El Gran Sueno, near Infiesto, Asturias, Spain - Explore & Book

"Why Asturias isn’t more well-known is beyond us. Its pristine emerald pastures and snow-capped peaks provide the most refreshing antidote to the heaving Costas of the south and the sweltering concrete of Madrid. You can hike all day here and not see another soul, save for the odd wild horse, yet you’re never too far from a hearty bowl of fabada (Asturian bean stew) and a bustling sidrería (cider bar) packed with merry locals. Join the fiesta and get in on the secret: Asturias is a beauty waiting to be explored. Follow a small mountain road through the foothills of the Picos de Europa to reach El Gran Sueño, a cossetting 5-bedroom guesthouse and 3 sophisticated apartments set in a picturesque hamlet. The delightful owners, Javier and Dave, decided they'd had enough of city life in Brighton, so headed for pastures new here in Javier’s ancestral region. Not only have they built something surpassingly comfortable and stylish, but everything has been done with the utmost love and care - from the eco-friendly ground source heating deep under the garden, to the quirky record player (and great vinyl collection) in the communal living room. This is absolutely not your standard Spanish hotel. El Gran Sueño means The Big Dream, and with the blissful getaway they have created here, it is indeed hard to imagine a sweeter dream than this one. Highs Breathtaking views towards the jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa mountains: a true hiker's paradise Warm, welcoming rooms and apartments with spoiling extras and very friendly prices Javier and Dave are natural hosts who put their heart and soul into their work - and it shows Dave’s home cooking: organic, seasonal and restaurant-quality, with excellent vegetarian and vegan options This part of Asturias has it all - mountains, coast, culture, food, tranquility Lows Strict no children policy (a plus for many!) Although the hotel is full of creature comforts, this is rural Asturias; there are no shops or restaurants within walking distance The climate here is wetter than other parts of Spain, but the reward is green, green, green! Apart from your hosts, almost no English is spoken locally (which is why we love it) - learn a few phrases before you come" - Emily Hirschberg