In an ever-changing world, it’s poetic to find a place that brings you inner peace and awakens the essence of a land. This is what we felt upon arriving at Hotel La Caminera Golf & Country Club, a five-star property of Sallés Hotels nestled in the beautiful Spanish countryside. We were looking for a peaceful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid for the weekend while enjoying gourmet dining and outdoor activities. Hotel La Caminera proved to be the ideal place for our dream getaway!
A Glimpse of Hotel La Caminera
Situated amidst a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, La Caminera Club de Campo is a fully remodeled Manchegan stately country estate in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. This well-known region of windmills, wine and cheese has inspired writers and poets from all over the world. Surely you have heard of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, which tells the fearless adventures of a medieval knight and his squire; well, this famous novel takes place in these very same lands!
As you enter through the estate’s main gate, a picturesque driveway leads to the hotel which sits on top of a hill. This priviledge setting provides guests with stunning views overlooking the pristine Campo de Montiel. The stone walls and tile roofs add a lovely rustic touch to the building’s exterior, but once you step inside, the lobby is even nicer. Carefully decorated with comfortable sofas, hanging lamps and beautiful fresh flowers, this spacious and refined double-height hall hinted that we were going to love every corner of this hotel.
A Dream Stay in Hotel La Caminera Junior Suite
The 61 luxurious rooms at Hotel La Caminera are arranged around a grand inner courtyard with plenty of sitting areas to chill out and relax. Among all these fantastic rooms, we had the pleasure to stay in a fabulous Junior Suite.
Imagine stepping into a spacious haven of luxury and comfort, where every detail has been meticulously designed to ensure a memorable stay. We were welcomed by a warm and inviting ambiance, with elegant furnishings and tasteful decor that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. The layout of the suite created a sense of space and tranquility, allowing us to unwind in style.
The centerpiece of the suite was the luxurious king-size bed, adorned with plush linens and soft pillows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Positioned to maximize the panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards, the bed offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking scenery that lies just beyond the windows.
Adjacent to the bed is a cozy seating area, where I was able to curl up in serenity with my favorite book. The comfortable armchairs and coffee table provided the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening as we admired the incredible views. The suite also featured a spacious work desk and a wonderful walk-in closet offering ample space to organize all our travel belongings.
For families travelling with kids, having a living room separated from the sleeping area is a must. In the Junior Suite there is a clear separation between these two ambiences. The lounge was perfectly isolated with a comfortable sofa, TV, and a minibar with everything we needed to continue enjoying the night while our baby was sleeping peacefully just in the next room.
The luxurious marble bathroom is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring a deep soaking tub, separate walk-in shower with hydromassage, and a selection of premium bath amenities. Bathrobes and slippers were provided for our comfort, adding an extra touch of indulgence to this dream stay.
Top-to-Toe Pampering and Relaxation at Elaiwa Spa
Our stay at the luxurious Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo was beyond relaxing thanks to their incredible spa! Designed to evoke a sense of serenity and harmony, Elaiwa Spa exudes understated elegance with its contemporary design, soothing color palette, and natural elements.
As we entered the spa, we were enveloped in a sense of calm. Soft lighting, gentle music, and the subtle scent of essential oils filled the air. The essence of Elaiwa Spa is found in the olive trees to provide a holistic and intimate experience based on connection with the land and a merging of Mediterranean nature with La Mancha character.
The spa features a variety of facilities designed to cater to your every need. We began our journey of relaxation in the lounge, sipping on a refreshing herbal tea as we prepared to embark on our spa experience. We indulged our senses with a visit to the thermal circuit, where a series of hydrotherapy experiences awaited.
Their dynamic pool with swan-neck jets, bubble beds, water cascades and a hot tub allowed us to melt away all our stress. That was definitely our favorite part of the water circuit, although we also took the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the soothing warmth of the Finnish sauna and Turkish bath plus their relaxation area with thermal stone loungers and chromotherapy – each designed to cleanse the body, relax the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, Elaiwa Spa offers a range of five-star treatments and massages, based on the theory of the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, the powerful benefits of aromatherapy, and the best manual techniques from around the world.
