Optimal Hotels & Residences

If you have time to escape to the outskirts of Tetouan suggest you to spend the day touring Tanger, few cities in the world have that mix, you hypnotize between African and European culture. This has many attractions that will amaze. Attractive but not many know that you fall in love at first sight. From Hotel Blanco Riad – Optimal Hotels Selection, Tanger is 58 km which would be 1 hours by car.
It is advisable to visit the Kasbah in Tanger, the ideal place to watch a fantastic view of the city, from there you can see the Mosque, the Cathedral and all along the coast.

A mandatory stop is the Grand Souk is the commercial center of the city, and one of the most frequented by locals and tourists. Do not miss entering stores to bargain with the traders.
It is the gateway to the medina, where stands the Sidi Bou Abid mosque, with a stunning artistic beauty. Built in 1917, presiding over this area.

Outside the medina, ask for the Café Hafa, one of the most beautiful and quiet places to enjoy a mint tea. Founded in 1921 and is steeped in history, as passed by the great characters. Its decor is simple but has splendid views where you can see perfectly the coasts of Spain and listen to the Mar.

Very close to the Café Hafa, is a sacred place and lookout is spectacular cliff Marchan, on which sit Phoenician tombs. This is one of the most beautiful places in Tangier.
When finished with the eye, another place worth seeing is the Museum Dar El Makhzen will make you imagine the life of a sultan and appreciate a collection of Moroccan art and an Andalusian style garden. The objects will tell the story of the region.
Worth visiting the Cave of Hercules, 14 km west of Tanger. The erosion of wind and waves, have opened these caves, which are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s a beautiful ride and must be accompanied by a guide to show you the rock formations and mysterious interpret the meanings. According to legend this is where you break the mythical figure of Hercules. The entrance to the caves is oriented toward the Atlantic and are flooded during high tides. The true origin of the caves, but theories suggest that are partly natural and partly artificial. There is the possibility that an ancient civilization we build to protect the today is a mystery.
It has 150m from here you can visit the Roman ruins of Cotta, Century II and III. And 5km is the Spartel, how wonderful this place is its landscape, forests with palm trees and fauna that are incredibly beautiful blends seamlessly with the Atlantic waves, which give color and sound.
However if your journey is planned with children and looking for entertainment for all, please contact the park M’Nar Park, one of the most beautiful in the world, equipped with all the infrastructure of attraction, entertainment and catering for the happiness of visitor. The program is complete and relaxation and fun is guaranteed.

From Optimal Hotel Selection, we wish you a happy holiday!

If you are planning to visit Colombia, You should know that Cartagena was one of the largest ports in colonial times, Cartagena has an immense cultural identity. And besides being the most important tourist centre of the Colombian coast, is also one of the centers of business, conventions and meetings of the Caribbean.

It should be noted that although the weather is warm all year round, it is always windy, still a factor to take into account the weather be bearable and even comfortable.

It is a city easily accessible either by air, sea or road. It has an international airport that receives flights from all over the world, some through connections. Find rest and leisure, the squares invite to take a few delicious cocktails or to enjoy the music and culture. The city exudes sensuality.

Our advice is to stay in the old town, in El Candil de Los Santos – Optimal Hotels Selection, you will enjoy many tours from horse carts to tour the Islands like Rosario. If you are interested for a long walk, an visit interesting places, you must go to the City Wall (Colombia National Heritage and World Heritage Site by UNESCO), which we recommend you start on the road by the Public Clock Tower. You can’t stop going to see the enchanted lake, as people see because of phosphorescent plankton.

Around Cartagena there are wonderful islands such as the Rosario Islands and the island of Baru. The beaches of Bocagrande, Castillogrande, El Laguito, Marbella, mouthpiece and Playa Blanca.

We also strongly recommend visiting San Felipe de Barajas Castel, The Popa, The Cathedral, Convent of San Francisco, The Bolivar Park, San Fernando de Bocachica and San Pedro Claver church.

The recommended dishes to try are the sausages and fritters. If you like desserts, we recommend visit El Portal de Los Dulces (The Candies Portal), for a variety of sweets, traditional sweets and coconut and tamarind.

The night life is best lived in the Playpen House, Arsenal Street and Bocagrande where the best bars, casinos and nightclubs to see sunset in the city.

The November 11. Cartagena declared its independence from Spain. This day is a national holiday in Colombia and the city is celebrated for four days known as the “Party of Independence.” It is also the day of the election and crowning of Miss Colombia at the national beauty pageant.

