Discover a hidden world of simple luxury. A converted medieval estate set amidst pristine nature, La Torre del Visco is a genuine refuge of beauty and quiet indulgence in a unique enclave of secret Spain.

The spectacular grounds of this owner-managed small boutique hotel encompass 220 acres including a crystal cool river, romantic rose gardens and an organic farm of olives, almonds and seasonal produce.

Our farm-to-table, award-winning restaurant is supplemented by daily deliveries of fresh fish from the nearby coast and outstanding wines from local vineyards in our dedicated cellar.

History
La Torre del Visco dates from the early 15th century, likely property of the Spanish Knights Templar of the Order of Calatrava, and was originally built with a defensive watchtower, designed to keep a weather eye on centuries-old skirmishes between various factions in the kingdoms of Aragon, Catalunya and Valencia.

This fascinating history was discovered by Jemma and Piers in 1993 when leaving Madrid after 20 years in publishing to search for somewhere to convert into a beautiful country retreat.

Today, the estate has been lovingly restored into a jewel in the wilderness that embodies their enduring passions for Spain, food, wine, farming, gardening, art and, above all hospitality.

Rooms & Suites
As each of our lovely 16 rooms and suites is a world in itself, all have been decorated with their own distinct character. Original paintings and lithographs, beautiful rugs and a range of furniture from antiques and Arts and Crafts to modern pieces, combine in a harmonious and effortless design.

All have wonderfully comfortable beds, fresh flowers from the garden and amenities imported from Woods of Windsor in England. All are snugly heated in winter and in summer most, except Classic rooms, have air-conditioning.

Suites
A real home from home, with spacious living room and open fire. Traditional features are married with contemporary materials, original artworks and vintage finds. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath or shower.

Beds are king or super king size, while the option to order in-room breakfast, means you’ll need a reason to leave.

Junior Suites
Furnished with queen size beds, a writing desk, deeply upholstered armchairs and a dedicated space for reading, these suites are spacious and wonderfully comfortable. In summer, air conditioning keeps you cool, while in winter you can snuggle up in front of a cosy wood stove.

Superior Double
Larger rooms with a reading area, comfortable armchairs and queen size beds. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath or shower. Most have air conditioning.

El Visco Restaurant
These wise words are even more relevant today and reflect our philosophy in the kitchen; to offer a healthy, seasonal and sustainable gastronomy using local produce with zero food miles.

On our certified 220 acre organic farm we grow fruit, vegetables, herbs and harvest olives from our 2.000 olive trees, empeltre and arbequina varieties, to produce our own organic extra virgin olive oil. We invite you to visit our greenhouse and vegetable plot and our gardener can explain the challenges of organic cultivation.

Apart from what we grow ourselves, we are very fortunate in the Matarranya region to have such a rich variety of raw materials available: superb meat, the famous Teruel cured ham, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, honey and wines.

Our proximity to the Mediterranean guarantees supply of the freshest, best quality fish and seafood. Nature too has been very generous and each season offers us its treasures: wild mushrooms, truffles, asparagus and edible plants and flowers too numerous to mention.

Our gastronomy is based on a series of flexible menus rather than fixed a la carte options in order to allow us to incorporate the best produce from the farm and our local suppliers each day, at its peak of quality.

The Kitchen
Our farmhouse kitchen has always been the beating heart of the house and we have respected this tradition from our very first day.

Here, guests are welcome to linger throughout the day to observe the work of our chefs or share expert tips. Our kitchen starts early, making bread as well as our own desserts, ice creams, stocks, pasta, patés, and smoked fish.

The Cellar
Our medieval cellar is protected from evil spirits rumoured to spoil wine by symbols carved in the stone entrance.

Here guests can serve themselves a glass of wine, spirit or liquor at any hour of the day or night. In addition to all the notable names in premium gin, malt whisky and Armagnac, we pride ourselves in seeking out and sharing lesser-known labels.

Organic Farm
With a desire to live with the rhythms of nature, we offer guests an experience of rural luxury, where food is measured in metres not miles. Authentic Slow Food.

Our thriving certified organic farm features almond groves, cereal fields and over 2000 olive trees, producing extra virgin olive oil for our restaurant and for guests to buy. In addition, our extensive vegetable plot yields an abundance of fresh produce for our daily menu.

Weddings
An idyllic setting, historic charm, gourmet food and superb service – La Torre del Visco is an outstanding setting for an intimate, romantic wedding.

Whether you want a religious or civil ceremony, we have a choice of beautiful places to exchange vows throughout the year including a small chapel on the estate, a rose-covered pergola, pretty terraces, or in one of the handsome salons by a log fire.

Our dedicated wedding manager, Raquel Frisach, will be at your disposal to ensure every detail is bespoke to you, leaving you free to enjoy the perfect day.

Meetings
La Torre del Visco is the ideal location for business meetings, strategy reviews, product presentations, executive training or brainstorms. Our tranquil valley, responsive service and utter discretion create the perfect environment in which to focus and work uninterrupted.

