Description: Begrudgingly, I rolled over in bed trying to decipher the digital numbers without my glasses. My hazy mind interpreted the time to be 7:45am. I jumped up in a blurry panic and began rushing around throwing on articles of clothing and brushing my hair with mock speed. I was surely going to be late for work. With my anxiety mounting, I reached for my tooth brush and suddenly and unexpectedly its electric pulsing began to dissolve the world around me transforming into a scene entirely different, as though a painting which was a Van Gough decided suddenly to become a Rembrandt. Finally I understood, I was only dreaming.
In reality, I was snuggled up in a cozy massive king sized bed, my head gently resting on a fluffy pillow that smelled faintly of fresh cut flowers. A soft cool mountain breeze tumbled through the open window bringing me to full consciousness. I slipped out of bed, and padded barefoot across the cool tiled floor to the window. The morning was sunny and a cacophony of bird songs floated from every tree. A white silvery mist tumbled down the surrounding mountains like a ghostly waterfall.
I made my way to the bathroom and proceeded to step into the shower. The travertine tiled shower was as spacious as my entire bathroom at home, the water was deliciously hot and the water pressure was perfect.
I dressed, grabbed a few sips of the complementary water stocked in my fridge and took a sniff of the fresh flowers that the staff left on my dresser. I then made my way to the patio for breakfast.
Working my way down the stone path I passed the beautiful Tuscan buildings, gardens full of brightly colored flowers and occasionally a frog or lizard that scurried out of the way for fear of being trampled. Inhaling a deep breath of fresh mountain air, I was very glad I wasn’t late for work, in fact I wasn’t late for anything and there would be no work today.
Located off the main road in El Valle de Anton (just look for the signs or remember to turn right before the main grocery market), sits the lovely Tuscan inspired Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel and Spa. The sight of it is inspiring and the feel utopian. Although the hotel is in walking distance to the main center of town it seems wonderfully intimate and secluded from the world. The buildings look as though someone went to Italy and transplanted a little piece of Tuscany in the center of this extinct volcano. The landscaping is exquisite with lush green lawns, fountains and gardens filled with pink, purple and other such colored flowers. Butterflies and birds flit around the gardens and no matter where you are you have the most magnificent 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains.
The main house has a lounge and a library stocked with books and comfy chairs for reading. There is a sprawling patio where breakfast and dinner is eaten and a bar that is open during the day and evening. Off of the patio is the pool area although the entire time we were there, we never saw a single soul in the water. I could however easily imagine how lovely it would be to sit by the pool in one of the cushiony chaise lounge chairs, sipping cold drinks from the bar and watching the clouds drift lazily through the light blue sky.
Lourdes the owner and Carlos, who worked in the main office, seemed bent on ensuring that we were having the best stay possible. They were friendly and helpful, but never overbearing. When Carlos would see us passing by the office he would pop his head out and ask how we were enjoying our day and if there was anything he could do for us. At one point we found him rounding up a soccer game with some very eager soccer fan guests. He would make dinner reservations, suggest activities and arrange tours of the spa and surrounding area. Everyone spoke English (although some more limited than others) and we had an absolutely amazing stay.
When we stayed at Los Mandarinos, the cost was $120.00 per night (plus 10% hotel tax). Although there are many less expensive places to stay in town, for the luxury you receive, it is a true value. The office has a computer with internet for guest use and they have satellite television so you will still be able to catch your favorite shows, if you are so inclined. Breakfast was included with our stay, but I noticed on the website that it is only offered on weekends now. I recommend having dinner at least one night during your stay and if you have time you can even take a yoga class or two. The spa is a good value and the scenery seems even more attractive after a nice relaxing massage. There are plenty of activities to engage in while in El Valle, but I could see that it would be just as enjoyable to while away all of your days in the tranquility of Los Mandarinos.
www.losmandarinos.com
Telephone: (507) 983-664
E-mail: info@losmandarinos.com
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