Finca Ratxó Hotel, member of Meliá Collection

The biggest issue was the service at breakfast and dinner. We often waited a long time, had to repeat drink and food orders, and then wait again. There was no service at the pool bar, and the room was rarely stocked with water. Staff did try to sort things out when we raised them, but the lack of coordination left us disappointed and really upset. I can’t recommend this five star resort unless they fix the service at meals. We stayed three nights and had breakfast each morning. Our room had a private pool and no air conditioning, which was fine for us. It was enormous, with an office, dining room, whirlpool, couches, and two TVs. The shower wasted a lot of water each time until we got the temperature, pressure, and shower heads set properly. The food was quite good, except the lamb was dry.

Breakfast was the biggest surprise, and it was so good that you really shouldn’t skip it. The other food was delicious as well. The spa is worth a visit, with steam and dry saunas, showers, and a jacuzzi pool. I also had an amazing massage from Natalia, and the yoga setting was beautiful. I can’t remember having a more relaxing stay in a long time. The staff were outstanding, quickly helping with any need and always with a smile. The rooms keep their original character. My one issue was the guest room A/C: mine never got below 24 at night. I heard similar comments from other guests, though their rooms seemed to cool a little more. I’ll definitely be back.

The outdoor pool was pretty cold. I didn’t mind, but my wife much preferred the indoor pool. Aside from that, our honeymoon here last September was wonderful, and we’d recommend the hotel to couples wanting a romantic getaway. We felt at home throughout our stay. On arrival, we were welcomed with a complimentary drink and snacks, and even got a free upgrade to a suite. When our room’s air conditioning stopped working, the staff quickly moved us to another suite since the problem couldn’t be fixed right away. It was just as cozy and comfortable.

The setting in the mountains is peaceful and beautiful, but getting there along the very remote road takes time and is difficult. It makes you want to stay on the property, though the experience there didn’t live up to the location. The grounds have the charm of a small Spanish village, but there’s little privacy. Rooms and terraces are separated by transparent fences, there’s not much greenery or screening, and even from the breakfast terrace you can look straight into the pool suite. The staff were consistently warm and helpful, and kindly upgraded us to a junior suite. We couldn’t enjoy its terrace, though, because both staff and other guests could see directly inside. The rooms are spacious but dated. Our mattress was completely worn out and gave me significant back pain, while poorly sealed windows and doors let insects in. Breakfast was the biggest letdown for the price: it was greasy and not very fresh. The hot à la carte dishes were poor, and the drinks were surprisingly limited. There was only Nespresso capsule coffee, no brewed coffee, and not even basic black or green tea. The hotel doesn’t make you want to linger and relax in its current state. At this price, I expected much more. Better privacy in the design, a modernized interior, improved bedding, more greenery, and a better kitchen could make this a truly special place. As it is, the cost isn’t justified.