Is there anything better than spending an evening in good company, good food and a lovely cup of wine? Well, Majorca offers you all that! The island is famous for its gastronomy and local products, one of which definitely is the wine. Here you can find a large variety of unique, locally produced wines that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Binissalem is a small, beautiful town, situated in the heart of Majorca, just a few kilometers away from the capital city Palma de Majorca. It is considered Majorca’s wine capital, due to that many wineries are situated in that area, which produce one of the finest wines on the island.

The region of Binissalem was recognized as a “Denomination of Origin” at the end of 1990. Wines can be marketed as “DO Binissalem” only if they are produced in the region. This guarantees the origin and the quality of the wines. (www.binissalemdo.com)

There are 13 wineries that have obtained the DO Binissalem. These are: Vins Nadal – Binissalem (www.vinsnadal.com), José Luis Ferrer – Binissalem (www.vinosferrer.com), Bodegas Antonio Nadal – Sencelles (www.bodegasantonionadal.com), Bodega Biniagual – Biniagual (www.bodegabiniagual.com), Tianna Negre – Binissalem (www.tiannanegre.com), Maciá Batle – Santa María del Camí (www.maciabatle.com), Celler Sebastiá Pastor – Santa María del Camí, Jaume de Puntiró – Santa María del Camí (www.vinsjaumedepuntiro.com), Celler Ramanyá – Marratxí, Vinya Taujana – Santa Eugènia (www.vinyataujana.com), Celler Can Ramis – Sencelles, Celler Ca Sa Padrina – Sencelles, Jaume Bennássar – Sencelles.

On the website of DO Binissalem you can download the “Wine route Denominació D’Origen Binissalem, Mallorca”, which provides further information about the region as well as a map where all wineries of the area are marked. Enjoy great wine experience in Majorca.

The Balearic Islands are poorly understood if we refer to mountain resorts. However, the Sierra de Tramuntana in Majorca, the largest mountain range in the archipielago, preserves to one of those treasures that only they get the value they deserve if they are seen live. We’re talking, of course, about the peak of Puig Major.

Up to 1,445 meters above sea level (minutiae, perhaps, for climbing enthusiasts), the highest point of the island is imposed as a feast for the eye once one conquers the top or the traveler enjoys the amazing view from the base.

The massive limestone that makes up the Sierra de Tramuntana (named after the wind that blows from the northwest) is characterized by the location not only because of the many endemic and native vegetation, but also because of the “typical Majorcan” places as may be “El Morro Pelut” or “Sa Coma Fosca“.

View of the Puig Major mountain. Photo by Gerald Davison

Besides that, at the bottom we ran into one of three reservoirs in the mountain complex: the “Cúber”. Along with the “Gorg Blau”, another reservoir between the peaks of Puig Major and the Puig de Massanella, they supply water to the entire city of Palma de Mallorca and the metropolitan area. Not without letting us before, a more than beautiful view from any point in the area that will delight photography lovers.

The access to the zone, contrary to what is usual in this type of tourist destinations, it is not so much difficult. In fact, you can directly reach the top driving along a straight road that will save more of a headache for the casual explorer. However, as it is considered military land (in 1958 an Air Force installation was installed) an authorization is required, which can be obtained by calling the following telephone number: 971 637 000.

A break in such a natural beauty deserves a quality place to rest. Optimal Hotels & Residences takes this into account and therefore offers the best for relaxation and comfort in a wide choice of hotels in Mallorca.

When the American Western movies’ producers had to film in Spain had plenty of options to choose. Most of them opted for Almería, but in the north of Navarre one can find the most enigmatic point of the geography of the country: the Natural Park of the Bardenas Reales. This area of 42,000 hectares is located southeast of the autonomous region, on the border with Aragon.

One can see forms of the most unique landscapes of the peninsula, which are the heritage of centuries of wind erosion and water flow. The result: a moon-like aspect in some places, another general desert ravines with many isolated peaks, some of then ressembling human or animal forms.

The park, measuring 45 km. long by 25 km wide, was subdivided in different “bardenas”, depending on the landscape and topography. There are lots of different bardenas within the own bardenas: cereal-growing areas, animal grazing areas, inaccessible areas and land now used as routes for cyclists (El Paso del Ciervo).

View of the Bardenas Reales. Photo by Jonathan Taglione

Not far from the Bardenas, in the town of Tudela (Navarre), one can find the Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selection,  an ideal resort from Optimal Hotels & Residences which will be the best place for rest and use as a base to visit the area. The park is just 25 km far from our hotel.

