Hotel Villa Retiro

A luxury small hotel near the River Ebro

Hotel Villa Retiro is a unique country house originally built in 1882 by a famous architect of the era called Josep Fontseré, one of Gaudi's masters. 

Click on the picture above for more photos

Designed in a distinctive Modernist/Colonial style, it's hardly surprising that the house is listed as a place of historical architectural interest. The exterior certainly brings to mind some of Gaudi's elaborate creations. Recent restoration has been carried out respecting all the original style and bringing everything up to a state of near perfection.

The hotel has endeavoured to recreate the atmosphere of a family home. There are 9 guest rooms, two of which are suites. Marble basins, hand-painted tiles, bedrooms fitted out with the best wooden furniture and four-poster beds go hand in hand with flat-screen television, internet, DVD, air conditioning, telephone, safe, mini-bar and even towel warmers, creating the only 5-star hotel in this area along the river Ebro. The elegantly decorated rooms are all both spacious and relaxing.

In the lush gardens there are fruit trees, palm trees and other tropical plants jumbled together with exuberant streams, pools and waterfalls. A massive and spectacular rubber tree beside the restaurant has even managed to drive its roots inside to become "a work of natural art" displayed behind a glass cabinet.

Even the swimming-pool shares in the high spirits of the house and garden, with its own outdoor hydro-massage and cascades, and the spa alongside.

Restaurant:

The gourmet restaurant “Torreó de l’Indià” is open to the general public as well as hotel guests, under the guidance of young Chef Fran López. There are three separate dining rooms in the old stables, each distinctively different yet sharing the stunning views of the fine garden and trees. Authentic nouveau cuisine is prepared using fresh, seasonal organic produce. The food is based on Mediterranean diet with traditional recipes brought up to date using new ideas and making the most of local produce. As well as the main menu, each day the chef creates a "tasting menu", offering guests an exquisite meal comprising a multiplicity of small dishes. There is an extensive wine and water list available and the possibility to leave the choice of wines to our Chef and Maitre d’Hôte who will suggest the perfect wine to accompany each dish.

Chef Fran trained at the famous Hoffman Hotel School in Barcelona, then continued his development at the Alain Ducasse Formation in Paris. He worked side by side with famous top chefs at the Hotel Place Athenée Restaurant in Paris which is listed in the world famous Michelin Guide.

Spa:

The spa provides a comprehensive range of massages and treatments, many based on ancient Ayurvedic therapy or 'the science of life', techniques for pain relief, mind relaxation and inner peace. There are also a hair salon, solarium, sauna, steam bath and a small gym.

A Word From the Owner:

"Our tradition and vocation as hoteliers together with the fascination inspired by this old colonial manor induced us to restore the building to its by-gone glory. It was not an easy task and the careful restoration carried out on the building maintaining the beautiful gardens has succeeded in preserving a local Monument with its modernist/colonial style and exuberant environment. Finally our project has born fruit.

We like to think that the great difference to be found at Villa Retiro is the personal touch received by all guests as well as discovering the peculiarities of this country house. Our greatest challenge is not only to satisfy our client's needs, but to surpass them: to gain a satisfied customer. We therefore do all we can to attend to guests from the beginning until the end of their stay (even after their stay!) Don't wait for somebody to tell you about Hotel Villa Retiro! Find out for yourself - we are longing to surprise you! "

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Bar Restaurant Garden Swimming Pool Spa Small gym Concierge Baby-sitting service Laundry service Cycle hire Quad hire Car park	Telephone Satellite TV CD/DVD player Internet connection Minibar Room service Safe En-suite bathroom Hair dryer Bathrobes and slippers Choice of pillows Air conditioning and heating

Nearby Amenities:

This area is especially privileged as Xerta is right on the River Ebro (a fisherman's paradise renowned for its huge catfish) and the "Green Way" (Via verde) bicycle track formed from part of an old railway track going from Tortosa to Arnes (40 kms.).
The beach is 20 minutes away.
"Els Ports" natural park with its stunning scenery is just up the road.
Tierra Alta, famous for its wineries, is also a 15 minute drive away.
There are a number of other interesting excursiones nearby including the "Priorat" also famous for its vineyards and the Cister route (monasteries, etc.).
The whole area is full of innumerable small villages and picnic spots that are beautifully unspoilt.
Towards the coast (20 minutes away) sits the famous Delta del Ebro area alongside the second biggest fishing port in Spain San Carlos de la Rápita with its endless choice of fish restaurants and lovely neighbouring smaller ports: really worth visiting.
There are numerous small villages where different visits are organised to see traditional skills still being applied (eg. Raffia work, olive oil production, etc.)

What We Say:

"Unique" is the only possible word. The fantasy turrets and crenellations look as if they have been crafted from marzipan and icing sugar. The gardens are a riot of exotic plants and tumbling water. The interior is luxury personified. The food.......oh the food!......."

Guest Feedback:

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Room Rates in Euros (2010)
	High Season	Low Season
	Jul & Aug All Fri, Sat, Sun Public Holidays	Mon - Thu except Jul & Aug
Double Room	€ 257	€ 150
Double Room (single occupancy)	€ 203	€ 97
Suite	€ 492	€ 350
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Prices are per room per night (2 people) including breakfast All prices include VAT A ground floor room with ramp access is available for disabled guests Extra bed (third person): € 32 per night Cot (under 2 years): Free Half Board and Full Board are available Check Availability     Book Now!    Special Offers

Deposit:

No deposit. Just a credit card number is required to guarantee a reservation.

Cancellations:

Cancellations must be received in writing (fax or e-mail) at least 2 days before scheduled arrival. Later cancellations will be charged for one night, unless the room can be re-booked.