I was very impressed with their Olive Oil Spa Sommelier concept! This truly unique ritual begins with a olive oil tasting of different Spanish varieties, which come from the three types of olive trees found in La Mancha: Picual, Arbequina and Cornicabra. Depending on your olive oil choice and your wellness needs, your expert Olive Oil Spa Sommelier will personalise your massage to make you feel totally relaxed and pampered from head to toe.
Retama Retaurant: The Ultimate Michelin-Starred Dining Experience
A highlight of our stay at Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo was dinner at their award-winning Restaurante Retama! This culinary haven, where gourmet cuisine meets the Manchegan flavors and traditions, has recently earned a Michelin Star, two Repsol Suns (2023 & 2024) and the Raíz Culinaria Award (2023) for its wine selection. We were thrilled to try this fine dining restaurant and our experience turned out to be nothing short of amazing.
The menu of Retama Restaurant showcases the finest seasonal and 100% organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and artisans, creating a farm-to-table experience in which each dish is fresh, flavorful, and inspired by the bounty of the land. Following Manchegan culinary heritage and comiitted to sustainable gastronomy, Chef Miguel Ángel Expósito and sommelier Vicenta “Pity” Rojo, along with their talented team, work tirelessly to craft innovative and exquisite dishes and offer a five-star service.
They served us the Traditional Gastronomic Experience with the best local wine pairings. We started with an impressive interactive display that represented the nearby landscapes of La Mancha from which we could try small appetizers. Afterwards, we moved to the dining salon where rustic wooden elements, exposed brick walls, and a minimalist yet elegant décor made us feel immersed in a cozy atmosphere of understated sophistication.
All the courses of the gourmet menu, expertly prepared and beautifully presented, were a delight, but my favourite dish was the succulent Manchego lamb with chestnut cream. As for dessert, I absolutely loved the lavender cream, herb sponge cake and honey veil with rosemary – a masterpiece of flavor and presentation, providing the perfect sweet finale to an unforgettable Spanish dining experience.
Golf, Wine and More
It’s difficult to summarise in a single article all the wonders that Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo has to offer, not to mention all the fantastic activities that guests can enjoy in nearby towns such as Valdepeñas, famous for its wine cellars. But if you prefer not to leave the estate, as we did, a weekend is too short to get the most out of this luxurious lodging. If weather permits, I highly recommend spending an afternoon playing golf on their private course. You don’t even need to bring your own equipment because at their Golf Club office, they will provide you with everything you need to play!
The hotel’s dining options are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. In addition to Retama Resturant, we enjoyed an exquisite breakfast buffet every morning at La Campiña Restaurant, and tried delicious meals at El Prado Restaurant, which also featured a tranquil lounge area and a terrace by the pool, where we were able to relax with a drink while admiring stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For wine lovers, the hotel boasts its own wine cellar with the best selection of local and international wines.
Furthermore, Hotel La Caminera offers an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center for guests looking to stay active during their stay. Additionally, there are elegant event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions, and even a private airport and hangar with capacity for private jets!
It was very helpful that they provided a babysitting service which allowed us to have dinner at Retama Restaurant and spend a few hours unwinding as a couple at Elaiwa Spa. We were also able to conveniently charge our electric car at the estate’s own facilities, taking away an extra worry for our return journey to Madrid.
Lastly
Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo offers a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking a peaceful gataway in La Mancha countryside. With elegant accommodations, exquisite dining options, and unparalleled leisure facilities, the hotel provide guests with an unforgettable experience of relaxation and indulgence, and a true taste of Spanish hospitality. Set amidst picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, it epitomizes tranquility and sophistication, making it a premier destination for luxury travelers seeking a refined escape.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Hotel La Caminera Club de Campo, but all opinions here are my own.
