Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa

The breakfast with scenic river views was a highlight. Guests appreciated the attentive, friendly staff. Comfortable beds and spacious rooms with lovely terrace views were also praised.

We grabbed four nights here on something of a whim and built an enjoyable and informative northern Spain trip around our stay at the Hacienda. The bones of this splendid property are a 14th century monastery where Columbus – along with academics from the nearby Salamanca University and representatives of the royalty -- met to finalize his trip to the New World and hand over the check to make it possible. (I do not hold this against the present owners.) The exquisite renovation is even more astonishing after viewing photos of the sad state of the buildings in the early 20th century. Architectural brilliance and craftsmanship are evident throughout, from the spacious bedrooms with hand-hewn ceiling timbers to the inviting variety of sitting areas, complete with fireplace, period artwork and comfortable furniture. We ate dinner at the hotel several times, and each was delicious. And of course wine (the Syrah and tempranillo are sourced from their vineyards in the nearby Douro Valley) from the hotel’s own winery is available for tasting and to enjoy at your table. Included breakfast was ordered from a menu and was consistently excellent. I enjoyed a massage in the old stone building that once (and still does!) housed the machinery that regulated water flow into the mill race, which still runs cheerfully under the main building. With a special nod to Pablo, whose knowledge of Spanish history and wines was exceeded only his charm and hospitality, the staff was uniformly helpful and welcoming. This is a place to relax and enjoy the gardens and an exquisite property that has incorporated modern comforts in a beautifully restored 800-year-old piece of history.