Each space has a different ambience for various activities, including a fully-equipped meeting room with an open fireplace and valley views, a library and numerous sitting rooms.

Events
Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday or simply an intimate gathering, you can trust us to take care of every last detail.

Our team is highly skilled in the art of planning the perfect event to ensure your celebration is tailored precisely to you, from the food, drink and cake to accommodation and special details that will live long in the memory.

There are no templates or shortcuts, we approach each event afresh, so put yourself in our hands then relax and enjoy precious time with family and friends.

Exclusive Use
To enjoy all the advantages of our luxurious country house with a high level of service in total privacy, La Torre del Visco can be booked for exclusive use.

We have 16 rooms and suites to accommodate your guests while, for the ultimate indulgence, your own private chef and our team will be on hand to ensure your experience is perfect. From special menus to activities in the hotel, around the estate or on day trips to discover more of our beautiful region, simply ask.

Salons & Library
Immerse yourself in the utter quiet and privacy of our salons with the allure of an open fire in each. Few hotels devote so much space to sitting rooms that encourage conversation, relaxed reading or simply a perfect spot from which to admire the views.

Even when the hotel is full, everyone can find their own corner to retreat to or, perhaps, take a seat at our Bechstein piano and simply play for pleasure. Settle into an armchair with a good book from our library.

A genuine treasure trove on subjects as diverse as history, art, native flora and fauna, cookery, poetry and fiction – there is something for everyone. Or why not unwind with a game of chess with our beautifully carved set?

Gardens & Pool
The romantic gardens that surround our hotel are designed to frame every view and delight all the senses.

Discover the perfect spot to snooze, sip a iced drink under a rose-covered pergola, or read in the deep summer shade of leafy trees. Take a plunge in our pool with views along the whole valley before relaxing on a chaise longue amongst ancient olive trees.

Olive Oil Experience
Inside the Mediterranean culture of olive oil. The essence of our famous olive oil, fruity and smooth, comes from the 1,400 Empeltre olive trees, the local Aragonese variety, whilst 400 Arbequina trees, a smaller more vigorous variety, add a wonderful extra depth of flavour.

We also prepare some of our harvest for table olives. Since 1995 we have been certified by the Aragonese Committee for Organic Agriculture

Stargazing Experience
Since 2015 La Torre del Visco has been recognized by the Starlight Foundation for our on-going commitment to minimizing light pollution at our hotel and organic home farm in the Tastavins valley. We are conscious that to care for our «dark skies » is to care for our local wildlife too.

Have you ever stopped to think that we are the first generation of homo sapiens that no longer observes the sky in our daily lives ?

The crystal-clear, star-filled night skies of Teruel are spectacular at all times of year. There are very few areas left in Europe that are so totally free of light pollution and yet so accessible.

La Torre del Visco´s priviledged position overlooking a remote, beautiful river valley untouched by man, makes it an ideal location for astrotourism. Since the beginning of time, our ancestors have watched the night sky, amazed at its immensity and dynamism, and even found thereby the way to measure time.

Walking Breaks
For a change of pace for body and mind, a walking break at La Torre del Visco is a genuine delight.

Set within a stunning natural landscape of mountains, rivers, lakes and empty tracks, walking from our hidden river valley is the ideal way to experience the unique peace of the Matarranya, a region very few tourists ever get to see.

Romantic Escapes
Surrounded by exquisite rose-filled gardens, its own organic farm and private pool with stunning views, as well as a gourmet restaurant, numerous salons and open fires – La Torre del Visco is the perfect destination to treat your loved one to a romantic getaway.

Cookery Courses
With an abundance of fresh produce on our doorstep, we offer a range of hands-on practical courses throughout the year, reflecting seasonal ingredients and drawing on the skills of Spanish culinary experts.

Zip wire at Fuentespalda
The new Fuentespalda 2 kilometre zip wire is the second longest in Europe and the longest in the world that is adapted for those with limited mobility.

The jump will give you 2 minute unforgettable experience packed with adrenalin that will make you feel you are flying, set in the beautiful landscape of the Matarranya region.

Horses
What better way to see our beautiful countryside than on horseback with a professional guide? Our trusted team from Establo de Crystal can tailor a route to your ability and interests.

Cycling
Explore our estate, as well as miles of open empty tracks through the pristine countryside on one of our robust mountain bikes – free for guests to use at any time.

Hiking
Reinvigorate body and mind with walking tours in the Matarranya – one of Spain’s last undiscovered gems. Whether you prefer to wander beside rivers, trek up mountains or tackle anything in-between, we can create an itinerary to suit you.

Birding & Nature
Get up close to the region’s native birds, including eagles, vultures, kingfishers, bee eaters and hoopoes with our expert guide, whose knowledge of native flora and fauna will ensure you capture incredible images.

Wine
Let one of our respected oenologists guide you through the best selection from our medieval cellar including those from nearby Montsant, Priorat and Terra Alta. We can also organise visits to some of the excellent local wineries.

Website: www.torredelvisco.com

Rooms: 16

Price: from 208 EUR per night