Uncover the Hidden Gem of Spain: Villa de Elciego Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a whirlwind tour of… Villa de Elciego! "Uncover the Hidden Gem of Spain: Villa de Elciego Awaits!" they say. Well, let's uncover it, shall we? And oh boy, do I have some thoughts.
(First things first: Let me just say, I, like, love Spain. Seriously. So this comes from a place of genuine enthusiasm combined with a healthy dose of, shall we say, "real-world" traveler expectations.)
Accessibility: Navigating the Nice Stuff (and the Not-So-Nice)
Okay, let's be straight. Accessibility, at least in my experience, in Spain can be a bit…variable. Villa de Elciego (I'm already calling it "Villa") claims "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator." That's a good start! But I always want to know details. Are the paths to the pool accessible? Is the restaurant easy to navigate? I'm not entirely sure, because the reviews are a bit vague on this. But they DO mention "CCTV in common areas" and a "Front desk [24-hour]". So, potentially safe and help is near. Still, a little more specificity would be amazing. So, if you or someone you're traveling with has mobility issues, I'd do some SERIOUS digging and specifically contacting the hotel before booking.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges (Praying for a Win!)
Again, the reviews don't scream "Accessible Restaurant Heaven!" but, fingers crossed, with an elevator and hopefully well-designed spaces, there's a solid chance of a good experience. They list "Restaurants", "Bar", "Poolside bar," and "Coffee shop." Okay, good signs, more information needed tho!
Wheelchair accessible: (See above)
Internet: The Modern Necessity. Free Wi-Fi… Huzzah!
Alright, internet. The stuff of modern life. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! Thank you, Villa! This is basic, but essential. "Internet [LAN]" is also listed, so for the tech-heads, that's a bonus. "Internet services" is general, but hey, at least they have it covered. "Wi-Fi in public areas" – always appreciated for those Instagramming moments.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and That All-Important Spa Moment (Or Many!)
This is where things get interesting. Villa de Elciego is loaded with ways to unwind. Here's where I fully intend to make the most!
- Body scrubs/wraps: Yes, please! Gotta exfoliate those travel woes away.
- Fitness Center/Gym: I might use this. I might not. Depends on how much Rioja I'm consuming. But it's there, and that's good.
- Foot Bath: Oooooh, fancy! I'm picturing tiny bubbles and total relaxation.
- Massage: Mandatory. Absolutely mandatory.
- Pool with View: This is key, people. A pool without a view is just… a watery hole.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Okay, I'm in spa heaven. I'm picturing fluffy robes, cucumbers on my eyes, and hours of blissful nothingness.
- Swimming Pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Because, Spain. Sun. Water. Need I say more?
(Deep breath… okay, I'm back from my imaginary spa vacation.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Life.
This part is CRUCIAL right now. They seem on top of it, which is reassuring.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Excellent.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good!
- Hand sanitizer: Essential.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yay!
- Hygiene certification: Nice to see.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Reassuring!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: That's a nice touch for those who prefer it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Okay
- Safe dining setup: They are trying!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes, please!
- Shared stationery removed: sensible
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Excellent.
- Sterilizing equipment: Very good.
(Okay, I can breathe a little easier now. They seem to be taking things pretty seriously, which is a huge relief.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Favorite Part (Probably Yours Too)
Okay, let's talk food and drink. This is critical. Spain and food are like… peanut butter and jelly. A perfect combination!
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant: Excellent!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Useful.
- Asian breakfast/Asian cuisine in restaurant: Interesting, but not exactly why I'm in Spain. YMMV.
- Bar/Bottle of water: Necessary.
- Breakfast [buffet]/Breakfast service/Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Gotta fuel up. Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES!
- Happy hour: YES!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Good variety.
- Poolside bar: This is where I'll be spending most of my days, I'm guessing. Cocktail, anyone?
- Restaurants/Room service [24-hour]: All boxes checked.
- Salad in restaurant/Snack bar/Soup in restaurant: Important for a balanced diet!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Good for those who need it.
- Western breakfast/Western cuisine in restaurant: This will be essential for me.
(My stomach is already rumbling. I can't wait to start this!)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make Life Easier
- Air conditioning in public area: YES!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Neat.
- Business facilities/Meeting/banquet facilities/Seminars/Meetings: Not for me, but good to know.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Helpful.
- Concierge/Doorman: Nice touch.
- Contactless check-in/out: Very helpful.
- Convenience store/Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for grabbing last-minute essentials or souvenirs.
- Daily housekeeping/Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: The best!
- Elevator: Yay!
- Essential condiments: I am picturing, like, great olive oil and balsamic vinegar?
- Facilities for disabled guests: (See above).
- Food delivery: Useful.
- Invoice provided: Great for expense reports.
- Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
- On-site event hosting/Outdoor venue for special events: Cool for the perfect wedding!
