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2008-07-25 00:00:00
At the foot of the Sierra de Mariola mountains stands the newly opened Hotel Ferrero, the first hotel venture by renowned Valencian tennis star Juan Carlos Ferrero. An outright perfectionist both on and 0ff court, Ferrero has undoubtedly served an ace with this exclusive establishment. Formerly known as the Masia del Giner, this country house of almost 120,000 square metres, with spectacular gardens that include tennis and paddle tennis courts, has recently been transformed into one of the most fascinating new hotel ventures, in which 12 impeccably decorated suites provide the perfect base for guests wishing to enjoy a great spa, gym and swimming pool or to sample exquisite cuisine at the hands of prestigious chef Silvia Gavara.
Area known for for its beautiful trees, medicinal herbs and spring waters. It is a new concept in hotels, one where nature is in harmony with technology and functionality - and of course, with top quality desing. A new relationship between nature, man and his surroundings. Leisure, fitness and relaxation are our main focus, and the location an altitude provide an unspoilt, nature environment for this.
The lafe-nineteenth-century country house has been completely refurbished under the expert guidance of Valencian architect Luis Sendra. Painted a playful yet elegant blue, the refurbished hotel has retained the building’s original structure, its towers and its battlements, while its interior provides guests with the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The hotel boasts just 12 suites — six of which enjoy a magnificent terrace complete with Jacuzzi. All 12 have been slyled by Estudio M de l, the studio of interior designer Carlos Serra, with the spotlight resolutely given over to clean lines, a functional aesthetic and elegant materials such as wood and stone. Communal areas include the library, the chill-out zone and two restaurants — Gavara and Goku — both of which feature dishes by Silvia Gavara and benefit from the impeccable service of maitre.
All the facilities at the Hotel Ferrero are light and airy, comfortable and welcoming, and aimed at pleasing our most demanding guests
Ctra. Bocairent-Villena km. 15,5 Bocairent (Valencia)
Tel. 0034 962355182
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2008-07-25 00:00:00
Peñíscola casfle, better known as the castle of Papa Luna, celebrated the 700-th anniversary of its founding in November and the celebrations will continue into 2008. Peñíscola castle was the last to be built by the Order of the Temple before this organisation abruptly disappeared, and is one of the most well preserved Templar castle in the whole of Spain.
Its history begins in the 12-th century when the Moors built a fortress on the site on which the castle now stands, making good use of a strategic site. King Jaime I the Conqueror captured the fortress, and subsequently presented it to Arnaldo de Cardona. Years later, ownership of the castle revertedto the Spanish Crown, upon which King Jaime II granted it to the Templars in exchange for the castle at Tortosa. The construction of Peñíscola castle as we know it began in 1294, and it took 12 years in the building.
The Order of the Temple transformed the Moorish citadel, converting it into a castle and convent. Following the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in 1312, the castle fell into the hands of Jaime II, King of Aragon, who gave it over to the Order of Montesa in 1317. Knights of the Order of Montesa occupied the castle for several years bafore ceding it to Benedict XIII, known as Pope or Papa Luna, who then took up residence there.
During the reign of Ferdinand, the Catholic King, the castle became property of the Crown once again, and it was given an architectural overhaul under King Felipe II. Alongside the Vatican and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, Peñíscola castle boasts the distinction of being the Papal Seat an honour held by only three places in the whole of history.
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2008-07-25 00:00:00
At the foot of the Sierra de Mariola mountains stands the newly opened Hotel Ferrero, the first hotel venture by renowned Valencian tennis star Juan Carlos Ferrero. An outright perfectionist both on and 0ff court, Ferrero has undoubtedly served an ace with this exclusive establishment. Formerly known as the Masia del Giner, this country house of almost 120,000 square metres, with spectacular gardens that include tennis and paddle tennis courts, has recently been transformed into one of the most fascinating new hotel ventures, in which 12 impeccably decorated suites provide the perfect base for guests wishing to enjoy a great spa, gym and swimming pool or to sample exquisite cuisine at the hands of prestigious chef Silvia Gavara.
Area known for for its beautiful trees, medicinal herbs and spring waters. It is a new concept in hotels, one where nature is in harmony with technology and functionality - and of course, with top quality desing. A new relationship between nature, man and his surroundings. Leisure, fitness and relaxation are our main focus, and the location an altitude provide an unspoilt, nature environment for this.
