1. Refugio Marnes - Alicante
The Refugio Marnes is an ideal destination for Spanish rural holidays. It is nestled in the foothills of the Bernia Mountains in the peaceful countryside of the Northern Costa Blanca.
There are several accommodation options to choose from, including tastefully decorated rooms in converted stables with mountain views. Three rooms are also available in a 400-year-old Finca or a sheep barm converted into a quaint holiday cottage.
You could also indulge yourself in a detached holiday home with its own facilities and private pool or go alfresco and stay in a magnificent Moroccan glamping tent.
2. Villa CP - Catalonia
If you are looking for a luxury holiday villa rental set amongst a sublime green natural backdrop then the Eco-Villa CP is a perfect choice. It boasts a large swimming pool, panoramic views, high-quality furnishings, disabled access and all this set in the stunning Catalonian countryside.
The Villa is located within the Gavarres Nature Park, a mixed forest of cork and pine that has been in existence for thousands of years. The house looks out to the sea over a beautiful green landscape that stretches for miles and miles.
The villa restoration oozes quality and style from the beautiful open kitchen with its large island to the tastefully decorated rooms with high-quality comfy beds. The bathrooms have been fitted with exquisite Bisazza tiles. Outside you are treated to fabulous Mediterranean gardens, an incredible infinity pool and lots of space all around.
Sustainability is central to the house's design, from the natural swimming pool to the reed beds that recycle water for garden irrigation. An intelligent geothermal system cools the floors of the house in the summer and heats them in the winter.
» CP Villa.
3. Cuevas Helena - Andalucia
Cuevas Helena is a unique cave house located in Granada set in the natural surroundings of the Andalucian countryside and boasts a pool and hot tub.
If you have ever thought about the idea of cavern-dwelling, Cuevas Helena would be a good choice. The cave combines contemporary luxury with refreshing simplicity and spacious surroundings where you can see visible fossils and shells in the walls back from the days when Andalucia was submerged under water millions of years ago. One of the bedrooms even features trees, this makes for a truly unique experience.
The remarkable makeover was captured on Channel Five's popular show ‘Our Dream Hotel', on which owners Mark and Shirley Graham's Spanish labour of love was charted by renowned hotelier Alex Polizzi herself.
The cave property has a large welcoming sun-and-sightseeing terrace where you can enjoy the views of rolling hills and mountains, an ideal place to chill out on a summer evening whilst enjoying a bottle of the local wine.
You'll soon find that the Andalucian climate is perfect for cave-dwelling; with a natural feeling of coolness in summer, and welcome warmth in winter.
Click here for more info on staying at Cuevas Helena.
4. Ermita del Carmen - Andalucia
The Ermita del Carmen is located near the town of Carcabuey within the province of Cordoba and sits in a natural park in one of the most pristine natural areas of Andalucia. For sheer peace and tranquillity, this converted 15th Century Ermita makes for a perfect place to stay.
For over 500 years the Emita has been sitting on the fundaments of a Roman temple that was erected in honour of Venus. The land surrounding the house is an old olive garden with an ‘acequia’ filled with a natural water fountain and stunning views to every horizon.
The property itself has been refurbished to the highest standards whilst respecting the natural surroundings as much as possible. The pool is treated with salt water rather than chlorine, it is completely natural and skin-friendly.
Enjoy local hospitality in one of the nearby towns of Caracabuey and Priego where you will find numerous eateries serving authentic local dishes from shilled gazpacho to Salmorejo and goat cheese. You can even pick your own vegetables from the property's organic vegetable garden, also in the surroundings, you have a collection of fig trees that are very sweet and tasty, feel free to help yourself.
5. Cuevas de Bardenas - Bardenaras - Navarra
Cuevas de las Bardenas is a unique cave-dwelling destination located in the heart of the Navarra region of Northern Spain.
If you have never tried cave-dwelling accommodation as an alternative holiday venue before, then the Bardenas Caves is well worth a try.
The complex comprises eight well-furnished caves, a couple of rural cottages, restaurants, and a large dining and meeting area. Each cave is quite different in terms of layout and colour schemes. They are all tastefully decorated and offer all the amenities for a comfy stay, including TVs, Wi-Fi, kitchens, and BBQs.
