Casas Rurales Benarum

Antonio was a lovely host, and it’s a lovely place.

The outdoor pools look great for summer, and there’s a grocery store across the street that sells everything. We found these apartments online and liked the photos, then the many positive reviews convinced us to book a quiet weekend in the hope of seeing snow. It turned out to be a perfect choice, 20 out of 10. Antonio, the owner, answered our call and was incredibly kind and friendly. He handled the booking with complete confidence, as always. We arrived late, in the dark, at a beautiful, welcoming village, and Antonio greeted us and took great care of us. The apartment and all the complex facilities were warm, beautiful, and welcoming, with charming rustic decor that felt interesting and cozy. We were very comfortable. The place was spotlessly clean, disinfected, and immaculate, and maintenance was impeccable. Everything was clearly well cared for. The apartments are charming and comfortable, with every detail and need covered. We didn’t need to bring anything: towels, sheets, a blanket, a hairdryer, and shower gel were provided. The kitchen had every kind of utensil, plus dishcloths, sponges, a scouring pad, and dish soap. They really hadn’t missed a thing. The spa with sauna and jacuzzi was the icing on the cake, perfect for relaxing. Rosario, the owner and Antonio’s wife, was the star. She attended to us at the spa and was magnificent, hardworking, kind, friendly, and caring. It was a luxurious, relaxing, warm, and comfortable weekend. We rested, switched off, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. It’s a bit far from home for occasional visits, but we hope to return because we loved it. Everything made for an ideal stay, and I’d recommend it 100%. Don’t hesitate, you’ll really like it.

The setting is beautiful and a good place to switch off and enjoy nature. The complex has a spa and hammam, which are welcome additions, though the facilities feel dated and don’t quite match what the description led us to expect. We booked mainly because the apartments were said to have fireplaces, hoping for a cozy stay during a cold snap. On arrival we found the “fireplace” was only decorative and couldn’t be used. That was a big letdown, and I think the listing should say so clearly to avoid misunderstandings. The place has promise because of its location and concept, but the guest information needs improving and some facilities need updating to bring the experience in line with what’s promised.

The village is lovely and picturesque, with friendly, polite people, and the apartment itself was spectacular. The spa was fine, but the pool is too small and has columns, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to swim. There are two bars, though neither has much variety, and you’ll need to go to other villages for more options. One last thing, you can’t use your own firewood in the fireplace. You have to buy it from the owner, at double the price.