- Projector/LED display: Useful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Important.
- Smoking area: Essential for some.
- Shrine/Terrace: Atmospheric.
- Wi-Fi for special events/Xerox/fax in business center: Okay.
(Okay, they’ve covered everything. I'm impressed.)
For the Kids: Family Friendly, or Bust.
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids facilities/Kids meal: Great for those traveling with children.
Access:
- CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property/Check-in/out [express]/Check-in/out [private]:
Rooms & Amenities: Where the Magic Happens (Or Doesn't)
This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty of the actual experience.
- Additional toilet (Nice if you're sharing!)/Air conditioning/Alarm clock/Bathrobes/Bathroom phone (is that a thing?)/Bathtub/Blackout curtains
- Carpeting/Closet/Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea/Daily housekeeping/Desk/Extra long bed/Free bottled water/Hair dryer/High floor/In-room safe box/Interconnecting room(s) available/Internet access – LAN/Internet access – wireless/Ironing facilities/Laptop workspace/Linens/Mini bar/Mirror/Non-smoking/On-demand movies/Private bathroom/Reading light/Refrigerator/Safety/security feature/Satellite/cable channels/Scale/Seating area/Separate shower/bathtub/Shower/Slippers/Smoke detector/Socket near the bed/Sofa/Soundproofing/Telephone/Toiletries/Towels/Umbrella/Visual alarm/Wake-up service/Wi-Fi [free]/Window that opens
(Okay, that’s a lot. But thankfully, it's all the good stuff.)
Getting Around: Smooth Travels, or a Total Nightmare?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just visiting Villa de Elciego, Spain. We're experiencing it. Think less "polished brochure" and more "slightly tipsy journal entry scribbled on a napkin." Here we go…
Villa de Elciego: A Week of Grape-Induced Bliss (and Maybe a Little Regret)
Day 1: Arrival & That First Glorious Pour
- Morning (aka, "Where's my suitcase?"): Landed in Bilbao. Beautiful airport, frankly. Though my suitcase seems to have decided to vacation in, I don't know, Norway. Fantastic. Quick call to the airline (god, I hate that automated voice), then we're off. Hired a car, because, you know, freedom! (And because public transport… well, let's just say I wasn't feeling the bus vibe after the flight). The drive to Elciego – straight through the vineyards, the air smelling sweetly of… something wonderful. I swear, I nearly wept at the beauty.
- Afternoon: Checked into the Hotel Marques de Riscal. Okay, wow. That Frank Gehry building? Absolutely mental. Like a giant, metallic, drunken ribbon. And the rooms? Ridiculous. So sleek, so modern, I felt like I'd accidentally walked into a James Bond movie. The view? Unforgettable. Vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see.
- Evening: The REAL reason we're here. The Riscal Winery Tour and Tasting. Oh. My. God. The wine. The Tempranillo, oh, the Tempranillo! I started with a "taste" and ended up having like, a whole bottle. The guide was a bit… dry (the opposite of the wine, thankfully), but he knew his stuff. The whole experience was like a slow, delicious dream.
- Anecdote: I met a woman from Chicago who claimed she "knew a thing or two about wine." Turns out, she ordered her wine with ice, which is a crime, and nearly gave me a heart attack because I was already running a bit behind; not off to a great start now, am I? I did manage to get a few good laughs.
Day 2: A Village Stroll & The Secret of the Pintxos
- Morning: A proper wander through the village. Elciego is tiny, but charming. Cobblestone streets, old stone houses, and… a distinct lack of English speakers. (Thankfully the wine guides and hotel staff speak english, or I'd be lost). Found a tiny cafe and attempted (and mostly failed) to order a coffee. Somehow managed to mumble my way through the process and got a strong Spanish coffee; bliss.
- Afternoon: Pintxos class! "Pintxos" are a very big deal now; a very big deal. Spent the afternoon in a cooking class learning to make these delicious little snacks. They're basically the Basque version of tapas. So many tiny culinary explosions of flavour! I burned a finger but I survived, and I was able to create several of these delicious snacks. I'd probably eat 20 of those pintxos. Probably had 20 of those pintxos.
- Evening: Pintxos crawl! We hit every bar in town, sampling their specialty pintxos. Each one was a miniature masterpiece. The wine flowed, the laughter erupted, and I’m pretty sure I tasted every single grape in the region. Ended up chatting with some locals (mostly through frantic gesticulation and rudimentary Spanish) and attempted singing a Spanish song or two. Let's just say, my singing… well, the wine gods may have forgiven me. But the locals? Debatable.
- Rambles: The thing about these pintxos, though? They're deceptively filling. You think "Oh, just a little bite," but then BAM! You’ve eaten enough to feed a small village. This is a pro tip: pace yourself. Unless, of course, you want a post-pintxos nap. And I sure did, a very long nap, in fact.