The lafe-nineteenth-century country house has been completely refurbished under the expert guidance of Valencian architect Luis Sendra. Painted a playful yet elegant blue, the refurbished hotel has retained the building’s original structure, its towers and its battlements, while its interior provides guests with the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The hotel boasts just 12 suites — six of which enjoy a magnificent terrace complete with Jacuzzi. All 12 have been slyled by Estudio M de l, the studio of interior designer Carlos Serra, with the spotlight resolutely given over to clean lines, a functional aesthetic and elegant materials such as wood and stone. Communal areas include the library, the chill-out zone and two restaurants — Gavara and Goku — both of which feature dishes by Silvia Gavara and benefit from the impeccable service of maitre.
All the facilities at the Hotel Ferrero are light and airy, comfortable and welcoming, and aimed at pleasing our most demanding guests
Ctra. Bocairent-Villena km. 15,5 Bocairent (Valencia)
Tel. 0034 962355182
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2008-07-25 00:00:00
Peñíscola casfle, better known as the castle of Papa Luna, celebrated the 700-th anniversary of its founding in November and the celebrations will continue into 2008. Peñíscola castle was the last to be built by the Order of the Temple before this organisation abruptly disappeared, and is one of the most well preserved Templar castle in the whole of Spain.
Its history begins in the 12-th century when the Moors built a fortress on the site on which the castle now stands, making good use of a strategic site. King Jaime I the Conqueror captured the fortress, and subsequently presented it to Arnaldo de Cardona. Years later, ownership of the castle revertedto the Spanish Crown, upon which King Jaime II granted it to the Templars in exchange for the castle at Tortosa. The construction of Peñíscola castle as we know it began in 1294, and it took 12 years in the building.
The Order of the Temple transformed the Moorish citadel, converting it into a castle and convent. Following the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in 1312, the castle fell into the hands of Jaime II, King of Aragon, who gave it over to the Order of Montesa in 1317. Knights of the Order of Montesa occupied the castle for several years bafore ceding it to Benedict XIII, known as Pope or Papa Luna, who then took up residence there.
During the reign of Ferdinand, the Catholic King, the castle became property of the Crown once again, and it was given an architectural overhaul under King Felipe II. Alongside the Vatican and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, Peñíscola castle boasts the distinction of being the Papal Seat an honour held by only three places in the whole of history.
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2008-07-25 00:00:00
At the foot of the Sierra de Mariola mountains stands the newly opened Hotel Ferrero, the first hotel venture by renowned Valencian tennis star Juan Carlos Ferrero. An outright perfectionist both on and 0ff court, Ferrero has undoubtedly served an ace with this exclusive establishment. Formerly known as the Masia del Giner, this country house of almost 120,000 square metres, with spectacular gardens that include tennis and paddle tennis courts, has recently been transformed into one of the most fascinating new hotel ventures, in which 12 impeccably decorated suites provide the perfect base for guests wishing to enjoy a great spa, gym and swimming pool or to sample exquisite cuisineat the hands of prestigious chef Silvia Gavara.
Area known for for its beautiful trees, medicinal herbs and spring waters. It is a new concept in hotels, one where nature is in harmony with technology and functionality - and of course, with top quality desing. A new relationship between nature, man and his surroundings. Leisure, fitness and relaxation are our main focus, and the location an altitude provide an unspoilt, nature environment for this.
The lafe-nineteenth-century country house has been completely refurbished under the expert guidance of Valencian architect Luis Sendra. Painted a playful yet elegant blue, the refurbished hotel has retained the building’s original structure, its towers and its battlements, while its interior provides guests with the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The hotel boasts just 12 suites — six of which enjoy a magnificent terrace complete with Jacuzzi. All 12 have been slyled by Estudio M de l, the studio of interior designer Carlos Serra, with the spotlight resolutely given over to clean lines, a functional aesthetic and elegant materials such as wood and stone. Communal areas include the library, the chill-out zone and two restaurants — Gavara and Goku — both of which feature dishes by Silvia Gavara and benefit from the impeccable service of maitre.
All the facilities at the Hotel Ferrero are light and airy, comfortable and welcoming, and aimed at pleasing our most demanding guests
Ctra. Bocairent-Villena km. 15,5 Bocairent (Valencia)
Tel. 0034 962355182
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2008-07-25 00:00:00
Peñíscola casfle, better known as the castle of Papa Luna, celebrated the 700-th anniversary of its founding in November and the celebrations will continue into 2008. Peñíscola castle was the last to be built by the Order of the Temple before this organisation abruptly disappeared, and is one of the most well preserved Templar castle in the whole of Spain.
