I have never heard of Andorra until five years ago. I always giggle when I travel and ask people where Andorra is? Nine time out of ten times people get it wrong. Where is this country anyway? Andorra also called principality of the valleys of Andorra is a sovereign landlocked microstate in Southwestern Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain and France. Created under a charter in A.D. 988, the present Principality was formed in A.D. 1278. It is known as a principality as it is a monarchy headed by two Co-Princes – the Spanish/Roman Catholic Bishop of Urgell and the President of France.
It is the first time MenStyleFashion has been hosted in this principality to review the Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa. Andorra is known for two things mainly, Tax Free shopping and skiing. When it comes to skiing my favorite ski resort is Grau Roig, which is part of the Grandvalira ski domain.
View from my room
Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa
I am very familiar with Andorra and what it has to offer regarding accommodation on the slopes. Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa is the only hotel in Andorra where you can walk out and get your ski boots on, and ski right onto the slopes. It also the very few hotels in where your room is over looking directly on to the slopes. This is what makes this stay very special indeed. Whilst walking through the hotel I talked to a lot of families who book year after year to come back and stay. Dunia the hotel manager shared with me that there are families in where she has seen them grow over the years. For this reason alone I would say this hotel is a very family orientated. But to you guys who would like to come as a group, this is a very super cool hotel indeed. There is a cool lounge area where you can relax and enjoy a wide range of wines to choose by. In-fact it is up to you how much you want to spend.
How much would you spend on a bottle of #wine ?#winechat #luxurytravel #luxuryhotels pic.twitter.com/tZ1gE6ozpZ
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) March 31, 2016
View from the restaurant
Superior Room
We were staying in a huge room 25 to 30 m2 (269 ft2 – 376ft2) with spectacular views of the Grandvalira ski slopes. The Avant-garde mountain design interior was chic indeed. I loved how it was all decorated in oak wood, the cow leather huge pillows were amazing to lean on. And also the working desk and chairs just suited the mountain living. The oak wood flooring was unique for Andorra and it just completed the whole look. The bedside lighting was just beautiful and matched the decor. It also ozzed and reinforced that your stay was warm and relaxing. The room had a balcony with outdoor furniture and this was perfect to appreciate the beauty of Grau Roig. It was also amazing to wake up in the morning with the natural sunlight coming in.
Cava the perfect place to drink it. on the balcony
The bathroom was huge and has one of the best Jacuzzi I have used in a long time. This is perfect after a long day of hardcore skiing. What I adored was the view you had of the slopes whilst in your Jacuzzi. The Bvlgari products just complete your luxury stay too. The bathroom towels were massive and super cosy.
The Spa
The Spa area is very children friendly but don’t panic adults as after 6 pm no children are allowed to use it. The jacuzzi is lovely and the small pool is fun too. The sauna and steam room are perfect after a hard day of skiing in where your muscles need to relax. It had a great atmosphere and one where you could chat to people staying there. I particularly liked the tea that was on offer too.
@gracieopulanza we want to visit Andorra – Grau Roig Boutique Hotel & Spa, looks like a amazing place to ski and chill
— Goliathframes (@goliathframes1) April 20, 2016
The Restaurant
I am an expert when it comes to eating out in Andorra. So I was going to be a harsh critic here. I have to say I was impressed regarding the choice on offer at the restaurant and the presentation. Make sure you book as the restaurant can get very busy both with people staying as well as a lot of local people too. The selection was excellent with very unusual tastes, and what an eating experience it was. Even if you’re not staying here, I would recommend eating here. The restaurant opens at 8 pm.
Can’t wait 🙂 https://t.co/WOt4R3kuyP
— evadeHotels (@evadehotels) March 30, 2016
Entree
Green asparagus with squid and prawns
Sauteed scallops with potatoes puree, asparagus and iberian ham salad
Main Course
Fillet of venison with truffle
Roast lamb with foie gras and mango,spinach and algae cake
Dessert
These were amazing and looked fabulous too.
Apple, pear and banana warm puff pastry with cinnamon ice-cream
Mango ravioli, mint ice-cream and panna cotta
Wine Selection
How much would you pay for a bottle of wine? I have never held a bottle of wine worth €13,500 let alone taste a wine like this. The wine selection at the Grau Roig hotel is amazing and the best you can get in Andorra, with prices ranging from €20 to €13,500. Hence why a lot of locals come here to eat and drink. The hotel has a small secluded private area where up to ten people can taste some of the world’s finest wines, you can read more about my experience here.
Enjoy wine in a private setting.
Breakfast
Breakfast can always be a hit and miss in Andorra. But I have to say I was very impressed, regarding the presentation and the variety. The sausages and cheese selection were fantastic. It was the perfect way to start your day before hitting the slopes. Again the hotel is very accommodating to children, with plenty of options for them.
Conclusion
As I said before I know Andorra very well and if you are looking for a luxury place to stay, which is not intimidating at all, then this is your place. If you have family members to entertain then this place hosts young children too. There is a children’s club in where you can drop them off and they are well looked after. In the winter there are private lessons you can book for your children to learn how to ski. Grau Roig is not a resort where it is to intimidating to learn to ski. Now don’t panic because this hotel offers activities right through out the year so you do not have to come here in the winter. You can come here anytime of the year. This is the perfect getaway place to distress and reconnect with nature.
Details
- Room: Superior Room €300
- Website: www.hotelgrauroig.com
- Address: Estación de esquí de Grandvalira, sector Grau Roig, AD200 Grau Roig, Andorra
- Phone: +376 755 556
