Spain´s most exclusive estate–and the best known outside its borders–is called La Nava. You will find it in the province of Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. Amid thousands of hectares of olive trees and vines, this is the favorite hunting preserve for Princess Caroline of Monaco and other royals, aristocrats, magnates and tycoons. Its owners, the family of Javier Medem, organize a world famous partridge “ojeo“—or drive. The service is unmatched, following an old-fashioned style in which the chambermaids wear copings and gloves and pay attention to details not found even in five-star hotels.
The country estate is a little over two hours drive from Madrid. La Nava is known for its discreteness and exclusivity when hosting meetings as well as being the perfect setting for seminars and corporate conventions. One of its high points—and the reason many celebrities and tycoons like to come here is that the manor bosts a private airport for jets.
The estate is comprised of two houses: Navalaumbría and El Barranco. Each has 14 double rooms, all different and equipped with the latest technology. In the common areas, guests can enjoy a spa, gym, movie theater, meeting rooms, game rooms and an infinity pool with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
At La Nava, details are sometimes imperceptible, but that is what makes this property a seven-star hotel. Its owners prefer to call the estate a “housing concept with all inclusive service “. The tableware is changed, depending on the time of day, matching the linens and the uniforms of housekeepers and maids. When guests arrive in La Nava, they are greeted by uniformed staff offering them refreshing towels, and a car with a driver who speaks their language.
Leisure at La Nava extends beyond hunting. Guests can opt for horseback riding, golf, tennis, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, balloon rides, picnics, fishing, hiking, and canoeing. The estate even offers cooking, yoga or skydiving classes. Everything—or almost everything— is possible in La Nava, so if you don’t have the intention of hunting or joining a hunter, you will be assigned a tour guide who speaks your language. He will cater to all your needs and plan lunches in typical restaurants of the area or visits to select shops. ■
