Consolación
A delicious Hotel.
When we first arrived at Consolación, we were pleasantly surprised. The highway leading up to the property was unassuming, but what lay beyond the stone chapel on the hill in the distance, would be a pleasure for all of the senses. Pulling up in the gravel parking lot adjacent to the centuries old baroque church, we caught glimpses of the landscape beyond–some of the prettiest natural scenery we have seen in Spain. We looked at one another and said, “this place is going to be special.”
Consolación is situated in Teruel, in the Matarraña – a province of Aragon that is a lesser discovered area of Spain–undeservedly so. The hillsides are blanketed in pine forests and sprinkled with almond and olive trees. Nature spans as far as the eye can see.
The built environment.
Consolación beautifully balances history, contemporary design, and nature. The central and communal area occupies a restored 14th century hermitage (a secluded settlement of worship) that sits nestled against La Ermita, the baroque church we mentioned before and a focal point of the property. In the hermitage, you will find reception (turned bar by night), the library complete with chandelier and cozy leather Chester sofa, an open kitchen, a playful living area called “the garage”, three guest rooms, and a dining area of stone, glass, and wood, converted from an old outhouse. The restoration has paid careful tribute to the original architecture and infused playful and curious design touches throughout that combine periods and textures. Each area has a unique feel but they somehow all tie together.
One hundred meters from the hermitage are ten individual rooms–36 square meter, passive structures that each face westward with walls of glass framing the mountain views….complete and total privacy. They call these kubes and each one is boldly, yet minimally decorated. Our personal highlight were the in-floor baths of the same black slate that surface the floors of each room. Your highlight may be the suspended fireplace, or the modern magenta tatami bed, or perhaps sipping tea on the balcony with uninterrupted mountain views.
Food.
Consolación has a deep connection to the area and the local suppliers. Quality, local, and organic are the only choices for this team that prides themselves on creating innovative, yet traditional cuisine of the province. A dining room for 30 floods with light from a wall of glass overlooking an intimate patio. To reach it without stepping outside, you must go through the kitchen, which remains open to you at all times. No chef on duty? There’s an open fridge for that.
The Area.
So many hikes to be had! Take your pick from jumping on the Camino de Santiago, to heading down to el Río Matarraña, to searching for prehistoric cave paintings. Biking is also popular along several of these routes. Nearby, you can easily visit local organic olive oil producers, bodegas (wineries), and picturesque medieval villages. Consolación can arrange activities for you if you like.
Good things to know
While there are plenty of outdoor activities at Consolación, we love this hotel for cold cozy stays. Each room has its own fireplace and we’d love to slip into the tub with a glass of wine watching the snow fall on the hillside. Families with young children and/or pets are welcome and the property is a great choice for any events you have planned.
Good Trips perks
Welcome drink
Flexible check-in / check-out when available
Use code CONSGOODTRIPS at booking
At a glance
Location: Teruel, Spain
Price: from €155
Rooms: 13
Nearest Airport: Zaragoza (ZAZ); 2.5 hours
Arrive by: car
Open: Year-round
Sustainability in practice
Consolación is a perfect example of environmental, cultural, and economic responsibility from their philosophy on food, preservation, sustainable building, and work with the local community.
Constructed with local/natural materials
Passive architecture
Preservation of the original architecture
Solar panels
Low chemical pool
Electric vehicle chargers
Ecological, antique, and/or locally made furniture
Locally made art
Ecological / organic food & wine
0KM food / organic garden
Ecological / organic toiletries
Ecological / organic cleaning products
Ecological / organic linens
Plastic-free / Zero waste
Smoke-free
Supports local community and economy