Day 3: More Wine, Less Sanity
- Morning: Another winery, but this time, smaller, family-run. Bodegas Ysios. Absolutely stunning architecture, a more intimate setting. The wine? Equally spectacular. Learnt more about the processes: the harvesting, the ageing, the magic. Definitely a slower pace.
- Afternoon: Cooking on my own, and the end result was a complete disaster. I tried to be artsy with it, and it was definitely not an art, or food, for that matter.
- Evening: Back to the Marques de Riscal for dinner. Michelin-starred restaurant. The food was spectacular, even if I still felt like I was wearing casual clothing in a black tie event. The wine pairings? Even better. I discovered my love for Rioja. Seriously, a religious experience.
- Emotional Reaction: God, I had so much good wine, I literally spent my entire day in a fantastic mood. If I could have this every single day… I'd be, uh, broke and an alcoholic. Worth it? Maybe. Slightly.
Day 4: Day Trip to Laguardia & The Truth About Tapas
- Morning: Day trip to Laguardia, a walled medieval village, and its like, something off the pages of a fairytale book. So pretty, and it's a little bit like being transported back in time. The views were incredible.
- Afternoon: Back in Elciego. I had a serious craving for tapas. But the thing about tapas is, the best ones aren't always where you expect them. Wandered around, and just stumbled into some small, slightly beaten-up bar with a grumpy-looking bartender, but oh god, the tapas! So good. The best I'd had so far.
- Evening: More of the same. But different.
- Imperfection: I'm starting to think I have a problem. My phone is overflowing with pictures of wine glasses, tapas, and vineyards. My bank account is shrinking at an alarming rate. And I'm pretty sure I’m developing a slight hangover. But, you know what? No regrets.
- Rambles: I’ve noticed a pattern. Wine, food, repeat. It's a vicious cycle, but I’m enjoying every single minute of it. I'm not sure how I'll fit into my clothes when I get home, but I'm not exactly planning on fitting into them any time soon.
Day 5: The Riscal Spa & The Questionable Aftermath
- Morning: Spa day at the Marques de Riscal. Wine baths, anyone? Yes, please! It's as luxurious as it sounds and totally worth the price tag. I may have fallen asleep during my massage, which is a testament to its effectiveness.
- Afternoon: Attempt to explore a bit more, but I'm running on fumes. Had a minor meltdown, and made a desperate attempt to find some chururios. Which ended in tears.
- Evening: I swore I wouldn't drink tonight. But the hotel had a happy hour. And, well, one glass turned into two… and then…
- Quirky Observation: I swear I saw a bottle of wine wink at me. Maybe it was just the light. Maybe it was the wine. Either way, I'm not complaining.
- Emotional Reaction: Today hit me. I've come to love this place. Seriously.
Days 6 & 7: Goodbyes & The Somber Reality of Leaving
- Days 6 & 7: A final winery tour (how many can one person visit in a week? Apparently, several), a last pintxos crawl (forced myself to try something new), and a very, very sad farewell to Elciego. The beauty of the place, the warmth of the people, the wine… it had gotten under my skin.
- Anecdote: At the airport, I almost bought a whole case of Rioja. (I stopped myself. Almost). My suitcase is definitely filled with wine souvenirs. Praying the airline doesn’t think I’m a smuggler.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so these last two days are a bit of a blur. Wine, goodbyes, airport, more wine (apparently). There's no clean ending, it's just a slow winding down of an amazing experience.
- Opinionated Language: Elciego, you magnificent, grape-filled, architectural gem. You've ruined me for all other vacations. I will be back. And I will bring a bigger suitcase.
And that, my friends, is my (slightly inebriated) account of my week in Villa de Elciego. Don't expect pristine travel writing. Expect real-life wine-soaked chaos. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a flight to catch (and a duty-free shop to browse)… Salud! (That's "cheers," in case your Spanish is as rusty as mine).
Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Spanish Countryside Getaway at Cortijo Argumosa
Elciego: So Much Vino, So Little Sleep (and Sometimes, Regret?) – Your Unvarnished Guide
Okay, Elciego. Sounds…fancy. What *is* it, actually? And why this place?
Alright, deep breath. Elciego is a tiny, *gorgeous*, little town smack-dab in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa wine region in Spain. Think vineyards as far as the eye can see, all rolling hills and perfect sunshine (most of the time, anyway). You know those idyllic travel photos? Elciego *is* those photos. The reason? Wine, my friends, pure and simple. Magnificent Tempranillo, Garnacha, and a whole host of other delicious grapes are the lifeblood here. And the reason *this* place? Honestly? A friend mentioned it. We were looking for a romantic getaway, or at least, a weekend where we wouldn't murder each other. It was… mostly successful.
