Welcome to the world of The Paradors of Spain and The Pousadas of Portugal...
...which we hope and believe will be of special interest to you as a member of the Women’s Institute
Why do we believe this? For many reasons, but principally because one issue in particular seems to stand out as supremely important to a great many WI members: the preservation of the heritage and history of the country.
Unlike ‘normal’ hotels, many of which nowadays belong to one or other of several ever-expanding large chains, the Paradors and Pousadas belong respectively to Spain and Portugal. Since their inception in 1928 (Spain) and 1942 (Portugal), the two organisations have grown steadily in number largely by the acquisition of historic buildings - castles, palaces, country mansions, convents, monasteries and the like, many dating back several centuries - whose former owners were eventually unable to afford the very high costs of upkeep. The state provided the necessary funds to restore each of these buildings to its original condition, while at the same time converting each one into a hotel available for people to stay. In this way each one generates its own income in order to off-set the ongoing substantial maintenance and operational costs.
But the great thing is that these wonderful and historic buildings have been, and will continue to be, preserved for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, and to say that some of them are simply magnificent is almost an understatement. A prime example is the superb Parador in Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s north-west region of Galicia: reputedly the oldest ‘hotel’ in the world and traditionally offering well-earned hospitality over the centuries to pilgrims completing the ‘Camino de Santiago’ (St James’s Way), this late- 15thC national monument occupies the entire side of the city’s main square adjacent to the Cathedral of St James.
A much less grand, but still utterly delightful, example of a Pousada is the former 12thC Cistercian monastery in Amares, some 25 miles from the historic city of Guimaräes, the birthplace of modern Portugal. This perfectly preserved 32-room Pousada is located on the edge of the Gerês national park with some of the finest scenery in northern Portugal virtually on the doorstep.
Not all Paradors and Pousadas are historic buildings, however. One of the original aims in the early days of both organisations was to open up areas of their respective countries in places where there was little or no accommodation available to travellers as there was no commercial demand. As a result, you will find Paradors and Pousadas of more recent construction, built in the style of the region and often in spectacular settings, in many ‘off the beaten track’ locations throughout the interior of both countries. These tend to be patronised by the local communities and will often be the logical choice to celebrate weddings, first communions and family get-togethers of all kinds, demonstrating the respect and high regard in which Paradors and Pousadas are held by the Spanish and Portuguese alike.
In short, staying at a Parador or a Pousada is not just another night in a hotel but a real ‘experience’, whether it’s sleeping in a room once occupied by a king, or returning after a day out watching eagles circling above the mountains to enjoy a relaxing drink and sample the delicious regional specialities in the dining room (no paella and chips here!), or maybe if you’ve just been pampered in a luxurious spa, every day will be a day to remember.
Within an organisation the size of the WI, of course there must be a whole range of other interests and pursuits that members enjoy. And what could be better than travelling with a group of friends to a beautiful place and taking part in an activity in which everyone has a common interest? At most of the Paradors and Pousadas we can help you to arrange many different activities to suit your own particular interest during your stay.
A few examples are:
- Riding/pony trekking
- Spanish cookery classes (tapas are becoming very popular!)
- Bird-watching and visits to nature reserves
- Religious visits, including walking all or just part of the Camino de Santiago
- Garden visits
- Classes on Spanish dancing/Spanish language at any level
- Wine tours to regions including Rioja, Navarra, Ribera del Duero, Jerez de la Frontera.....
- Golf
- Bridge
All these, and plenty more, can be arranged for you either travelling individually, with a few friends or family, or as part of a larger group of 15 or more. Of course you may prefer just a quiet relaxing stay in comfort and beautiful surroundings, in which case we’ll find exactly the right place for you.
Last, but of course not least - what is the cost of this type of accommodation? In general, rates for a twin/double room per night, including buffet breakfast, range from around £47.00 to £67.00 per person sharing. Both the Paradors and the Pousadas offer a reduction of 30% for those aged 60 or over (Paradors) and 55 or over (Pousadas), while a number of very attractive ‘special offers’ operate throughout the year starting from under £35.00 per person per night.
Meanwhile...... click here enter our competition – exclusive to WI members – and see if you can win an autumn break in Spain or Portugal, staying at a selection of Paradors or Pousadas?