Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringué ★★★★

Some of the most breath-taking natural landscapes of Europe can be found in the Pyrenees, especially for the intrepid. I felt I was actually on the top of the world when we arrived in Andorra, the magnificent peaks as far as the eye can see have enough rural charm to soften even the hardest city girl's heart. The Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringué is a romantic and sumptuous haven in a gloriously wild backdrop, with enough style and elegance to transport you from the great outdoors straight into the warm heart of luxury.

The pretty edifice of Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringué is made of stone, golden wood and decorated with cheerful bursts of red geraniums. It looks perfect in its surroundings. Step inside though, and be surprised; the mountain lodge has married a boutique spa resort and the union is harmonious and beautiful. An ambience of confident natural luxury greets you. Sumptuous fabrics in creams and golds blend with the warm tones of the wooden features throughout. The light shades reflect the shining peaks of the mountains around, ever present beyond the framing windows. A grand central fireplace takes its rightful place.

The staff have the warmth and courteousness often found in family run businesses, especially when they can be proud of their services, as they are here. Contemporary dance is a leitmotif in all the rooms we are told, with a beautiful print adorning our walls and bringing a romantic and graceful element. The room was well lit, but with perfectly designed indirect and soft lighting, so that every detail facilitates relaxation and calmness. It must be something to do with those still mountains all around. The view from our balcony was simply spectacular, a carpet of spring flowers lay below our feet and then I imagined what it would be like here in the snowy winter and that maybe we could come back to see the blankets of snow... The deluxe beds were comfortable, the room spacious and with every detail taken into consideration. We had a seating area, flat screen TV with plenty of channels to choose from, free Wi-Fi, safe and mini-bar. The bathroom had an inviting bath and shower too. Best of all was the gentle murmuring of the Valira del Nord River outside, lulling us each night into a peaceful sleep.

Of course, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you away from the hotel during the day – if you can leave that is! My husband and his friend love their sports and were off to fire some arrows at the Vallnord resort. He ordered breakfast in our room, finished it and was gone long before I was ready to welcome the day. Happily for us, the Hotel Xalet Bringué has a complete range of equipment for any of the outdoor pursuits that may take your fancy, from the greatest dare-devils to the gentlest hikers, every need is catered for. We women found some hiking sticks and had some wonderful walks with a good refreshing dose of mountain air.

Still, we found plenty of time to enjoy long hours in the gourmet restaurant, sampling tastes of traditional Andorran cuisine, finished to perfection. A large panoramic wooden terrace extends the restaurant out into the world of evergreens and flowing rivers. And, of course, after all that physical exertion, the hotel's spa is just a breath away to help any aching muscles unwind. Decorated with a Greco-Roman design and sourcing water from the surrounding pure mountain streams, this cave of tranquillity facilitates deep relaxation. With a great range of treatments to choose from, my dream mountain retreat got even better...