Remember Fifty Weeks of Spain? And how I said we would forget all about flamenco, tapas and bullfights? I promised you a lot, and I mean to keep that promise.
So here goes: This is Spain!
Haunted castle sleepovers, luxury splurging in wine country, or hanami madness in Spain’s least known region?
That’s just a taste of what’s coming your way, so stick around! Here’s what to expect as you follow me in my quest to discover real Spain:
Sleepover in a 9th Century Castle

January is the time for short days, cold long nights, castles and ghost stories !
I will conquer my irrational fears with a stay at a genuine, 9th century Spanish castle – turned hotel.
The oldest castle in Spain perched on a hill, with a view to remember.
History flows thick through the veins of this castle: here lies a fortress unconquered to these days, where centuries ago, a local Romeo & Juliet love story unfolded.
Oh, and there’s a ghost in room 712. I’m really hoping she’ll be fine with us staying the night.
Wine Country Luxury

February is a time to be spoiled. Well, any day is a good day to be spoiled – but I’m starting with February.
In the she superb Gaudi inspired architecture of a luxury boutique hotel hidden in the vineyards of Catalunya’s wine country – Penedes!
Now for the spoiling: wine therapy treatments, a well deserved massage and a gastronomic evening to remember. Yes please!
Spanish Fiestas You Didn’t Know About

March will start with a birthday week off to Zanzibar, but let’s not talk about that one right now – this is a Spain tribute after all!
Get ready for a Spain of Fiestas and Fire, human towers and giants parades.
Curious yet?
For The Cherry (Blossom) on Top

And April. Oh, April! Close your eyes for a second. Imagine a two million cherry trees in a full bloom sea of white, and you in the middle of them, celebrating the hanami under the cherry trees, with delicious tapas and wine.
Did you like what you saw? Here’s Valle del Jerte, possibly one of the best Spanish hidden treasures I found – so far.
Spain’s Extremadura region is one of the least visited – but possibly most surprising corners of the country.
If you want to get lost in nature, stuff your face with the best foods and not bother with hoards of tourists at all – this is the place for you. Take it while it’s hot!
More to come for the rest of the year – and trust me, it’s only getting better from here on.
[…] saw the debut of my Fifty Weeks of Spain with an original weekend away at the 9th-century castle turned hotel, some 100 km away from […]