The Navarra region of Spain is green and beautiful at any time of the year. There are many nature parks to visit, with plenty of prepared hiking and cycling trails to follow. There are lots of other activities available in the local area that will keep the whole family occupied; these include visits to the nearby towns of Valtierra, Bardenas, and Olite.
One of the most stunning places to visit, though, located just 3 km away, is the Bardenas Reales Natural Park of Navarra, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which is home to the biggest desert landscape in Europe. There is plenty to see here such as the capricious rock formations and the lunar-like landscapes, perfect for your holiday snaps. Routes around the park can be explored on foot, by bike, by car, or by 4X4 jeep. For spectacular views, visit Castildetierra, El Rayón and Piskerra.
Click here for more info on staying at the Cuevas de Bardenas.
6. Finca de Arrieta Eco-Retreat Lanzarote
The Eco-Village Finca de Arrieta is an impressive eco-holiday retreat located on the north-east of the island of Lanzarote. The complex occupies over 30,000 square meters of land with spectacular scenery, sea and mountain views, a solar-powered pool and chill-out areas perfect for relaxation.
This unique eco-retreat offers different styles of accommodation, from a luxury villa to silk-lined Mongolian Yurts, all beautifully and uniquely designed with Indonesian and Moroccan touches. The beautifully designed communal outdoor areas make the most of the enviable warm climate.
Eco-Village Finca de Arrieta is powered by the largest green energy system on the island of Lanzarote and prides itself on offering ethically-minded travellers the opportunity to enjoy a little luxury in their eco-lifestyle. Combine that with the charm of the nearby coastal village of Arrieta, the laid-back atmosphere at the Finca offers any traveller the opportunity to discover the essence of the real Lanzarote.
There are lots of extra services, attractions, and family-friendly activities on offer including an onsite honesty shop with a selection of locally produced wines and a delivery service of local farm produce grocery boxes. And for the younger family members, there are fun activities such as collecting eggs from the free-range hens and meeting Mollie, their resident donkey, there is also a mini adventure playground with a wooden “pirate” boat and sunken trampoline.
7. Macaronesian Eco-Suites Caves - Tenerife
The Macararonesian Eco-Suites Caves is located in Las Mesas a short drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north of the island of Tenerife.
The refurbished caves are a result of 11 years hard work by the owners in order to create unique eco-friendly accommodation.
The cave is housed on a large farm, of which around 1500 m2 is available to guests staying here, the farm-land has been divided into several areas which boasts a pool and Spanish style gardens. The destination has been built to be the least invasive to the natural surroundings as possible whilst totally respecting the environment. The cave house has a contemporary interior surface of around 50 m2 equipped with all modern amenities.
The owners worked to patterns of bioclimatic architecture and zero kilometer architecture, reusing 90% of the water consumed and then using it for irrigation, soon they plan to produce their own energy.
The Macararonesian Eco-Suites Caves are situated on the edge of the Anaga rural park, a picturesque biosphere reserve, ideal for travelers searching for a unique cave dwelling experience whilst enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of Tenerife.
» For more info visit the Macararonesian Eco-Suites Caves website.
8. The Nomad Xperience - Sierra Nevada
The Nomad Xperience is located close to the town of Padul, situated in the foothills of the impressive Sierra Nevada mountains close to Granada and just a short drive to the Mediterranean sea.
Advertised as a glamping and dream hotel, the accommodation really is quite unique, perfect for warm family holidays or romantic getaways.
This bohemian and colourful destination offers quaint glamping rooms, situated in a beautiful flower garden each with its own private corner. Everyone has a lovely kingsize bed, electricity and a private bathroom with a shower and a toilet. There is also a lounging area to chill out and enjoy the peace and quiet of the stunning natural surroundings.
There are lots of exciting activities on offer, perfect for all the family and including Canyoning in the Rio Verde, Hiking, Paddle Surf, Windsurfing, Kayaking in the beach and lake and Paragliding.
From complete peace and tranquility to high octane activities, the Nomad Xperience really does offer everything to ensure a memorable and environmentally friendly stay.
