Saturday, September 5. 2009
"Paradise is never found next to the highway", declared on of the friendly and welcoming owners of this very special little slice of heaven we discovered tucked away in the hills above the classic Basque fishing village of Bermeo (Vizcaya). Although to reach this heavenly retreat one must drive up a narrow four-kilometer back road, but once there, its lucky guests find themselves surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with drop dead views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Bay of Biscay, a silent, every changing portrait from their guest room windows. A sense of utter tranquility and well-being reigns supreme in Lur Deia. It's a unique and handsome hideaway amidst a vast forest, yet centrally located for exploring the scenic Basque Coast, and less that a 30-minute drive from Bilbao.
This special retreat accommodates just 16 guests (no children under 12) in eight double rooms and suites equipped with extremely comfortable beds, sparkling baths, flat-screen TVs, heated floors and complimentary Wi-Fi, all for a very reasonable price. A breakfast of farm fresh eggs, home grown tomatoes and local cured meats is taken in the downstairs breakfast room/lounge, with views facing the sea, while classical music plays in the background. Guests can dine at nearby restaurants such as the charming asador Almiketxu, or cook their own meals in the txoko (dining nook), complete with fresh produce from the properties own organic farm.
A Garden of Eden
