This imposing 12th century building, declared Monument of Interest, was renovated by the architect Marco Serra, who faithfully respected the ancient heritage of the structure and maintained its Romanesque and Baroque style. “Transforming an old monastery means participation in a dialogue a thousand years old. My discretion honors those who spoke before me”, said the Italian architect. The hotel was designed as a benchmark of wine tourism and occupies a prominent place among Spain’s luxury hotels.
The property boasts 18 sumptuous double rooms and three excellent suites with modern furnishings. It also has a business center with meeting rooms and provides a range of amenities including sports facilities and a yoga room. Outside the abbey stands a gorgeous garden-museum with works by the German avant-garde sculptor Ulrich Rückriem, a perfect complement to the ancient stone façade of the historic building.
Gastronomy
The hotel has several restaurants, lounges and bars where guests can relax and enjoy the best cuisine in the area, such as the Chapter House and the Fireplace Lounge. Directed by Andoni Luis Aduriz, the award-winning chef of San Sebastian’s Mugaritz restaurant, the gastronomic offer is varied and sophisticated.
Pablo Montero is in charge of the kitchens. The young chef, trained at Mugaritz, has claimed his own voice while respecting Audriz’s philosophy. Montero, who has worked in restaurants of great prestige and international relevance bases his culinary style on a creative vision of tradition and the incorporation of local ingredients, highlighting the presence of sprouts, wild herbs and vegetables.
The emblematic cuisine is complemented with wines from the hotel’s private winery and from the Old Monks Cellar, adjacent to the restaurant. Three spaces with different gastronomic proposals provide service to all types of customers: Refectorio, featuring creative contemporary cuisine that relies on local products and producers; Vinoteca, a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional tapas closely linked to the abbey’s wines; and the Jardín del Claustro or cloister garden, which is open only during the summer months and offers simpler dishes based on seasonal products.
Unique experiences
This excellent hotel is a tourist destination of the first order that aims to preserve the history and expand the culture of wine through unique experiences. Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine offers tours of the spectacular vineyard, visits to the winery and to the most emblematic areas around the Abbey of Santa Maria de Retuerta.
In addition, the staff can organize a series of activities related to the culture of wine, including participating in the grape harvest or vendimia, wine tastings in the new cellar or special courses for wine aficionados.
Guests at Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine can also enjoy gastronomy lessons, helicopter tours to explore the surrounding landscape, falconry and horseback riding. ■