So, all about the wine, huh? Do I need to be a sommelier to enjoy myself?
Absolutely not! Unless you *want* to be. Look, I know, fancy wine descriptions can sound intimidating: "Notes of black cherry, hints of oak, with a long, elegant finish." I barely know what *I* like, let alone a long, elegant…thing. You don't need to be an expert. Just show up with an open mind (and liver). Trust me, even if you're a box wine enthusiast like yours truly, you’ll find something you adore. I went to a tasting, and I *thought* I knew what I liked. Then I tried a Rioja Gran Reserva and…woah. It was an experience. Okay, maybe I overdid it. The next morning was… rough. Lesson learned: pace yourself, even if the wine is ridiculously good! I actually got friendly with the *bodega* dog at one point... details fuzzy.
Beyond the wine, what else is there to do? Is it just vineyards and more vineyards?
Okay, yes, the vineyards *are* a huge part of the charm. You can walk, cycle, even take a guided tour on a Segway (I saw some people doing that – slightly terrified, truth be told). But honestly, there’s more! The architecture is stunning, particularly the Marqués de Riscal hotel designed by Frank Gehry (yes, *the* Frank Gehry). It's like a giant, shimmering piece of art, and not in a pretentious, *I-don't-understand-it* kind of way. The village itself is charming. Cobblestone streets, little shops, and friendly locals who'll happily try to understand your broken Spanish. I spent a good hour trying to order a coffee... it ended up being a rather strong cortado, which, after my Gran Reserva binge, was probably a bad idea. My attempts at Spanish… let's just say, they provided ample entertainment.
Accommodations: What's the lodging situation like? Expensive, cheap, or somewhere in between?
Well, if you're ballin', the Marqués de Riscal hotel is the place to be. It's luxury defined. But, if, like me, your budget is more "travel-on-a-reasonable-allowance," there are plenty of other options. Charming little guesthouses (casa rurales) are scattered around, and you can even rent apartments. We stayed in a lovely little place with a view overlooking the vineyards. It wasn't *posh*, but it was comfortable, clean, and, crucially, within stumbling distance of a few bodegas! The prices generally aren't exorbitant, especially compared to, say, a luxury hotel in Paris. You're paying for the experience, not just the room. Just book ahead, especially during peak season. We almost made a mistake and ended up sleeping in the car… that would have been a very different experience. Seriously, book in advance, I am talking from experience.
Food! Tell me about the food. Is it all just fancy tapas?
No way! While tapas *are* a staple (and delicious!), the food in Elciego is amazing. It's hearty, traditional Spanish cuisine. Think roasted meats, fresh seafood when you can get it (even though you're not near the sea!), and, of course, plenty of cured meats and cheeses. The quality is outstanding! We stumbled upon a tiny restaurant one evening that looked unassuming from the outside, and it served the most incredible lamb I've ever tasted. The atmosphere was fantastic, the locals were friendly, and the portions were… generous, is an understatement! This place was *packed* with locals, always a good sign. It filled my belly (and my heart!). Honestly, I have a craving even thinking about it. That reminds me; I must find the name of that restaurant. The wine pairings, by the way, were heavenly. It's a match made in…well, Elciego.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn are perfect. The weather is generally mild, the vineyards are either bursting with new growth or displaying their autumn colours, and it's not as crowded as the summer months. Plus, you get to see the grape harvest, which is an experience in itself. Summer? Hot, busy, and potentially tourist-overloaded. Winter? Might be a bit chilly, but charming in its own way, especially if you love cozying up by a fireplace with a glass of red. Honestly, I think spring or autumn wins, but that’s my opinion. And avoid the village fiesta if you're not ready for some serious partying, because the locals certainly are!
Any tips for planning a trip? What did you mess up?
Yes! Firstly, book accommodation *way* in advance, especially if you're aiming for a popular time of year (like, say, when I went, *and* didn't book enough in advance). Secondly, learn a few basic Spanish phrases. The locals are incredibly patient, but it's always polite to make an effort. Thirdly, research the bodegas! There's a ton to choose from. Decide which ones you *really* want to visit. Fourthly, don't overdo it on the first day. That Gran Reserva incident? Yeah… Fifth, don't expect a buzzing nightlife. Elciego is all about relaxation and enjoying the good things in life. Sixth, rent a car. Public transport options in the area are limited. Seventh, pack comfortable shoes; you'll be doing a lot of walking. My biggest mistake? Not budgeting enough time! You'll want to stay longer. I almost missed my flight – totally my fault. Rushed out of the bodega... still a bit tipsy... and barely made it to the airport. It was a close one. Thank God for the airport security who were sympathetic to a red-faced, slightly sweaty, and very late traveler. Overall, Elciego is a win. Just plan better than I did!
Last question: Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