Its history begins in the 12-th century when the Moors built a fortress on the site on which the castle now stands, making good use of a strategic site. King Jaime I the Conqueror captured the fortress, and subsequently presented it to Arnaldo de Cardona. Years later, ownership of the castle reverted to theSpanish Crown, upon which King Jaime II granted it to the Templars in exchange for the castle at Tortosa. The construction of Peñíscola castle as we know it began in 1294, and it took 12 years in the building.
The Order of the Temple transformed the Moorish citadel, converting it into a castle and convent. Following the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in 1312, the castle fell into the hands of Jaime II, King of Aragon, who gave it over to the Order of Montesa in 1317. Knights of the Order of Montesa occupied the castle for several years bafore ceding it to Benedict XIII, known as Pope or Papa Luna, who then took up residence there.
During the reign of Ferdinand, the Catholic King, the castle became property of the Crown once again, and it was given an architectural overhaul under King Felipe II. Alongside the Vatican and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, Peñíscola castle boasts the distinction of being the Papal Seat an honour held by only three places in the whole of history.
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2008-07-20 00:00:00
Campsite Azahar residencial affordable luxury. Located in the area of Peñiscola, Castellón, the Camping Azahar Residencial campsite is the ideal place to spend a family holiday. It is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Costa Azahar coast and adjoins the impressive pine and eucalyptus woodlands that make up the Sierra d’lrta natural park.
This establishment offers five different types of accommodation with luxury finishes: single-storey mountain refuges, wooden chalets, beach houses, super deluxe mobile homes and shoreline apartments. All have been newly built and are fully equipped, and the campsite’s facilities have all been adapted to provide access for people with reduced mobility.
The Azahar Residencial also boasts excellent services such as: a restaurant with an outdoor terrace; a bar; a cafe; a communal lounge; fridge hire; a children‘s playground; a shop; a spa centre that includes Hamman treatments, a Finnish sauna, an aromatherapy shower, an alternating hot-cold “Scottish” shower, a raindance shower, massage rooms for natural therapies, wraps and corporal beauty treatments, an ice fountain, a hydro-massage tub and a jacuzzi. Outdoors, there is also a boules pitch, crazy golf, table tennis, an animal park, an internet cafe, bicycle hire, a barbecue with an outdoor bar/picnic area, and a swimming pool for adults and children that includes a second jacuzzi.
The pitches are large and level and are populated by trees. There is also a new modern heated shower block and is also accessible for persons with reduced mobility. It also provides hot water free of charge.
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2008-07-20 00:00:00
Campsite Azahar residencial affordable luxury. Located in the area of Peñiscola, Castellón, the Camping Azahar Residencial campsite is the ideal place to spend a family holiday. It is set in one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Costa Azahar coast and adjoins the impressive pine and eucalyptus woodlands that make up the Sierra d’lrta natural park.
This establishment offers five different types of accommodation with luxury finishes: single-storey mountain refuges, wooden chalets, beach houses, super deluxe mobile homes and shoreline apartments. All have been newly built and are fully equipped, and the campsite’s facilities have all been adapted to provide access for people with reduced mobility.
The Azahar Residencial also boasts excellent services such as: a restaurant with an outdoor terrace; a bar; a cafe; a communal lounge; fridge hire; a children‘s playground; a shop; a spa centre that includes Hamman treatments, a Finnish sauna, an aromatherapy shower, an alternating hot-cold “Scottish” shower, a raindance shower, massage rooms for natural therapies, wraps and corporal beauty treatments, an ice fountain, a hydro-massage tub and a jacuzzi. Outdoors, there is also a boules pitch, crazy golf, table tennis, an animal park, an internet cafe, bicycle hire, a barbecue with an outdoor bar/picnic area, and a swimming pool for adults and children that includes a second jacuzzi.
The pitches are large and level and are populated by trees. There is also a new modern heated shower block and is also accessible for persons with reduced mobility. It also provides hot water free of charge.
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2008-07-19 00:00:00
Active tourism is the best way to discover the hidden secret gems of nature in the region of valencia.
