Engracia's Chimney: Ruidera, Spain's Hidden Gem (PHOTOS!)
Engracia's Chimney: Ruidera, Spain's Hidden Gem (PHOTOS!)
Engracia's Chimney: Ruidera, Spain – My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Delightful Experience (And Why You NEED To Go!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the full, unfiltered, and probably slightly disorganized truth about Engracia's Chimney in Ruidera, Spain. Forget those sterile, overly-polished travel reviews. This is real life, people. And trust me, this place is anything but sterile. (Though, thankfully, they are obsessive about cleanliness, more on that later!)
First things first: Ruidera is a hidden gem. Seriously. Imagine a landscape dotted with sparkling, interconnected lagoons, surrounded by rolling hills, and with a general vibe that's about a million miles away from the usual tourist hordes. That’s Ruidera. And Engracia's Chimney? Well, it’s the perfect basecamp for exploring this paradise.
Let's get messy, shall we?
The Good, The Great, and the "Oh, That Was Interesting"
Accessibility? Okay, this is where my messy brain needs to admit a tiny, tiny flaw. The property isn't explicitly labelled as fully wheelchair accessible. I didn’t personally test this, but I'd recommend reaching out directly to Engracia's to clarify – they seem incredibly accommodating. They do have an elevator, which is a huge plus.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges – YES! This is a big win. The restaurant, though I don't have a specific name in mind, was a genuine highlight. They offered everything from a la carte options to buffets, with a fantastic combination of International and Western cuisine, and, crucially, a vegetarian restaurant (a lifesaver for me!). The coffee/tea in the restaurant was top-notch, and I absolutely indulged in their desserts in restaurant – possibly a few too many. I also spotted a dedicated bar and poolside bar – perfect for pre-dinner cocktails (the happy hour was a dream!).
Internet? Oh sweet, sweet Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. No more frantic running around looking for a decent signal! They also provide Internet [LAN] if you are looking for something more solid. I even remember them providing Wi-Fi for special events.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – My Head Exploded With Choices!
Right. Where do I even begin? Okay, let's start with my personal obsession: the Spa! And not just any spa, but a full-blown, pampering sanctuary.
The Spa Story
Look. I'm not going to lie. I'm a spa addict. And Engracia's Chimney delivered. They have a pool with a view (absolutely stunning). And the massage? Oh. My. God. I opted for the full body extravaganza. First of all, the masseuse was like a ninja with healing hands. She found knots I didn't know I had. And then, as I was drifting into blissful oblivion, I could see the sun setting over the lagoons through the window. It was… cinematic. Pure bliss. I practically levitated out of there. They also had a sauna, steamroom, foot bath, and body wrap. Honestly, I could have happily spent a week just living in that spa. This is a serious "must-do". It was such a great experience!
Beyond Bliss:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: A gorgeous pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Gym/fitness: They have a fitness center, which I intended to use… but the spa was just too alluring.
- Fitness center: Gym/fitness, enough mentioned!
- Couple's room: For all you lovebirds out there…romantic getaway
- Body scrub: Can't wait to try it next time!
The Rest of the Fun:
- Kids facilities: Family-friendly? Absolutely! They had kid-friendly options available.
- Shrine For those who are into it!
- Terrace: A beautiful place to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.
- Bicycle parking: In case you want to visit the lagoons on a bike!
- Poolside Bar: A real life saver!
Cleanliness and Safety – Seriously Impressive (Especially in These Times)
Okay, this is where Engracia's Chimney really shines. They’re clearly taking hygiene seriously, which is a massive relief.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
I felt completely safe and secure, even during peak travel season. The fact that the staff are trained in safety protocol and were using sterilizing equipment was reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure
I've already raved about the restaurant, but let's dive in a little deeper.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A solid buffet filled with plenty of choices.
- Breakfast service: More than enough
- Bottle of water: Provided. Hydration is important, people!
- Coffee shop: I loved it, the smell of coffee was all around the property!
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious, to say the least!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Good variety
- Poolside bar: A great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a casual drink by the pool.
- Room service [24-hour]: Helpful, and perfect for those lazy days.
- Salad in restaurant: A healthy choice.
- Snack bar: Easy access to snacks.