The hotel is fully accessible and was built according to strict principles of sustainability. You can perform an endless number of outdoor activities in a surrounding area of 25000 m2 with pure nature: pine trees, olive trees and gardens. Also you can tour the area on horseback since the hotel has deals to ride.

If you visit the Natural Park of Bardenas Reales, the Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selection, is certainlly one of the best options to stay. Provides closeness, comfort, flexibility and versatility in an unparalleled natural environment.

Huesca, in the community of Aragón, hides some natural secrets that will delight exploration and hiking lovers. One of them is the Bujaruelo Valley, located in the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, just in the northeast part of the Valley of Ordesa.

Nowadays the valley is actually deserted, but once it had the Hospital of St. Nicholas (circa year 1150), which gave the zone some life until the 18th Century, date when it was abandoned and destroyed. Still today one can find the ruins of a shattered church, the hospital and a Roman bridge (pictured below).

Brown bears, grouses, ptarmigans or ospreys conform the diverse fauna of the valley; something to take into account when coming to enjoy the nature and possibly take amazing photos of the environment. Some of the species are still protected, which makes the zone something unvaluable.

Roman bridge in the Bujaruelo Valley. Photo by Luís Jiménez.

To access this area of ​​great natural value one should begin the route from the town of Torla, turning off at the “Puente de los Navarros” (Navarres’ bridge) in order to get to a campsite, which turns to be also a refuge of unparalleled beauty. Once one has left the area we will cross the above-pictured bridge, just in the meadow of San Nicolás de Bujaruelo.

At this point we should enjoy the views and do a stop before continuing the journey, as there we can get different routes of medium and high mountain massifs, more concretely the ones situated in the Monte Perdido, Comachibosa or Terdeñera.

The valley is, without a doubt, a place to consider for those who want to enjoy nature, not only just a few steps away from the National Park Ordesa and Monte Perdido but also quieter and without the many crowds that normally remove the enchant of natural places.

What’s more, if one wants to be in harmony with the environment bearing in mind that relax on a holiday is more than important, there is no better option to stay in than the Hotel El Mirador – Optimal Selection Hotels, the rural complex of Optimal Hotels & Residences, 5km away from the valley and full of amenities that the true traveler will appreciate.

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Majorca, although is famous because its excellent and sunny weather not to mention its amazingly beautiful beaches, has a lot to offer if we talk about leisure.

In this aspect, culture, tradition and folklore are mixed up in a diverse set of shows, concerts and festivals that will satisfy everyone looking to disconnect from today’s stressful way of life.

Here at Optimal & Residences we are going to sum up some more than interesting activities that the visitor can enjoy when staying in Majorca. Not to worry if one is looking for nightlife or family activities: Majorca has all of them, and a bit more!

Traditional folkore show in Majorca. Photo by David.

For example, one can find in Sóller since the year 1980 a folkore festival called “Sa Mostra“. This event brings music groups from all over the world together in different municipalities (not only Sóller). Up to eight days of free outdoor concerts which main motto is to exchange cultural experiences between the participants and, of course, the audience.

If you are interested in ballet or simply you love typical dance shows, Majorca has something you cannot miss. The Moscow Ballet, probably the finest Russian ballet with the best dancers and choreographers, tours in the Palma Auditorium. A chance to see them live that is certainly a must-see!

In the charming village of Bunyola one can find something very special: an amazing Medieval Show. The restaurant with the same name re-enacts the medieval tournaments with horses, spears, swords and falconry demonstrations while enjoying local cuisine. The perfect place to make a trip to the past accompanied with your family and friends.

Last, but not least, if the traveler is looking forward to live the old-style experience of Majorca, the Granja de Esporles is the place. This formerly farm nowadays combines folklore, local cuisine and handicrafts, elements which are ready to make the perfect all-family activity.

Of course there are plenty of things to do when visiting Majorca — this is just a start. If you want to continue discovering the exceptional experience that the island can provide in terms of leisure, do not hesitate to take a look in the fine selection of hotels in Majorca that Optimal Hotels & Residences offers.

Luckily for almost everyone, the Easter holidays are just a breath away from today. If one is still thinking of where to go in those days, today here at Optimal Hotels & Residences we will recommend a route that for sure will not deceive anyone. The community of Navarre has a lot to offer for those looking for relax, charming people, good gastronomy and impressive sightseeing spots.

First off, those looking for the perfect combination of leisure and nature are in luck. The National Park of Bardenas Reales is the must-see place in those terms: a semi-desertic zone full of peculiar geological formations and with a very special flora and fauna, including all kinds of birds like the Royal Owl.

