 |
| Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine |
Arriving in Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine is very much like the start of a glamorous Hollywood film. A long curved driveway reveals a limestone Abadia (monastery) from the 12th Century. Reception is very welcoming, and understated elegance seems to flow over the building from decor to service.
The refurbishment work took ten years to complete. Its craftsmanship is of high quality, and the materials work in tandem with the local ecosystem. The abbey is sustainable and historical, sharing close ties to the technical development that took place during the Roman Empire. The rooms have windows and shutters, thermally insulated curtains and an underfloor heating system to ensure they are visually sleek and pleasing.
Everything has been thought out. The service at the hotel is discreet and elegant with small personal touches that make the whole experience even more enjoyable.
 |
| The resident Stork |
 |
| detail of the church |
The rooms are very spacious; mine had a beautiful view of the vineyard. The estate produces a small amount of wine of high quality. The vineyard and the winery are very well kept, and they have interesting wines in their bodega.
My room at LeDomaine
My superior double room was a perfect size for a solo traveller, decked out with Loewe TV with international channels and Nespresso coffee machine. The Queen size bed was comfortable and dressed in crisp white linen. The fluffy white towels and bathrobe are of the best quality possible.
A bottle of their award winning Abadia Retuerta Special Selection Sardon de Duero 2013 was waiting for me in the room. One thing made me very happy was my room views to the vineyard in both the room and the bathroom. The bath was strategically positioned so I could see the vineyard from it. That’s luxury!
 |
| A bathroom with a view at LeDomaine |
 |
| The view from my room |
The wine at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
They have a range of wines; the first one is their Special Selection which is a blend of 3 varietals, 75%tempranillo (Spanish varietal), 15% cabernet sauvignon and 10% Syrah, it is their best seller.
The second one is their Pago (plot) wine; these are single varietal Pagos – 100% cabernet sauvignon, the Pago Garduna, 100% Syrah, the Pago 100% Tempranillo, and the Pago 100% Petit Verdot.
Their third line is the Nine Marker Collection which is an experimental wine list, made with international varietals, like Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Touriga National, Gewürztraminer, and Graciano. These wines are not on the market; they are experimental wines to see and study the behaviour of international grapes in their terroir and weather conditions.
A tour around the vineyard and winery is a must!
The SPA at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
The underground spa won the award for Best Spa 2016, it is beautifully designed and very welcoming. Every treatment room is named after an estate wine.
The Spa Sommelier Experience is a unique personalised wellness experience inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine’s five element theory and wine tasting ritual. ‘The five S’ – see, swirl, sniff, sip and savour.
 |
| The Spa Sommelier Experience |
My first treatment was a surprising mix of wine, essential oils; cedar, (woody) thyme – herbal and yuzu (citrus/grassy). What follows is then a bespoke wine tasting where you choose an oil to have with your treatment. The Sommelier 1 treatments last for 90 minutes and let me tell you that it’s not long enough! It’s an enjoyable experience when you have a full body massage with the essential oil of your choice. The room overlooked an internal garden with green vegetation and a water feature. It’s enclosed and very private. I feel asleep during the treatment, and I left the spa floating!
The next day, my second treatment was a full body scrub, a body wrap and another full body massage with yuzu oil. I am not sure if it was the oil or the vigorous massage, but I felt super sleepy afterwards. My skin felt very smooth and revitalised. Ahhh, Bliss!
 |
| One of many treatment rooms |
On my third day, I had a full facial with an added delightful 30-minute foot massage. This time we were in the ‘Special Selection’ room. It’s a bigger space, with two massage tables, an oval bathtub, private shower and steam room. An enormous double silver sofa dominates the room. This room can be booked in advance to enjoy as a couple, with your lover, your parent, or your best friend. It overlooks another private internal garden.
