Bonansa Country Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” we get. “Don’t judge a hotel by the herd of sheep on the way in,” is...more challenging. Yet that was the mission of journalists Mercè Gili and Javier Ricou—to revamp the image and caliber of mountain accommodation. Even remote, sheep-filled villages in the Pyrenees. What they’ve created is all the right kinds of surprising. The rustic stonework of a village property remains, yet the hotel is simultaneously sleek, modern and contemporary: all luxe wooden panels and a Scandi-inspired spa. Though, anyone else wondering where that sheepskin rug in reception came from? What’s the crowd like?Urban escapists. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There are three tiers of rooms: six superior doubles, one junior suite, and one suite. All have mountain views, but the suites (unsurprisingly) up the game. The top dog with a private hot tub, though the junior suite wins with a skywards view that lets you watch the stars as you lay in bed. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Dream-inducing—they make it easy to disconnect. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Yes, it’s all about the little touches that you never have time to sort at home: a stash of magazines, a well-stocked basket of fruit. Though, if we got greedy, the log-burning stove downstairs is what we’d really like to beam back to our place. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Lush robes and access to an actual spa—complete with sauna and swimming pool jets. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Strong as an ox. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There’s a GastroBar with eats and liquid treats (wine, cava, champagne). What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The tranquility is priceless. Bottom line: worth it, and why?A must for anyone who can’t remember the last time they saw every single star in the night sky. Maybe the sheep had it right after all."