Also, charming villages like Cascante, will please those culture and historical heritage lovers. A town that seems to be stucked in the past, whose remains make the visitor to feel like if he or she was living many centuries ago when walking across its streets and observing its beautiful typical buildings.

Rural tourism in Navarre. Photo by Federico.

Tudela, in the center of Navarre, is another location to make a stop in. The mix of the diverse cultures than historically have lived together is something worth to take into account when looking for a special combination of culture. For sure, those who enjoy the heritage of different settlers.

Other towns worth to visit are Cortes and Castejón. The first offering the impressive view of a castle which is dated on the 11th Century and a very beautiful park inhabited with ducks, gooses and swans. The second, with a very interesting museum which explains the history of this important pre-historical communications center and, for those looking for something exciting, a Karting Centre that will make the speed lovers happy in a safe way!

Of course, there is a lot more to see and experience in Navarre. For that reason, the Hotel RuralSuite – Optimal Hotels Selection, is probably the best option to relax and plan a more comprehensive trip, offering unique and innovative facilities in a 23.000m2 natural environment.

If one thinks about famous monuments in Spain, more concretely on beautiful cathedrals, for sure the first thing that will go to his or her mind its the Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral.

However, it is not the only one in the country that can say it has centuries of history. The community of Huesca has in one of its charming towns, Jaca, another cathedral that is worth to visit.

In-between the pilgrimage paths of the ‘Camino de Santiago’, the building has received the influence of whole Europe before it got its wall to defend agains the arabs. Architectonical beauty and historical heritage meet these days in this unique monument, whose construction started in the 11th Century.

The Cathedral of Jaca at night. Photo by Ana Sancho.

In the main entrance of the cathedral one can find the “crismón”, a typical Aragonese Monarchy symbol. In the south part of the building still today can be seen another porch dated on the 16th Century, which was constructed taking another parts of the cathedral, something kind of untypical in these type of religious monuments.

Inside there is a three-space basilica. The center one is wider than the rest, providing better light conditions as it has diverse oculus which makes an exceptional ambience impregnated of religious tradition and peace of mind. The inner organ building, which is dated on the 18th Century, is also another nice part of the cathedral.

The Patron of Jaca, Santa Orosia, has its own chapel which is decorated with some paintings that describe the life and martyrdom of the Virgin. More paintings and romanic pieces can be found on the attached cloister, all of them belonging to the Diocesan Museum of Jaca, one of the more important romanic culture museums in the country.

If one wants to enjoy the unique ambience of the place, Optimal Hotels & Residences offers the best option: the Hotel El Mirador – Optimal Hotels Selection, located on the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, will provide to the visitor everything he or she will need taking care of every little detail.

Most of us probably can not wait until de Easter Holidays arrive. The stressful day to day life, the need to have a break and relax with our loved ones and the will to know new places are just a few reasons to decide to go on a trip. In this aspect, Majorca, in the Balearic Islands, is one of the best options for those looking to an unforgettable time.

For Spain outsiders the most attracting factor is without a doubt the great weather that has the island. However, Majorca has a lot more to offer. We have spoken quite a lot about it in Optimal Hotels & Residences, but now is the time to sum up the main things you can find in there, from gastronomy to history, not forgetting culture and leisure.

View of the Palma Cathedral. Photo by Oriol Nicolau.

The old town is just an impressive place to get lost and breath the tradition and culture of Majorca’s history. The Palma Cathedral, the Bellver Castle or the numerous charming villages are other reasons to take into account when visiting the island, actually becoming all of them a must-see when organizing our trip.

We can not forget about the exquisite home-made cuisine of which Majorca can be proud of. The famous sobrassadas, the typical rice and meat receipts or the great desert that is the ensaimada, will provide to all of those gastronomy lovers a unique flavor-explosion experience. It is also good to remember that the ‘Wines of the Land’ have good reasons to impress those wine tourism’s gourmets.

Nature tourism has a great expression, also. Up to five natural parks can be found in the island, from S’Albufera to the Natural Park of Mondragó, through the amazing ecosystem that is the small island of Cabrera, an incredible place worth to take your time on.

Family attractions and leisure (it does not mind nightly or daily, Majorca have them all!) are also important factors to bear in mind if one is looking for a perfect trip with our beloved ones. No worries in this aspect, as the island is probably one of the best places in Spain to get the most in respect of holidays for all and each member of our family.

Optimal Hotels & Residences by its part offers a great selection of hotels in Majorca. Next to paradise beaches or located in the singular inner part of the island, the choice is yours — rest assured the accommodation will be just as great as the numerous things you can do in the capital of the Balearic islands.