture? Definitely. That sense of "ahhh, I've escaped the concrete jungle?" Oh yeah, that's HUGE. I mean, I spent a good hour just staring at a cow, completely mesmerized. (Don't judge me, city slickers, sometimes you just need to be one with the moo). It's less about perfection and more about an *experience*. My room, for instance, had this tiny, slightly wonky window. Perfectly imperfect, honestly. And trust me, that cow was *real*.
What's the deal with the food? The reviews are, shall we say, varied.
Okay, the food. This is where things get… *interesting*. Look, let's be clear: this isn't Michelin-star dining. But it's *Asturian* dining. Think hearty, honest, soul-warming. My advice? Embrace it. They're incredibly generous with the portions. I swear, I gained three pounds just LOOKING at the *fabada* (bean stew – AMAZING, by the way). One night, I ordered a plate of cheese and… it was easily enough cheese to feed a small army. Honestly, a cheese-induced coma might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Some might say the service can be a *little* slow (okay, *very* slow), but honestly, that's part of the charm. Just order more wine. You're on holiday! And, oh god, the bread. Don’t even get me started on the bread. *Muttering* I still dream of it…
Are there any activities available, or am I just expected to… sit?
Honestly, the best activity is often just *being*. But yes, yes, there are things. Hiking is a big one – the trails surrounding La Figar are stunning. Bring proper shoes, not those flimsy sandals you thought were stylish. I made that mistake. Let's just say I learned a lot about the strength of flimsy sandals and the resilience of my own knee (it was a dramatic encounter). They can arrange horseback riding, which I didn't do, because, well, me and horses... we have history. Let's just call it a mutual lack of enthusiasm. And you can visit the local cider houses – a *must*. Seriously, get ready for your cheeks to hurt from laughing (and maybe a slight fuzzy feeling). Or you know, you can just sit. That's perfectly acceptable too. I spent a lot of time doing that.
What's the Wi-Fi like? (Gotta stay connected, right?)
Wi-Fi? Ah, the modern-day travel dilemma. Let me be blunt: it’s… spotty. Think of it less as a reliable connection and more as a beautiful opportunity to disconnect. Which is *probably* a good thing, considering the absolute chaos back home *cough* work emails *cough*. I actually considered climbing to the top of a hill with my laptop just to get a decent signal at one point. I didn’t do it, because, honestly, the view was much better without a glowing screen in my face. Embrace the digital detox. You might actually like it. Or, at least, you’ll have a good story. And your Instagram feed can wait.
Any tips for dealing with potential language barriers?
My Spanish is… *functional*. Let's just say that. I know enough to order a beer, ask where the bathroom is (vital), and stumble through basic pleasantries. The staff at La Figar are incredibly patient and kind. Lots of pointing, gesturing, and broken sentences. Google Translate will be your best friend. (Pro tip: download the Spanish language pack for offline use, just in case the Wi-Fi is, you know… being itself). Also, learn some basic phrases like "Hola" (hello), "Por favor" (please), and "Gracias" (thank you). And remember that smile goes a long way. I managed to have a surprisingly in-depth conversation about the weather with the hotel owner using a combination of Spanish, English, and exaggerated hand movements. Pure gold.
Is it suitable for families with young children?
Hmm, that's a tough one. La Figar is charming and relaxed, but it’s not a mega-resort. There's a lovely garden, and the surrounding area is great for exploring. That said, there isn’t a dedicated kids’ club or anything. Think more “hide and seek amongst the apple trees” rather than “water slides and screaming toddlers non-stop”. If your kids are happy exploring the outdoors and you’re happy chilling, then yes. If you need constant entertainment and a five-star kid’s club, maybe not. I saw a family there with a couple of little ones, looked chaotic, but seemed happy. Me? I'm biased. Leave the little ones at home. ;)
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *one* moment that you'll never forget?
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s a doozy. It wasn't a fancy dinner, or a thrilling hike (although the hike was pretty hilarious, see above about the sandals). No. It was… *the goat*. Now, look, I'm not a goat person. Never have been. Always thought they were a little… goat-y. But one afternoon, I was relaxing on a bench near the garden, nursing a glass of local cider (delicious, by the way), when this goat just… *appeared*. This goat, with the most judgmental stare I've ever encountered. It looked at me, then it looked at my cider, and then…it started *eating my clothes*. Yes you heard that right. My shirt. My cardigan. The goat, ladies and gentlemen, ate my clothes. The staff rushed over, frantically trying to shoo it away. I just sat there, speechless, watching my wardrobe disappear into a furry abyss. The goat, meanwhile, just looked at me, chewing nonchalantly, like, "What? Delicious fiber, darling." The aftermath? I was mortified. I was also laughing hysterically. That goat… that goat, was my new best enemy. And the memory? Forever etched in my brain. It's a perfect metaphor for the whole experience: unexpected, slightly chaotic, utterly ridiculousHotel Near Airport