- Soup in restaurant: It was a must on rainy days!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Essential for me!
- Western breakfast /Western cuisine in restaurant: A nice balance of options.
- Happy hour: Oh, yes!
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Everything!
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were immaculate.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth and efficient.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Air conditioning in public area: Very welcomed.
- Air conditioning: Of course, in every room!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Worth confirming directly.
- Food delivery: Excellent when you don't feel like going out!
- Laundry service: Helpful for long stays.
- Luggage storage: Convenient for early arrivals or late departures.
- Safety deposit boxes: They keep your valuables safe.
- Car park [free of charge]: A welcome relief.
- Taxi service: Easy access.
Rooms – Comfort and Character
The rooms were comfortable, well-equipped, and, most importantly, clean.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Bathrobes The ultimate luxury.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for those lazy mornings.
- Coffee/tea maker: Coffee, coffee, glorious coffee!
- Desk: Really useful for getting some writing done.
- Hair dryer: Obviously.
- In-room safe box: A good touch.
- Internet access – wireless: Reliable.
- Mini bar: For emergency chocolate supplies.
- Non-smoking: And there's a smoking area!
- Private bathroom: Always a plus.
- Safety/security feature: reassuring.
- Satellite/cable channels: for your entertainment needs.
- Shower: A decent pressure shower.
- Slippers: Such a nice touch.
- Wake-up service: For those early morning activities.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential.
- Window that opens: Always a plus for fresh air.
My Slightly Imperfect, But Utterly Memorable "Oh Shoot!" Moment
One thing I have to tell you. I was so relaxed, I nearly locked myself out of my room. Luckily, my phone was inside and I was able to call for help. The staff at the front desk were incredibly kind and helpful. That was a good lesson and taught me to pay attention to my surroundings, but hey, incidents happen!
For the Kids – Family Fun!
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: They provide it!
- Car park [on-site]
- Bicycle parking
**The
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel brochure. We're going to Ruidera, baby! Specifically, La Chimenea de la Tía Engracia. Prepare for… well, expect the unexpected. Mostly.
La Chimenea de la Tía Engracia: A Week of Chaos & Chorizo
Day 1: The Arrival – Mild Panic & Magical Light
- Morning (ish): Left Madrid. Tried to pack light. Failed spectacularly. My suitcase, bless its flimsy little soul, is overflowing with “essentials” like three pairs of boots (Ruidera in August: genius, I know), a book I’ll probably never read, and a questionable amount of sunscreen. Felt the usual pre-trip anxiety nibbling at me. Did I book the right train? Did I pack enough snacks (answer: no, never)?
- Afternoon: Train journey. Delayed. Of course. Managed to score a window seat, which, while promising picturesque views, also means I’m currently baking like a chorizo in a slow cooker. Made friends with a grumpy old man who kept muttering something about the evils of tourism and the "good old days". Ignored him. Mostly.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrived in Ruidera. Took a taxi – the driver had a serious obsession with flamenco music, which was… an experience. Finally, finally, arrived at La Chimenea. First impressions: rustic, charming, and slightly… off-kilter. The building leans. Just a bit. But the courtyard is beautiful, with bougainvillea bursting with color and the air thick with the scent of… something delicious. Could be the chorizo, could be my imagination.
- Evening: Checked in. The receptionist, bless her heart, spoke exactly zero English, and my Spanish is… well, let’s just say I managed to order a beer without accidentally asking for a horse instead. Found my room. It's cozy, bordering on cramped, but the window looks out onto the lagoon, and the light… oh my god, the light. It's like liquid gold pouring over the water. Worth the train delays, worth the dodgy taxi music.
- Dinner: The hotel restaurant. Paella. It was… fine. Edible. Needed more garlic. Met a family with a pack of unruly kids who spent the entire meal screaming and running amok. Added a new layer of chaos. Drank a bottle of wine. It helped.
Day 2: Lagoon Life & Existential Crises
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of birdsong and the sun glinting off the lagoon. Attempted a swim. The water was… refreshing. And by refreshing, I mean freezing. But the view? Stunning. Spent an hour just floating and staring at the sky. Had a mini-existential crisis about the meaning of life, the universe, and whether I should have brought that extra pair of socks.