A cross between a montorbike and a roller skate, the segway can handle tracks and paths through the greenest countryside. Strenuous but safe, speleology is a blend of science and leisure that reveals the reality of the underground world. Paintball is a competitive team sport which ends in friendly warfare… All of these come under the banner of adventure tourism, combining nature and the latest technology to create the perfect excuse to discover the delights of the Alicante mountains, where a paradise of live, sensations and landscapes makes for an attractive and highly entertaining option all year round.
Discover the landscape
With activities that include hiking, canyoning, speleology and bike rides, active tourism is the best wayto discover the hidden secret gems of nature in the Region of Valencia. You’ll be safe in the expert hands of professionals from any one of the seven companies currently operating in the Alicante mountains, such as Turismo Rural Actiu (Tururac). You can have great fun participating in different sporting activities supervised by experts. With the help of knowledgeable guides, you can discover the landscape and flora and fauna along almost 700 kilometres of trails and even explore the history, culture, crafts and cuisine of the three districts that make up the province of Alicante: La Marina Alta, La Marina Baja and El Comtat.
Rock climbing, cycling, walking, trekking, canyoning, speleology… whether it be an extreme sport, good stroll or quiet nature watching, these are just some of the activities available in the area. The more daring can opt for rock climbing which can be practised all year round with an instructor and, of course specialist shoes, ropes and harnesses. For the more sedate, there are long walks and guided trails on segways, where you can discover the countryside and enjoy the ride. vertical adventure training amongst the pine trees at castellet de orba offers heady thills for the brave-hearted. But that’s not all! There are plenty more sport and activities that can you can take part in at any time of the year, such as indoor rock climbing, rope bridges, abseiling and archery. In short, there’s something for everyone.
Paintball and Adventure Parks
The adventure park at the foot of El Castellet de Orba isn‘t just a passing craze for kids and teens: its circuits and beautiful location and surroundings make this park an attractive option at any time of year. For those who love heights, there’s abseiling. The indoor rock face has a surface area of 35 metres and several routes with varying degrees of difficulty. There are rope bridges made of parallel logs, netting or logs in a line, all making up a vertical adventure among the pine trees that offers heady thrills for the brave-hearted.
There are even activities for the younger ones here, as they can try their hand at climbing with the assistance of a specialised children’s instructor. Paintball is currently all the rage: one battle field, two teams and only one winner. It‘s perfect for letting 0ff steam and is fun, enjoyable and easy. There are many different types of game and here it’s played by two teams with a minimum of three players, the maximum number is limited only by the size of the field, who must capture the flag.
Continue reading part 2 Adventure and Tourism
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2008-07-19 00:00:00
Journey to the centre of the earth
Speleology is a mixture of science and adventure, a journey to the centre of the earth via narrow passages and dark openings, allowing you to discover an underground world and to enjoy an adventure many metres below the earth’s surface. Caves and potholes might seem overawing as you enter them, but when you get to the bottom, nothing else matters.
With over 200 potholes and caves in the Alicantemountains, speleology is a great option. There’s a whole underground world to discover, with caves like the cavel Rull in Vall d’Ebo, which has been equipped for visitors, and other, more hidden caves, like the cave Somo in Castell de Castells or Volumini, in Segaria. Knowrn locally as avencs, many of these potholes can be extremely beautiful, such as the Avenc Ample. While speleology is an adventure in itself, in the Alicante mountains it can also be combined with other activities, such as walking, canyoning and abseiling.
Live the adventure
Although the three districts of Alicante have become the place te be for adventure sports on terra firma, on the banks of the Serpis and even underground, the Tururac adventure firm also runs boat trips along the Mediterranean coastline, with trips between Martín and the Isla del Descubridor island via unspoilt coves. There are also alternative walking trails through Castell de Castells, Vall de Alcalá, Alahuar and Fontilles, visiting historical buildings, ancestral villages and deserted Moorish settlements such as that of the mythical chieftain Al Azraq, mediaeval castles, snow wells and rock art.
The Alicante mountains are the perfect destination for adventure, where you cannot only choose from over a dozen activities, but also specify how you want them. All seven operators offer packages to suit all tastes, from just one day to a weekend or even longer, with or without accommodation. All you need to do is set a date for your outdoor adventure, when you will explore countryside, rivers, towns and villages at your leisure, whether it’s to enjoy the sunshine or the cool shade of the caves and potholes — any time of the year is good.
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