Honeymoon special - Galicia and Leon

Your two "luxury nights" can be in either Parador Baiona, Parador Santiago, or Parador Leon.

Baiona:

Staying in the Parador Baiona (Bayona) (official name is Parador Conde De Gondomar) - across whose causeway you'll walk directly into the town - you might feel somewhat like the former governor (whose fortified mansion this was) - like a highly privileged person overlooking their domain.

It was here at Baiona (Bayona) that one of Columbus' ships - the Pinta - landed with the first news of the discovery of the new world. 

Though there is a replica of the Pinta for tourists to board and marvel at ("how in the world did they sail across vast unknown oceans in this little keg?!), the town itself has long ago faded from glory.  Today it is a sedate little out-of-the-way place in the off season and a jumping beach scene in the high season.

The Parador Baiona occupies the whole of its own small, fortified peninsula - "Monte Real."   Wandering out along the fortress walls and taking in the sea and harbor views is very pleasant after a splendid meal served in the fine Parador restaurant.  The grounds are well lit, closed to the public, and guarded.  Walking around the lit pathways on warm nights can be especially romantic.  You'll have a small pine forest and private beaches all to yourself!  Parador Bayona really is a very special travel experience.

                

     
 

your room :

This room offers incredibly spectacular views thanks to its splendid circular balcony, which looks out over the entire bay. Among the room's other attractions are the original wooden floor, canopy bed and hydro-massage tub. 

It has lodged a wide variety of important personages: kings, princes, presidents, Nobel Prize winners, artists of international renown, and others.

 

Santiago De Compostela:

The Parador Santiago De Compostela (official name is Parador Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos) is one of the world's finest hotels - and its oldest!  This building has been operating as a hostelery since 1499.  In its still-existing 'foundation document' from that same year, it states that the building was to be dedicated, "as a hostelry for pilgrims and to house comfortably and suitably all devout people, both sick and in good health, who come to the city."

It became a place for weary pilgrims to sleep and get medical attention after their long ordeal of traversing the Camino de Santiago - "The Way of St. James."  For centuries, millions of the faithful have trekked here from all parts of Europe. 

The Parador Santiago has all the fine touches and attention to detail that distinguish world-class hotels.  Your quarters will have marble bathrooms, and heated towel racks add to the elegant feel.  The public areas of the hotel include four cloisters of immense beauty and a dining room that can be described in no other way than regal. The 'signature' of the building is the intricate Plateresque entry which was added in 1678.

         

           

 

your room :

        

The Real Suite is located on the building’s main façade, overlooking the impressive Obradoiro Square. From the balcony, guests have a good view of the façade of Xelmírez Palace, the baroque façade of the cathedral, San Xerome Palace, and Raxoi Palace, home of the Santiago Town Hall. 

The room has a semi-canopy bed (two meters), and a splendid living room with balcony and coffered ceiling. It also contains a full bath with hydro-massage tub.

 

- or -

Known as the Cardinal’s Suite in honor of the Galician bishop Quiroga Palacios, this room is considered one of the building’s finest. Guests will admire the splendid Mudejar-style wooden coffered ceiling and other valuable pieces, such as the 17^th-century monk’s chair, made using gold thread, and the baroque painting of Saint Dorothea. 

The room contains two double canopy beds (1.5 meters each), a fireplace and coffered ceiling, as well as a full bath with hydro-massage tub and shower

 

- or -

Guests will enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay in Room 123, built in 1798 by administrator Nicolás de Neyra to house his offices. From the entrance hall, the bedroom is reached by a few stone steps. It holds a large, comfortable 1.5-meter double bed with canopy. Of special note are the vaulted ceiling and stone wall, which give the room a cozy atmosphere.

 

- or -

Guests will enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay in Room 124, built in 1798 by administrator Nicolás de Neyra to house his offices. From the entrance hall, the bedroom is reached by a few stone steps. It holds a large, comfortable 1.5-meter double bed with canopy. Of special note are the vaulted ceiling and stone wall, which give the room a cozy atmosphere.

 

 

The city of Santiago De Compostela is a beautiful repository of the history of Spain.  Wandering the old quarter never ceases to fascinate.

Interesting sites near the Parador Santiago De Compostela :

- Just across the Plaza do Obradoiro is the awesome Cathedral Del Apostol.  The Cathedral has two facades completed in different centuries - one Baroque, and one Romanesque.  No matter your religion, you must attend a mass and observe the incredible ritual swinging of the 'Botafumeiro.'  This is a giant incense burner that is hoisted, by eight friars, onto ropes the size of a man's thigh - and swung in awesome swooping arcs from one side of the church to the other - really quite a unique spectacle!