- Afternoon: Decided to hike along the lagoon. Got lost. Twice. Nearly fell in the water. Saw a heron gracefully catching a fish (I, on the other hand, almost caught a faceful of brambles). Found a perfect little spot to sit and read, but the wind had other plans. Kept flipping the pages. Gave up. Just enjoyed the peace and quiet.
- Evening: Tried to order dinner at a smaller, more local restaurant. Failed. Ended up pointing at a plate of… something. Turns out it was rabbit stew. Not my usual go-to. But it was delicious. And the local wine? Even better. Conversed with a very opinionated Spanish woman who told me her whole life story. Couldn’t understand everything. But it really didn't matter. The genuine connection made me feel strangely at ease.
Day 3: Caves, Cheese & Culinary Catastrophes
- Morning: Decided to explore the caves. They were… dark. And damp. And filled with bats. I’m not claustrophobic… usually. But the low ceilings and the echoing silence started to get to me. Ended up rushing through the last cave in a mild panic, convinced I was going to get trapped.
- Afternoon: Cheese tasting! Went to a local cheese farm. Tried everything. The Manchego was amazing. The goat cheese was… intense. Bought far too much cheese. Will probably regret this on the flight home.
- Evening: Tried to cook something in my little kitchenette. Disaster. Set off the smoke alarm trying to fry an egg. The fire alarm was going off, now the family with the screaming kids was on edge. Decided to cut my losses and order a pizza. It was the best pizza I've ever tasted. Or maybe I was just starving and emotionally exhausted.
Day 4: The Ruidera Lakes and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- Morning: Took a boat trip on the lakes. The water was gorgeous, crystal-clear. So many blues and greens, it was like being in a painting. The sun was warm, but the breeze was cool. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Found a quiet spot by the lake and spent the afternoon just… breathing. No agenda. No plans. Just letting the world wash over me. Read a little. Napped a lot. Felt the stress of my life melt away. This doing-nothing thing is harder than it looks.
- Evening: The hotel had a little flamenco show. It was intense! The dancers were passionate and the musicians were incredible. Felt a little embarrassed by my pathetic attempts to clap in time, but the show transported you in space and time. Had some tapas and more wine afterward and talked to (a) a very charming Englishman with a dry wit and (b) a woman who worked at the Chimenea and seemed to have the whole hotel running smoothly by sheer will.
Day 5: Doubling Down on an Experience: The Chorizo Extravaganza!
- Morning: Woke up craving chorizo. And so started the day dedicated to the humble sausage. First, a visit to the local market. The smells! The sounds! Mountains of chorizo in every size and shape imaginable. Bought a whole kilo. Figured I'd need it.
- Afternoon: Chorizo cooking class! Learned the secrets of the perfect chorizo from a boisterous old woman who kept pinching my cheeks. It was a lesson in patience, precision, and the art of not being intimidated by a hot pan.
- Evening: CHORIZO FEAST! We had chorizo in every conceivable form. Fried, grilled, in stew, on pizza, with cheese. It was a glorious, greasy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying experience. Probably ate enough chorizo to last me a year. Regrets? Zero. Absolutely zero. Passed out and dreamed of sausages.
Day 6: Farewells & Future Adventures
- Morning: A final dip in the lagoon (still freezing, but somehow comforting). Packed my suitcase, slightly less full than when I arrived (thanks to the chorizo consumption). Said goodbye to the bougainvillea, the grumpy old man, and the friendly staff.
- Afternoon: Train ride back to Madrid. Contemplated my life choices. Wondered if I could smuggle a kilo of chorizo back home. The scenery flew past, and I just soaked up all the last moments of my trip, trying not to think of the return to the real world.
- Evening: Back in Madrid. The city felt overwhelming after the peace of Ruidera. But I had a story. And that chorizo, well, that chorizo tasted like freedom. And maybe, just maybe, I’m a better person for having gone to Ruidera, even if I still don't know the meaning of life.
Day 7:
- Morning: Back home, unpacking and unpacking and unpacking. Realizing I've brought back an entire wardrobe of clothes and memories of a little vacation.
- Afternoon: Looking up cheap flights for next year.
- Evening: Thinking, "where to next?"
Notes:
- This itinerary is fluid. Embrace the chaos. Things will go wrong. Laugh about it.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It might make your life easier (or at least more entertaining).