Interestingly every treatment starts with a foot scrub in gorgeous ceramic bowls and jugs! They are made by a local ceramist, again in keeping with Abadia Retuerta’s philosophy of supporting their staff, the local economy and the environment. After the foot scrub, I moved to the massage table. The treatment always starts with the sound of small double bells. It’s a terrific experience; it’s no wonder this SPA was awarded Best Spa 2016.
 |
| The Spa at LeDomaine |
 |
| SPA indoor pool |
Eating at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
 |
| Michelin starred Refectorio at LeDomaine |
There are two restaurants at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine; one is the Michelin starred Refectorio, and the other is the Vinoteca, the later is an all day modern and relaxed approach to dining using local and seasonal ingredients.
 |
| Vinoteca |
Their wine cellar is incredibly well stocked, both with their wines as well as with a small but well-formed list of fine wines from all over the world.
The all day dining restaurant’s wall is covered with their wines. It’s an informal space but still has a carefully curated menu and the service is excellent.
Some of the beautiful dishes I ate at Vinoteca, Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
 |
| butter was divine dusted with Salt de Vino (wine salt), baking is done in the premisses |
 |
| white asparagus and aioli |
 |
| grilled artichokes with hazelnut cream |
 |
| air baguette, marinated ‘iberico presa’, capers, rocket and parmesan |
 |
| steak tartare |
 |
| this was amazing white fish carpaccio served with a very hot olive oil dressing and Tiger mussel |
 |
| my love for rice …. juice rice with prawns from Medina del Campo (nearby town), squid and aioli |
 |
| Cecina de Leon, salted and dried meat, served with oli, pepper and pan con tomate served with Cava |
Breakfast at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
One of my many delicious experiences at LeDomaine was the breakfast. Talk about starting the day off right!
They offer an excellent list of coffee, teas, infusions, and fresh juices. There is also a platter of seasonal fruits available. They also have a variety of milk for all tastes and dietary requirements. The bread basket is very comprehensive, full of local cakes and homemade bread – whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!
The eggs were cooked as they should be! I had Eggs Benedict with Iberico ham – a fabulous combination. Pan con Tomate – one of my favourite Spanish dishes – so simple but made with ingredients that were top notch.
A selection of cured meats from Iberico to loin, chorizo to boiled ham. The cheeses were both from cow and cured sheep’s milk – accompanied with quince and walnuts
Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine is a hidden gem in the Ribera del Duero. It is just outside a small village called Sardon de Duero, near Valladolid.
They also offer plenty of other activities in and around the estate.
I had lunch in the nearby village of Traspinedo at ‘Entre Brasas y Sarmiento’, a very modest local restaurant serving regional and seasonal food, it’s no frills and done just right. Their speciality is pincho de Lechazo Asado a la brasa de Sarmiento, translated as: local baby lamb cooked on the skewer over an open fire. Fantastic food and friendly service. I also learned to make sourdough bread at the Michelin star Refectorio’s kitchen
 |
| Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine |
How to get to Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine
LeDomaine is located in Spain’s north central province of Castilla y León. It is situated on the banks of the River Duero east of Valladolid in Ribera del Duero region.
Connected by plane to the airports of Valladolid “Villanubla” and Madrid “Barajas”.
By car from the airport of Valladolid to LeDomaine: 40 km.
By car from the airport of Madrid to LeDomaine: 220 km.
By High-Speed Train from Madrid “Chamartin” Station to Valladolid “Campo Grande” Station: 55 minutes.
By car from Valladolid “Campo Grande” Station to LeDomaine: 30 km.
GPS: 41º 36′ 54.95″ N, 4º 24′ 39″ W
Personalised transfer service on request.
47340 Sardon de Duero Valladolid,Spain
Tel: +34 983 680 368
Email: info@ledomaine.es
Next Post: A Michelin dinner at Refectorio at LeDomaine
Disclosure: I was a guest at Abadia Retuerta for review purposes, this press trip was organised by Magellan PR . All views are my own.
Wow this place sounds absolutely amazing. The perfect get-away-from-it-all sort of place. I haven't been to that part of Spain, think I will have to make a plan.
Wow, it looks beautiful and the food looks divine x
Wow, what an amazing place to visit. The whole trip sounds perfect for a romantic getaway or even a honeymoon! Tx
Wow… such a beautiful place and that Bath is dream.
What a beautiful location, and the spa looks amazing!
This sounds really interesting. I love the photos and the food. I would like to try the white asparagus.
What a dreamy and beautiful place to visit and stay at. I love all the photos, you have captured.
How many times can I say "Wow!"? This place looks awesome.