El Almendral ( www.almendral.com), an exotic new farmhouse hotel located in the midst of one of the most beautiful rural regions of southeastern Spain, has opened for business.

Nestled peacefully in 75 acres of almond groves and pine trees at the foot of the majestic Aitana and Campana mountains, this luxurious but earthy property is an oasis of tranquility amid resplendent beauty, designed and created by visionaries with a single objective in mind: To soothe, revitalize and entertain guests in natural grandeur.

In an age of mass tourism and ubiquitous commercialism, El Almendral stands out as a refreshing monument to individualism, naturalism and understated elegance, tantalizing the weary traveler with the specter of an uncommon experience in rural splendor.

The building, which occupies the site of an abandoned 18th century farmhouse, has been designed and constructed with meticulous care to blend seamlessly with its pristine surroundings - farmhouse, almond grove, lush pine and mountain co-existing in perfect harmony and balance to impart subliminal peace. Certain elements of the original structure have been deliberately preserved and highlighted as a reminder of the farming heritage of the region - a lifestyle long forgotten for most visitors. This dynamic alchemy makes El Almendral an ideal sanctuary for those who yearn not only to experience the charm of the Spanish countryside in an elegant and well-appointed accommodation, but also to return to the embrace of nature for a memorable encounter.

To enhance this experience, each of El Almendral's seven rooms has been individually decorated to create a unique mood and ambiance, augmenting the visual and esthetic experience of the surrounding countryside. To express this uniqueness, the avant-garde Cuban painter Bordon was commissioned to apply his craft and imagination to capturing the essence of each room on canvas. These renditions adorn every habitation as an artistic centerpiece and a tribute to the beauty of the awe-inspiring nature that envelops El Almendral.

For those who wish to make their visit truly unforgettable, El Almendral offers two balconied suites with spectacular panoramic vistas of the mountains. From these sweeping vantage points the region's incredible sunset, its star-studded evenings and the ever-changing aspects of its magnificent mountains continuously mesmerize and enchant, imbuing the viewer with serenity and peace.

For all guests, however, an equally unique experience is swimming in El Almendral's beautiful pool during the day or sitting around it on a cool summer's evening while on the nearby patio dinner is served under candle light. The only other companions to this feast are the sounds of the crickets and the comforting presence of the mountains.

Despite its rural location, the hotel offers access to the eternal pleasures of the Mediterranean, a mere 40 minutes drive away. Along the way lies a fascinating world of diversity: From the wildlife refuge of Sarga to the amazing alpine scenery of the hilltop village of Sella, and from the therapeutic and world-renowned waters of Busot to the intriguing caves at Canalobre, a treasure chest of undiscovered Spain awaits exploration. The last stop on this brief but eventful trip is El Almendral's own yacht, which is anchored at the marina in the village of Campello and is available for short excursions or leisurely evening parties on the shimmering sea.

The incredible geographic diversity that surrounds El Almendral is replicated in the gastronomical pleasures that are on offer at its restaurant. El Almendral excels in its wide selection of superb dishes, combining the cuisine of the sea and the mountain, including fish from the Mediterranean and wild boar - a local delicacy - and a variety of game from the property itself.

El Almendral's promise to its guests is a simple one: An experience that combines the peace, tranquility and breathtaking beauty of the countryside with the elegant individuality of a most romantic sojourn.

The hotel is easily accessible from the US and European destinations via Alicante international airport, conveniently located just 20 miles away.

Prices (including continental breakfast)

High season: 85-120 Euros (approximately $102-$144) per room (2 persons).
Low season 75-105 Euros (approximately $90-$126) per room (2 persons).

The high season includes the following dates: January 1-6; March 19-21; April 9-12; June 15- September 15; October 9-12 and December 24-31. All other times are considered low season.

Discounts

A 10% discount applies for stays of 3 days or more with occasional special promotions of up to 20%. Group rates are available upon request, depending on group size and room availability.

For further information, contact owner Bernard Vassas in Alicante, Spain, at 011-34-966-200-117, 011-34-659-161-393 (cell), by e-mail at Bvassas(AT)aol.com or through fax at 011-34-966-308-875.