This hotel is in the countryside about 30 minutes drive from Santander. A great ambience of calm, seclusion and luxury envelops you as soon as you drive through the gates. We were shown to our two rooms, which were beautifully decorated and very large. In retrospect, I can't believe they were standard rooms, but that was the rate we were charged. The hotel has a great pool and sun-bathing area, and even it's own forest for walking and jogging. Given how good the restaurant is, working up an appetite is definitely a good idea. We went for the 45 euro set meal - this was about 6 courses and included wine and mineral water. It was absolutely delicious.

Any niggles? Well the 2 euro supplement for breakfast on the terrace struck a jarring note. I'm not talking about room service, just serving the food in the garden outside the restaurant. And if you're reasonably tall, you may find the showers a challenge to use. The make-up mirror was also fixed about 15" south of my face and I'm no 6ft+ super-model.

These were very minor issues though and our overwhelming impression of the place was extremely positive.

This is a unique small hotel in a rural setting in Northern Spain. It is tranquil with excellent inconspicuous service. Our standard room was magnificent, huge, with very comfortable four poster canopied bed, and large marble bathroom. Best of all though was the Relais et Chateaux restaurant which was exceptionally good. Many lovely ocean beaches close by, and day trips possible to the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Santillano del Mar, and the awesome Picos mountains.

We loved this charming hotel. It is a very unique property with all of the artwork (modern and antique). We did not necessarily love all of the art in our room, but it was interesting and very comfortable. Bathrooms were large and very nice. Service was friendly and the meals we had were wonderful. The tasting menu was incredible! We would highly reccomend this hotel.

We spent a week there in October 2003. This is an excellent hotel with large and very comfortable rooms. The outlook is over the park with countryside beyond. I can think of nothing to criticize. The restaurant is also good but be warned that this is no place for vegetarians.