Terra Dominicata - Hotel & Winery

Two hours due west of Barcelona, in the mountains outside the city of Tarragona, is the spectacular Montsant Natural Park. And in the 12th century, in the foothills to these mountains, a group of Carthusian monks established a monastery and a farm, growing grapes, olives, and other fruits. If they’d been interested in such worldly concerns as real estate, they’d have made a killing, as their taste in locations is unimpeachable — and it’s today’s hotel guests who reap the benefits, as the old monastery, now thoroughly updated, is now open to travelers in the form of Terra Dominicata - Hotel & Winery.

The merest glance inside reveals that this is a considerably swankier establishment than it would have been in its monastery days. The style is upscale modern elegance, and the rooms retain more than a little bit of rustic character, from the beamed ceilings to the hardwood floors to the occasional original stone wall. Standard rooms are already on the large size, and are equipped with rain showers, espresso machines, while the suites add luxuries like freestanding tubs. There’s an outdoor pool, which takes full advantage of the impressive scenery, and modern-day Spain being what it is, there’s also a restaurant that serves a diverse menu of inventive fare, breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and, as the name implies, the estate’s wine is in plentiful supply.