La Torre del Visco

Set in the countryside outside the medieval town of Valderrobres, widely considered to be one of Spain’s prettiest villages, the remote Torre del Visco is the only hotel around for miles. The journey is more than worth it, thanks to the efforts of the owners, a madrileño couple who left their publishing jobs three decades ago to restore this semi-ruined 15th-century castle.

The name means “mistletoe” in the local dialect, and there’s an unabashedly romantic air to the place — rose gardens to wander through, fireplaces to cozy up beside, wines poured beneath the olive trees, a grand piano waiting to be played. Rooms are also perfect for two, elegant and spacious with exposed brick walls, dedicated reading nooks, and views over the grounds and the mountains beyond. Suites feature extras like wood-burning stoves, writing desks, Bose sound systems, and bathtubs.

A thoughtfully curated array of activities, including olive oil tastings, cooking classes, horseback riding excursions, and cycling on complimentary mountain bikes, encourage exploration of the surrounding farm and forest. But it’s just as nice to do almost nothing at Torre del Visco, save for dining in the farm-to-table restaurant or stargazing with a glass of wine beneath a deliciously clear, dark sky.