Honeymoon special - Andalucia

Your two "luxury nights" can be in either Parador Granada, or Parador Ubeda.

Parador Granada:

The Parador Granada is located right inside the grounds of the Alhambra.  In the evening, when all the other tourists are locked out, you'll be able to wander the gardens of the Alhambra by yourself!  It's very hard to imagine anything more romantic.

           

your room :

 The lower floor of the Rey Fernando Room, with its monastic feel, reflects what may have been the reality of life at the Convent of San Francisco, created by the Catholic Monarchs in 1494. It stands atop a former Nazarid palace, and was converted into a Parador in 1944. The majestic living room in the form of a tower on the upper floor appears to have been designed for the defense of this noble space. It has a hipped coffered ceiling and affords views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lovely city of Granada, the Generalife Palace and grounds of the Alhambra, with the Albayzin Moorish quarter and picturesque Sacromonte in the background.
 

or -

The Reina Isabel Room owes its name to a mandate in the Catholic Queen's will indicating her desire to be buried here at the Convent of San Francisco. The room has balconies overlooking the magnificent gardens of the dryland area belonging to the former medina of the Alhambra. In addition to offering all the necessary services for a comfortable stay, the lightness and comfort of the furnishings in the living room and bedroom ensure that this Unique Room will leave a lasting impression.

 

     

 

Parador Ubeda:

The Parador Ubeda (official name is Parador Condestable Davalos) sits majestically on one side of the Plaza de Vasquez Molina - a plaza with as much character as any in Spain.  It is shaped rather like an "L."  Adjacent to the Parador is the wonderful chapel of El Salvador.  The Palacio de Vasquez de Molina - today acting as city hall - is on one side, and the Renaissance church of Santa Maria de los Reales Alcazares is at the far end of the plaza. In other words, the Parador Ubeda sits in the exact center of the most historically important section of the city.

In addition to a marvelous main plaza, Ubeda is the town in Andalucia with perhaps the largest number of Renaissance palaces.  The town has been called the "Florence of Andalucia."  Wander through the old parts of town and admire the many centuries-old structures still standing and in fine shape.

The Parador Ubeda is the former palace of Don Fernando Ortega Salido.  Originally a Moorish palace - he had it rebuilt to his liking - then had the chapel built right next to it.  Hemingway, Pio Baroja, Garcia Lorca, and Paul Bowles have all stayed here at the Parador, so it has attracted a particularly literary crowd!

     

 

your room :

The Ducal Room is the coziest, largest, most elegant and comfortable room in the hotel . It offers every service (including shower and Jacuzzi) even the most demanding guest might require. The large 1.8x2-meter bed will make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as if you were in your own home. The room has retained the palace’s original flooring, as well as the coffered ceiling and cornice. It has a lovely decorative fireplace, dominated by the only painting of the “Constable” still found in the palace.

 

Interesting excursions from Parador Ubeda into the city:

- Don't miss the Hospital De Santiago.

- The Isabelline style Iglesia de Santiago is well worth a visit.

- The grand Iglesia El Salvador.

- The 17th century Convento de Santa Teresa.

- The chapel of San Juan de la Cruz contains relics of Saint John of the Cross.

Interesting day trips from Ubeda Parador include:

- Driving over to the "twin" town of Baeza makes for a pleasant short trip. 

- Cordoba is an easy day trip, and its many wonders are far too numerous to list here - don't miss the awesome Mezquita, and the Barrio Juderia.

- The Cazorla Nature Preserve is very near and presents great opportunities for hiking and  wildlife observation.

- Jaen is an interesting town with another great Parador that sits atop a massive rocky hill.  Drive over and have lunch - the views from the Parador are incredible.

Ubeda is one of those cities that most tourists pass by.  For those that do visit, a very appealing blend of the 16th century and modern times awaits - as does the magnificent Parador of Ubeda.

Parador Carmona:

The Parador Carmona (official name is Parador Alcazar Del Rey Don Pedro) played a big part in one of Spain's interesting historical epochs.  King Pedro the Cruel (known as Pedro The Just by some) built this fortified pleasure palace during his eventful reign.  He was later killed in a fight with his illegitimate brother, who was contesting the throne.

Pedro, who once said, "A single loaf of bread would be enough to fill the bellies of all those who are loyal to me," had this castle built next to the ruins of an older Moorish fortress - to house his favorite consort and their daughter.  He hired the same Moorish master builders who had built the Alcazar in Sevilla.  They achieved a pleasing mix of Gothic and Moorish styles.  Later kings and queens appreciated the ambience of the place and stayed here - including Ferdinand and Isabella.

The Parador in Carmona is located on the highest hill in the area and commands panoramic views stretching for endless miles out over the plains below.  The oldest parts of the building date to the 12th and 13th centuries during the times of Moorish occupation.  This really is a sumptuous place to stay.  It is peaceful and has one of the most elegant patios you'll ever encounter.

           

You'll enter via the Mudejar courtyard with its gurgling fountain, columns, arches, and Cuenca tiles.  A more captivating courtyard you'd be hard-pressed to find.  The Parador has inlaid walls and ceilings.  In the many halls of the castle, hang medieval swords, banners, and other antiquities of a bygone era.  The bedrooms are all large and have wonderful views to the plains of the river Corbones.  Your accomodations will be filled with the unique light of Andalucia and fitted-out in fine classical decoration.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Carmona:

-  Carmona is a very interesting town that provides the visitor with a chance to explore both Roman and Almohad (Moorish) ruins as well as an appealing old town.

 

Interesting day trips from the Carmona Parador include:

This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips.

- Sevilla is one-of-a-kind and not to be missed.  Many travelers return again and again.

- Cordoba and its awe-inspiring Mezquita and beautiful flower-filled patios.

- Drive out to typical Andalusian towns like Marchena, Utrera, Osuna and others.

There is no place that embodies the feeling of Andalucia more than the Parador in Carmona.  Come here and drink in the romance and sweetness of another age.  You won't want to ever leave!

The 5-night rate of $2,444 to $3,140 (varying by which "luxury rooms" are chosen) includes;

- Two mornings of breakfast and newspaper in your room at your "luxury choice" Parador -
  either Chinchon or Oropesa.
- Bottle of champagne and fruit basket in your room - 2 days at your luxury choice Parador.
- Dinner for two - two nights at your luxury choice Parador.
- Superior double at your other Paradors.
- All taxes