those who know El Bierzo (Lion) they end up falling in love with this environment to the core, and not for a specific reason, because there are plenty of reasons to praise this region. Starting with your great landscape wealth, cover of majestic mountains , an imposing cultural fortune and a delicious gastronomy that will make you want to take home all your extensive pantry.
Today we treat ourselves to one of those trips that invite you to rest, oriented towards disconnection and the delight of pampering yourself. That is why we have chosen the rural hotel The Rock Suites & Spa, located at the top of the most famous Berciana rock, the rock of Congosto, from where you can see the best of the landscapes of the region.
The hotel crowns the Congosto rock.
You know you have arrived in El Bierzo when a mighty mountain range welcomes you to this place, that those who discover it always return. we have to get to the town of Congo (A6-Exit 376 towards San Miguel de las Dueñas) to then go up to the Mount Turkey, where our accommodation is located.
We arrived very much looking forward to discover this area of the map, in which we have been assured that you will find corners to remember all your life. The Rock Suites & Spa this surrounded by tranquility , the one that we long for so much we live in big cities.
The hotel, perched on the heights , bases its philosophy on worldly disconnection and the return to the most primitive origins, an objective that it more than achieves and that it complements with a design Nordic and minimalist lines.
After check-in we went out to your terrace and we discover a watcher that surrounds us between astonishment and admiration before its privileged views of the Barcena swamp; in the distance they preside over the landscape Aquilian Mountains and we breathe an indescribable peace.
Exterior view of the spa.
On one of the edges is the crown jewel, an amazing spa surrounded by glass , overlooking an infinite horizon that gives us a haven of tranquility for our senses. We are in one of those places where you forget everything to focus on the nature connection with one's own. Those corners that give us calm for the soul.
This great hotel oriented to all cardinal points, is full of history: formerly it was the house of a German mining engineer who in the 50s worked in the metal extraction of the area.
Today it has become a luxury accommodation with 14 rooms and studios of different sizes and modulations, including multiple duplexes up to 180 square meters to stay to live forever. All of them decorated with the gemstone delicacy , those that are unique and unrepeatable.
The perfect place to disconnect.
The director, Jorge Lopez , tells us that it has been a challenge to convert it into what it is today, a large exclusive complex, but that it has been worth it: “Seeing the great potential of the place, we came up with the idea of converting it into a great traveler's house , those who seek different and unforgettable experiences. Also, you can come to enjoy our spa or restaurant without having to stay at the hotel.
It's time to soak up! We get into its calm waters while we relax in the Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, cold water cauldrons, sauna , stone walk or its waterfalls, in which we would like time to stop. A true journey of new sensations for our body and mind.
To finish off the deep relaxation we choose one of their treatments, it has beauty rituals, massages or special therapies. We stay with a massage with bamboo canes, an oriental technique that favors the energetic balance of the body as well as lymphatic circulation.
They apply it to our face and body, with a soft and pleasant contact with different bamboo canes. And we also tried the therapy himalayan rocks, made with himalayan salt stones, creating physiological and psychological effects including relaxation and decreased stress levels , increasing our sense of well-being and energy. A whole sensory journey!
One of the hotel rooms.
We walk through the environment that has a large terrace with gardens and different native trees, such as its famous oak. In it you can enjoy a refreshing drink while we relax We sunbathed in one of their hammocks.
For the little ones there is a wonderful playground with all kinds of attractions, from classic swings up to one elastic bed. Here they think of everyone! Even in our pets, because you can come with your dog, who sleeps here for free (yes, check the conditions).
El Bierzo is gastronomy , and that is why in this getaway we will take the opportunity to verify it. The hotel has a restaurant that has a wide menu of dishes bathed with a touch of Berciano that makes them unique.
we choose a bowl of jerky premium booking with sheep cheese shavings and olive oil , rice with boletus and foie, grilled sea bass , angus ribs. And for dessert, local strawberries infused with chocolate foam and popcorn powder. A great tribute for demanding palates!
Bacalao Al Ajoarriero.
TO DO
The offer of plans in the area is immense, for all tastes, ages, conditions and desire to explore the area. They have bikes electric at the foot of the hotel , by request, to explore the natural environment of the area.
a must see the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peña , a few meters from the hotel, which stands imposing on the summit of mount Turcia (860 meters) in the heart of El Bierzo.
From this point we admire the beauty of the landscape, in the distance we can see the foothills of Aquiana Peak and the Aquilian mountains to the south, the Cantabrian Mountains to the north , Los Ancares to the west and El Manzanal to the east, a formidable mountainous circus that surrounds the Berciana basin. And as icing on his feet, the “Sea of El Bierzo” , the Barcena Reservoir.
The origins of this sanctuary go back to thirteenth century, in which a tiny hermitage was built. As the story goes, the Virgin of the Rock It was found on a very high rock by some shepherds.
These, very happy, the They went down to the nearest town (Congosto) and placed it in the village church, but the next morning they found her again in the same place of discovery.
They understood that the Virgin preferred that rock to the church and They built a hermitage there. This sanctuary became a convent, then was destroyed by fire and today a small stone church with a watcher that transmits an overwhelming peace.
We cannot leave this area without making a route to explore its wildest nature. One of the most prominent, as well as close, It is the Zofreral Route , in this area is called the cork oaks.
We start from cobrana village and, after a few meters, we get fully into a forest with mediterranean characteristics with Atlantic touches where chestnut trees, cork oaks and strawberry trees they are the protagonists. There is a long route and a short one.
We made the long run to get to the Round Rock viewpoint, where we find a picnic area with vertiginous views of the environment. We recommend going up to the High of the Navallos.
If you are adventurous, this is the perfect plan: Kayaking down the Sil River with Bierzo Nature. The best way to cross the sinuous waters of the Sil, with its rapids and difficulties to finish in the Peñarrubia reservoir where an impressive gorge awaits us. The plans continue because there are also golf course a few kilometers from the hotel and at the foot of the Barcena Reservoir.
And in this wine land They also organize visits to wineries and vineyards with a tasting to savor its Mencía and Godello grape wines. All these activities are managed by the hotel and, if the guest wishes, they can even pick it up at the door If necessary. A getaway that reminds us that the best moments of life always come hand in hand a great trip.
We will be back! See you soon, El Bierzo!
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