El Hotel Fuentes de Lucia

Spanish Steps guides, Juan Carlos and Judy, operate a lovely B&B, Hotel Fuentes de Lucia, situated in a spectacular and untouched corner of northwest Spain. The recently converted farmhouse rests on the hillside of a green valley in the hamlet of Faedo and is part of the Parque Natural Urbinas-La Mesa in the heart of Asturias.

Nestled in Quiros Valley, the "casa rural" is surrounded by mountain peaks, river valleys and ancient forests, a paradise for those who love the great outdoors.  An intricate system of marked footpaths leads you from one small village to the next; up and over mountain passes; and through river valleys. A leisurely stroll along the Senda del Oso, a 30 kilometer trail from Barzana de Quiros to Trubia, is a wonderful way for individuals, couples or families to spend the day whether by bike or on foot.

Fuentes de Lucia is located 5 kilometers from the small lake of Valdemurio, where you can paddle around its shores on a kayak, spend the afternoon with a fishing pole or take a quick dip on a sunny summer day. In the next valley over, walk through the mystical canyon of Las Xanas to Pedrobeyo for a hearty lunch of Fabada, a typical Asturias white bean stew.

Choose an interest of your liking and join us for an active, yet peaceful, holiday in our green valley – or bring your own group and your own interests to our homestead. Email Us to request tour.

 

Yoga & Walking in Asturias

Namaste from the mountains of Asturias - Northern Spain! Welcome to Asturias, Spain’s best kept secret and to Hotel Fuentes de Lucía, your home away from home. This dynamic retreat will include twice daily yoga classes with Jessie Chapman of Radiance Retreats or Claudia Steinhauser of YogaLuz (see retreat schedule below). Our spacious yoga studio, an oasis of tranquility and warmth, overlooks the stunning pastoral valley of Quirós, located in a rural region of Asturias.

Begin the day with an early morning yoga practice followed by a hearty breakfast in the main dining room, formerly a mill, before the day's hiking adventure unfolds. We walk beautiful mountain trails, averaging approximately 15 kilometers per day. Savor local Asturian cuisine, sample aromatic cheeses and sip the traditional beverage, Sidra Asturianu, made from locally grown apples. Trek through scenic gorges and alongside bubbling brooks; dine in local taverns; explore 10th-century churches and relax under Spain’s oldest yew tree, El Tiexo, planted more than 1000 years ago in a sacred meadow.

In the late afternoon we journey deep into yoga's restorative practice to rejuvenate our trekking legs before savoring lovely home-cooked dinners prepared by the owners of Fuentes de Lucia.

We’ll be accompanied by friendly and knowledgeable guides who fill our days with a soulful blend of scenic hiking, historical insights, traditional experiences and wonderful food.

• June 8-15 Yoga Aspen / Courtney Smith
• June 29 - July 6 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• July 27-Aug 3 Claudia Steinhauser of YOGA LUZ
• Aug 3-10 Michelle Bartolo / Yoga Malta
• Aug 10-17 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• Aug 17 - 24 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• Aug 24 - 31 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• Sep 7 - 14 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• Sep 14 – 21 Radiance Yoga / Jessie Chapman
• Sept 21-28 Asana Yoga Colorado / Susan Merrill

 

Art in Asturias with Mary Padgett - Northern Spain

From the lush, picturesque Quirós Valley, one of the most pristine and least-touristed areas of Spain, we’ll launch a week of hiking and artwork from Hotel Fuentes de Lucía, a cozy farmhouse created from the restoration of a 200 year old mill. Unpack, unwind and savor the comforts of home each morning and night, while sketching or painting the Asturian countryside on this eight-day B&B-based holiday.

With mountains, rivers, and fertile farms as our backdrop, we’ll travel daily by foot, stopping to paint or sketch under the guidance of artist and art teacher Mary Padgett, a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, who has been featured in American Artist magazine on several occasions. Our subjects will be as diverse as the landscape we will cover: sleepy village plazas, a farmer moving his cattle from pasture, impressive pre-Romanesque churches, alpine lakes, ancient country mills...even an open-air mercado on a busy morning.

Create your own masterpieces or memories as we explore the towns and terrain of northern Spain.

• June 22nd - 29th, 2013, Pastel Painting with Mary Padgett

Walk & Talk - An Active Language Holiday in Northern Spain

Chat your way around northern Spain in Español! From the lush, picturesque mountains of northwest Spain, enjoy a laid-back, eight-day language learning holiday with hiking, cooking, and sight-seeing as part of the fun mix of activities. A fantastic way for you to put your Spanish lessons to real-world use. With the guidance of a Spanish language teacher you will put your anxieties at ease and learn to use your newly learned language skills.

• May 11th - 18th, 2013
  
• June 15 - 22

Asturian Adventures: Walking in the Quirós Valley and Beyond

fit and intrepid travelers, our most popular B&B-based trip involves daily hiking and exploring in Northern Spain. Unpack, unwind and savor the comforts of home each morning and night, while trekking about the mountains of Asturias each day.

Each day will begin with a hearty breakfast prepared by hosts Juan Carlos and Judy, who is a culinary-trained chef. Pack your small daypack and away we go! We will follow gentle hiking trails along footpaths and ancient trade routes, through narrow canyons, over mountain passes of Picos de Europa, and into wildlife reserves. Hiking approximately 10-12 miles each day, we will find solitude in Spain’s natural treasures, inspiration its untainted villages, and astonishment in its pre-Romanesque churches.

After a day of trekking, we'll unwind with a glass of locally made wine and show you how to make paella or a tortilla de patata. If you like garlic soup, let us share our secret recipe.

• More Information to Come.