Al-Axara Home Spa - Adults Only

The location and landscape were a letdown for us. It felt quite isolated, and the scenery nearby was rather bleak. The parking listed in the advert turned out to be an empty lot across the road. The place is small and charming, with an appealing look and thoughtful decor. But even with the advertised opening discount, the price feels high for what you get. The cushions and sofa blankets had a really unpleasant smell when we arrived, which made a bad first impression and needs attention. We also had trouble with the jacuzzi. Its tap has very little pressure, so the large tub takes ages to fill. On the first day the water was only lukewarm, then cold by the time the tub was full, so we couldn't use it. It happened again the next day. I called reception, and a woman came to check. She said the water was too hot for her and that the boiler was working properly, but she was curt and didn't help much. Later, when we tried again, the water was hot and we finally got to use it. It looks nice, but several things need fixing, especially for this price.

The setting in the Júcar River Gorge is the kind of place that makes you feel transported somewhere else. We thought it was one of the most spectacular routes in Albacete province, and though it’s just over two hours from Madrid, it felt like another culture. A bit like Marrakech in La Mancha. The villas are tucked into the rock, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to disconnect. We especially recommend the villas with king-size beds and spas. The kitchens are fully equipped if you’d rather stay in, and there’s Wi-Fi, Google Play TV, terraces, and shared areas for enjoying the surroundings in any season. The Xuq staff gave us a warm welcome and stayed attentive so we’d be comfortable. A dream weekend, with impeccable service.

It’s a different kind of stay from what we’re used to, and I’d definitely recommend it. The Arabic-style building has lovely river views, and some of the rooms are partly caves, which keep them cool throughout the year. Our room had everything we needed, plus access to a really pleasant terrace for breakfast or dinner. There’s also a generously sized jacuzzi that’s great for a relaxing soak. The guests were friendly and helpful, and explained what we could do around the area.

Cristina made our stay extra special. She welcomed us when we arrived, helped whenever we needed her, and even left gluten-free food for me because I have celiac disease. My partner and I had a wonderful weekend and would love to come back. The room was beautiful, set into the rock with a special charm, and the jacuzzi was very easy to use. It’s a peaceful place to unwind. Alcalá del Júcar is nearby and lovely for a day trip, especially when the town is lit up at night. Thank you so much, it was a pleasure staying at Al-Axara!