The Delights of Mediterranean Spain

Valencia and the Costa Blanca

The first chapter of this journey is all about soaking in the scenic, cultural and gastronomic delights of Valencia. Effortlessly merging old and new, there is plenty to see and do: you can wander down the river-turned-park of Turia, laze on the long sandy beaches of Las Arenas and El Saler and tour a collection of beautifully-curated museums, such as the photographic collection of the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno and the ceramic collections of the Gonzalez Marti museum. Make sure to pepper your days with lots of breaks for gastronomic treats – paella, Valencian horchata (tiger-nut milk) and indulgent tapas are all popular dishes here. When you’re ready for something stronger, order a jug of ‘Agua de Valencia’ a delicious cocktail based on gin, vodka and local oranges. Make sure to carve out time here to visit the central market, a beautiful covered food market in an old train station with an array of local specialities. There are also plenty of fascinating historic sites, which you’ll have the opportunity to discover in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll visit the cathedral, the Stock Exchange, the Central Market and the Serranos Towers, all of which are spread across the picturesque old town. You’ll also have tickets waiting for you at the hotel for the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex that showcases and celebrates knowledge and creativity, including a planetarium and Omnimax projections at the Hemisfèric.


The second chapter of this Spanish Mediterranean getaway is all about slowing down and connecting with nature. In between all the relaxing and wellness treatments you’ll be enjoying at the hotel, you can head out into the heart of nature. On one of the days you’ll be setting out in the company of an experienced local guide for a hike through the Montgó nature reserve, a sweeping landscape home to a wealth of plant species representative of the Valencia region and the Mediterranean coast. When you’re ready for a dose of culture, there are plenty of beautiful villages that you can get lost in, such as Dénia, Montgó and Javea.

Your Hotels:

Your first hotel is one of Valencia's most attractive: a beautiful hotel spread across two 19th-century buildings in the Eixample Noble district, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens. You’ll spend the first three nights of your trip here, where you’ll be perfectly located for exploring the delights of the city. Your next stop is nestled between Valencia and Alicante, in the small municipality of Sagra - a jewel of an estate and your home for the remaining four nights. Set among over 65,000ft² of lush tropical countryside are five colourful houses, each of which blends rustic charm with contemporary luxury. The estate's former semi-circular bodega has been redesigned as a small, intimate space for wining and dining. There is a large terrace, perfect for enjoying balmy summer evenings, as well as a large swimming pool, spacious communal lounge and well-equipped kitchen and barbecue. Everything here is geared towards wellness and well-being; you’ll have opportunities to take part in yoga and mediation sessions, as well as Ayurvedic treatments. Food lovers will also be able to indulge their taste buds, as the surrounding area boasts a number of fine restaurants, including a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Dénia.
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