Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine, an historic 12th-century abbey and winery that was converted into an exclusive hotel with an award-winning restoration, is located on an isolated 1,730-acre estate in Spain’s Duero winegrowing region.
SARDON DE DUERO, SPAIN – The stars, planets and galaxies appear close enough to touch. Or so it seems with the new stargazing program at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine that combines a powerful new telescope and perfect viewing conditions.
“What makes LeDomaine ideal for a Stellar Tourism Experience is our location in the countryside far from the city lights,” explained Andres Araya, Managing Director. “With the naturally pitch-black, clear skies here in the Duero Valley allowing our potent new telescope to peer deep into the heavens, guests enjoy spectacular stargazing evenings.”
Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine, an historic 12th-century abbey and winery that was converted into an exclusive hotel with an award-winning restoration, is located on an isolated 1,730-acre estate in Spain’s Duero winegrowing region.
The Stellar Tourism Experience begins with a short introduction to astronomy followed by stargazing sessions, which guests enjoy sipping their favorite drink and listening to relaxing music. In addition, guests may take astrophotography sessions and shoot night-time pictures. The stargazing experiences are held twice weekly in the “Monks Garden,” a unique setting by the banks of the Douro River and beside the apse of Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine’s medieval church. There is no charge for this inspiring activity that has been newly introduced to enhance the guest experience.
The telescope is the Celestron CPC 1100 GPS, with an exceptionally large 11” aperture, powerful light gathering power, vast database of galaxies and celestial bodies, and a GPS feature that automatically aligns it for the best viewing. The hotel staff has undergone complete training in the use of the Celestron.
“The magnitude of what you can see, depending on the global positioning at any given time, is extraordinary, from Mars and craters on the moon to nebulae and the rings of Saturn,” enthused Mr. Araya.
LeDomaine re-opened March 1, 2015, after closing for three months for the holidays and to accelerate construction of new additions to the hotel, including a world-class spa and new guest rooms, slated for completion in July 2015. El Santuario spa will featuring 10,000-sq.-ft. of ultra-luxurious facilities, a ground-breaking bespoke vinotherapy concept, Spain’s first “Spa Sommelier,” and the highest levels of guest service and individualization. The 900-year-old abbey’s former stables are being transformed into this nurturing and innovative sanctuary of holistic healing and wellness, as well as eight spacious and exquisitely appointed new guest rooms that will have direct spa access.
Imbued with the charm and lore of a by-gone age, Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine takes guests back in time while immersing them in the comforts and luxuries of today’s most savvy hospitality. The medieval abbey and estate of LeDomaine, dating from 1146, is a grand travel experience that overwhelms the senses with its enduring history, stately architecture, majestic ambiance, world-class culinary experiences by one of Spain’s top chefs, acclaimed vineyards recognized for their award-winning single terroir wines, and 22 regal accommodations. The new rooms under construction will bring the total to 30 rooms and suites in July 2015.
Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine opened in 2012 after a complete restoration that sensitively and imaginatively brought the historic property into the 21st century – and earned it a Europa Nostra Award from the European Union for conserving cultural heritage. It arrived on the Spanish tourism scene offering several firsts including the country’s first hotel to offer a complete butler service and the only Spanish establishment to be included in the 2013 edition of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel and restaurant guide. In August 2014, LeDomaine became the first hotel in Europe to offer guests the hottest new technology, Google Glass. In November 2014, the hotel’s Refectorio restaurant and Head Chef Pablo Montero received their first Michelin Star.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