9. Dehesa de la Yeguas - Cadiz
Glamping Dehesa de las Yeguas is a very special place located in the heart of a nature park in Andalucian just a short drive from the famous city and port of Cadiz.
There is a sublime selection of quaint and comfortable accommodation which includes four types of glamping safari tents. There is also a charming rustic Andalucian Cortijo which is perfect for small family groups of up to seven guests.
La Dehesa is spread out over a large Finca built within 460 hectares of Mediterranean pine forest. This is a place that blends perfectly with nature and the local wildlife, with the simplicity and tranquillity of authentic Spanish country life.
There are lots of well-prepared activities on offer for all the family at La Dehesa including a gastronomy workshop and cooking experience, horse riding, visits to local wineries, workshop activities such as painting, hiking tours and lots of beach and water sports on over 200 kilometres of pristine coastline.
Dehesa is a unique destination offering guests peace and tranquillity in the heart of authentic Spain and a place we are sure you will always want to return.
10. Dezanove House - Galicia
Dezanove House is an impressive villa overlooking the picturesque Ria Arousa, close to the village of Pobra do Caramina of La Coruna, Galicia.
The inspiration of the villa came from the reclaimed eucalyptus wood of the “bateas”, these are the wooden mussel production platforms that you see in the estuary which are an important part of the local seafood industry.
The house resembles the old cabins that sit on the mussel platforms, and some parts of the house seem to float. The design, shape. materials and layout of this impressive property were inspired by the local fishing industry. It respects totally its natural surroundings and was built to be environmentally friendly using natural light to achieve a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The house was built to be energy efficient which includes a ventilation system that purifies the air as well as heat exchanging elements with the evaporative patio, fireplace heat exchanger, underground heat exchanger and central heat recovery system.
The villa has 3 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a main kitchen, a living room, and a study. It is perfect for a couple looking for a quiet week away and just as perfect for a family looking for an active outdoor holiday. It is only minutes from both a sailing and a diving school.
The natural grottoes of the Pedras river are only 15 minutes' drive and there are many nearby outdoor activities to keep you busy including canyoning, riding, hiking and boat charter to the beautiful nature reserves of the Cíes Islands.
11. Izal Landetxea Rural House - Basque Country
Izal Landetxea Rural House is located near the picturesque town of Bergara, nestled in the green hills between Bilbao and San Sebastian in the Basque Country of Northern Spain.
Izal Landetxea is a charming house and a perfect place to unwind and relax in the beautiful natural surroundings. Originally an old farmhouse, the property has been lovingly refurbished by locals German and Alazne along with their son Ekhi. They have created large, minimalist spaces, with acute attention to detail in creating a warm, homely atmosphere that makes you feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
Izal Landetxea offers four charming fully equipped studios with a bathroom, kitchenette, TV, heating and free Wi-Fi. Each studio has large windows and a private terrace to enjoy the magnificent views or the Basque Countryside.
One of the studios has been equipped for people with reduced mobility.
Guests can enjoy a breakfast service and a courtesy self-service buffet where you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the ideal settings of this tranquil converted farmhouse.
Click here for info on staying at the Casa Rural Izal Landetxea
12. Roca Rooms and Apartments - Barcelona
The Roca Rooms and Apartments ( Previously Hotel Retrome ) is located in the heart of Barcelona and although it is not found in the deepest rural Spain like many of our other choices, we do feel that the Hotel Retrome deserves a place on our list.
The owners have implemented lots of eco-friendly methods to become more environmentally friendly, For example, rooms are cleaned with "Magic Water", a device that ionizes regular tap water which in turn creates a very powerful cleaning detergent. so no chemicals are used. They also use 100% recycled toilet paper from a company that donates 50% of their profits to building toilets in Africa called “The Good Roll”. The paper they use is made from farm plant waste and guests are offered the choice not to have their rooms cleaned for the entire stay in return for a daily free Gin & Tonic.
Over 100 real plants have been used throughout the hotel and 90% of the furniture is vintage, retro, furniture that was already is available. They also cap the water output on showers and taps.
Roca Rooms is your Urban Retreat that loves Barcelona like no other. It searches for the good things in life, where to eat, where to go and what to do.
