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Whichever type of romantic getaway you’re planning – from
sexy escapes during the early days of passion, to luxury wedding anniversaries
– it’s likely that cuisine will play a big part of your trip. After all, most
couples will have restaurants abroad that pop up in fond memories as much as
any first, second or third dates.
Here’s why we think a trip to the Spanish heartlands can be effortlessly paired with a stay at Salamanca’s lovely Hotel Recoletos CocoSalamanca – as easily, in fact, as fresh tapas with a glass of chilled Spanish white…
Known as La Dorada (the Golden One) due to its historic
sandstone buildings that glow in the sunlight, Salamanca city in western Spain
has plenty going for it when it comes to romantic breaks.
World-class cultural attractions (and plenty of food options) are in abundance at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Try a sunset walk over Roman Bridge on the banks of the Tormes River, before paying a visit to Plaza Mayor, the Old Cathedral, or one among many other Renaissance and Gothic treasures. You’ll have plenty to occupy your time in Salamanca, plus you’re surrounded by fascinating places to explore - Madrid’s only a couple of hours away.
The IBB Hotel Recoletos Coco Salamanca is a wonderful placeto begin your foodie adventure. Enjoy a luxurious meal at the on-site
Restaurant La Antigua, which boasts a wide selection of gourmet treasures
mixing Spanish and Italian influences.
In the summer months, guests can gaze lovingly at one
another over a candlelit setting for dinner in the hotel’s gardens. (This
charming space can also host up to 120 for an outdoor wedding.) Plus, breakfast
can be delivered right to your door after a night of romance.
Guests at this classy property can enjoy rooms of superior
quality, which stand out for their spacious feel and for the quality of their
bedding. Couples are recommended to stay in a Superior Room, complete with
luxury King Size beds.
And depending on the type of celebration you’re exploring, staff
will be more than pleased to create a romantic atmosphere in your room
completed by surprise details you can pre-select. Other features at IBB
Recoletos Coco Salamanca include an outdoor pool, a kid's pool and a lounge
bar. What’s more, the hotel is ideally situated about a 15-20 minute stroll
from the spectacular sights of the city.
There’s much more to Spanish cuisine than the famed seafood
and paella of the coastal regions. The lush inlands with its dry, but cool,
highland air makes the ideal platform for delicious cheeses, blood sausages and
cured meats. Unsurprisingly then, Salamanca has a terrific food culture with
plenty of seasonal produce that’s influenced by the surrounding terrain – a
melting pot of mountains and countryside – along with cultural influences from
the area’s rich history.
Some of the region’s finest dishes include:
When it comes to cheeses, the region certainly doesn’t
disappoint. One favourite here is called ‘hinojosa de duero’. The mountainous
areas have a wide range of fruit and vegetables – fresh figs, beans and ripe
cherries to name just a few.
And if you're a couple who love wine, you should pay
a visit to the Hacienda Zorita Winery. Located close to Salamanca, this local
tourist spot is one example of age-old vines , the likes of which have been
growing in the area since the 14th Century. The Ribera del Duero and the Sierra
de Salamanca are two popular areas which house some of the finest local wines.
The local restaurants around Plaza Mayor are particularly
dreamy places to while away another slow afternoon. You don’t have to be a wine
connoisseur to appreciate the rich full bodied flavours of the reds, or fruity
whites, on most restaurant wine lists in the heart of the city.
Dessert in these parts is historically significant – with
both Islamic and Jewish influenced sweets being enjoyed on an hourly basis.
Today nuns who live at Convento de las Deunas make biscuits and cakes which can
be enjoyed at this centrally located convent. Almonds and honey from Moorish
times can be found in the region too. Look out for a crunchy Alicante Almond
Turron Candy in particular. The renowned producer '1880' makes these crunchy
almond turrón bars utilising premium whole Marcona almonds with local orange
blossom honey following an old artisanal recipe. Other sweet treats here
include rich marzipan and sponge cakes.
Opened back in 2002, This hotel, which first opened in 2002,
is situated in a quiet part of Salamanca. It offers wireless internet access
and free parking, a 24-hour reception and has 82 rooms, including 6 singles, 74
doubles and 2 junior suites.
Address: IBB Recoletos Coco Salamanca, Av. de los Agustinos Recoletos, 44, 37005 Salamanca, Spain
If you’re food lovers, you could also enjoy a luxury stay at County Mayo’s Ashford Castle in Ireland. Pick between fine traditional dining
in their George V Dining Room, the atmospheric Dungeon or a spot of afternoon
tea in the Connaught Room.
The Montague on the Gardens in London’s ever-hip Bloomsbury
is situated close to lots of world-class international cuisine. On-site you can
savour this magnificent hotel’s extensive collection of vintage wines, or enjoy
their fun and tantalising Safari themed afternoon tea.
Elsewhere, the Grand Hotel Majestic "già Baglioni"in Bologna would make a perfect base to explore some of the local cuisine ofnorthern Italy - such as a visit to Fico Eataly World, the foodie theme park,
which offers intimate cooking classes.
Finally, check out our list of the 9 most romantic dinners around the world.