- Also right near the Parador of Santiago De Compostela is the Palacio de Gelmirez (open daily for viewing).

- On the western side of the same square is the French Neoclassical Pazo de Raxoi.

- Be sure and walk through the old quarter that surrounds the Plaza do Obradoiro - especially to the south and east.  You'll come upon the Praza das Praterias with its Fuente de los Caballos, and Praza da Quintana and Praza da Azabacheria which fronts the Benedictine Monasterio de San Martina Pinario.

As you roam around on your excursions out from Santiago De Compostela Parador, stop in any one of the dozens of quaint and "tipico" restaurants you'll encounter and try the national dish of Galica - 'pulpo' - octopus.  It is prepared in several different ways and, if you've never had it, may surprise you with its delicious flavor.

Whether you consider yourself a pilgrim or not - for dedicated travelers, Santiago De Compostela is one of the world's few destinations that you must try to see at least once in your lifetime.

Parador Leon:

The Parador Leon (official name is Parador Hostal San Marcos) is one of the finest and most unique hotels in the world.  It has a matchless Plateresque facade and an ornate Baroque interior. Staying here is a dream come true for those who really appreciate traditional architectural design at its finest.  Parador Leon is the epitome of style, and in 1829 the English writer, Edward Cook Widdrington, wrote, "There can be no beauty comparable to the arabesques and adornments of the facade of the monastery of San Marcos."

The true original name of this remarkable building was, La Casa Primada de la Orden de Santiago.  Re-construction and expansion was begun in 1515.  At that time, there was already a pilgrim's hostal on this site that had been founded by a pious local princess, Infanta Doña Sancha.  It has remained a hostelery for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, and also became the seat of a military order of priests, the Order of Saint James.  During the times of the Crusades it also served as a monastery: It has also been a civilian prison, a church, an army barracks and a horse stables and stud farm.  Now - it is one of the very finest Paradors in the Parador chain. 

The Leon Parador surrounds a magnificent cloister that itself is filled with manicured gardens and topped by a colonnaded balcony.  It's architectural style is primarily Plateresque on the outside - a style that was a transition from Gothic to Renaissance - and Baroque on the inside.

               

 

your room :

    

The Torreón Room enjoys the unique quality of being located in one of the towers on the Parador’s spectacular plateresque façade. The reach the room, it is necessary to climb staircase. At the top this luxurious room appears like battlements, with a lovely bed sheltered by a canopy, and a small integrated living room. The balconies overlook beautiful San Marcos Square and the delightful Roman bridge over the Bernesga River, separating the city of Léon into two separate sections. The bathroom is another luxury, with great attention to detail and a large round hydro-massage tub reached by a few steps. A truly Unique Room.

 

- or -

   

The Quevedo Room at the Parador Hostal San Marcos de León is one of the largest and most comfortable rooms in this historic building. The structure has held both a convent and a jail, the latter in which the prestigious writer Francisco de Quevedo was held prisoner for four years. The suite is located in the center of the plateresque façade, with two balconies overlooking the square just before the main façade. Inside it holds two enchanting beds decorated with canopies, and a carved door which opens onto a living rooms with mirrors, tables, tapestries and sideboards carved in fine wood.

 

The city of Leon began as a base for Roman soldiers who were guarding the old gold mines west of the city.  It was the garrison for the seventh legion and got it's name for the Latin word for legion - legio.  It was later the capital of Asturias Y Leon, and was one of the most important stops on the Camino de Santiago.  It remains today a place that has a subtle, yet strong attraction for the traveler. Leon has much to see . . .

Interesting excursions from Parador Leon into the city:

- Don't miss the spectacular Gothic Cathedral - and try to see it at night as well - when it is fully lit up.

- The Casa Botines, designed by the genius architect, Antonio Gaudi.

- The Real Basilica de San Isidro, an absolute gem of the Romanesque style.

- The 17th century Plaza Mayor, and the Plaza Santa Maria.

- The Parador Leon itself is one of the highlights of the city - you'll spend many pleasant hours just wandering and discovering its many fascinating areas - including its own museum.

 

Interesting day trips from the Parador of Leon include:

- Driving up into the mighty Picos de Europa.

- Driving east to visit the beautiful Iglesia de San Miguel de Escalada.

This is one of Spain's very special spots.  If life affords you the chance to visit this extraordinary place - use whatever means necessary to make it happen.

 

 

The 5-night rate of $2,569 to $3,389 (varying by which "luxury rooms" are chosen) includes;

- Two mornings of breakfast and newspaper in your room at your "luxury choice" Parador -
  either Caceres 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, and a standard double in Madrid.
- All taxes