- Don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s half the fun.
- Pack snacks. And sunscreen. And maybe, just maybe, an extra pair of socks.
- Most importantly: enjoy the moment. Because life’s too short not to eat all the chorizo.
Enjoy Ruidera! I’m already planning my return. Probably soon. Maybe even next week. Wish me luck!
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Engracia's Chimney: Ruidera, Spain - Spill the Secrets! (And My Coffee)
So, Engracia's Chimney... What's the Big Deal? And Why Didn't Anyone Warn Me About the Mosquitoes?
Okay, picture this: you're expecting a quaint little Spanish village. Sun-drenched cobblestone streets, perhaps a grumpy old man selling olives... and then BAM! You stumble upon Engracia's Chimney in Ruidera. Honestly, it's less a chimney and more a… well, an *experience*. It’s a cave, a water source, AND a total mind-bender. I mean, the water is this incredible turquoise, like someone dumped a vat of Smurf juice in there (don't do that, by the way). And the whole vibe? Mystical, a little spooky, and definitely Instagram-worthy (I admit, I spent way too long trying to get the perfect shot).
The big deal? It's supposed to be amazing. And don't get me STARTED on the mosquitoes. Pack DEET, people. Seriously. You've been warned. My legs looked like I'd lost a battle against a horde of tiny vampires.
How Do I *Actually* Get to Engracia's Chimney? (And Did Your Sat Nav Try to Kill You?)
Alright, LISTEN UP. The GPS situation is… a test of your sanity. Seriously, it's like the device *wants* you to end up in a goat pasture. My experience? Let's just say the little blue arrow on Google Maps led me down roads that would make a mountain goat question its life choices.
First, find Ruidera. I wouldn't recommend relying on the GPS COMPLETELY. Double-check the route *before* you leave. Then, once you're in Ruidera, look for signs. They're there. Eventually. Ask a local. (Spanish is helpful). Be prepared for a bit of a hike once you park - wear decent shoes! You're not going to want to do it in flip flops.
Okay, Fine. I'm There. Now What? What's Engracia's Chimney REALLY Like, And How Screwed Am I, Really?
Alright. So, you're standing there. Sun beating down, and the anticipation's a-building. Engracia's Chimney... well, it's essentially a sinkhole leading to an underwater cave system. The water is mind-blowing – truly a shockingly beautiful turquoise that makes you question reality a little bit. You look at the water, you REALLY want to get in, but it's COLD!
You can SCUBA dive – loads of people do. Or paddleboard, whatever floats your boat (pun intended!). The water's pretty clear, and I hear the underwater views are something else. I’m a wimp and was already getting bitten by the mosquitoes (remember my leg situation?), so I just enjoyed the view from the surface. It’s worth the visit! Just make sure you pack appropriate gear and plan for the weather! You'll probably want to bring your own snacks and water, and don't forget the sunscreen!
So, You Mentioned Diving... Tell Me About Your Attempt (Or Lack Thereof).
Oh. God. My "attempt." Let's just say I'm more of a "surface admirer" than a "Jacques Cousteau in training." I talked myself into deciding a snorkeling trip was the perfect plan, but I had terrible luck. Apparently, the crystal-clear waters of Engracia's Chimney are also home to a surprisingly aggressive little fish. And, well, I have to admit, I'm a little… *claustrophobic*. (Okay, a LOT claustrophobic.)
So, I had my mask and snorkel, bravely clinging to the edge of the water. Then, a fish, no bigger than my thumb, decided my ankle was a suitable target. I yelped, nearly swallowed half the lake, and scrambled back onto the (thankfully) rocky edge like a startled seal. My diving experience was officially, "I got close to the water." It was a whole mess.
Seriously, if you're diving, go with a guide. And if you're prone to panicking, maybe stick to the surface! There are plenty of other lakes and areas nearby where you can have a much more relaxing time.
Is Engracia's Chimney REALLY Worth All the Trouble? The Mosquitoes, the GPS, the Potential for Fish-Related Trauma...
Okay, let's be honest. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Despite the mosquito bites that made me itch for a week, the near-death experience with the GPS, and my less-than-stellar aquatic adventure, Engracia's Chimney is worth it. The beauty, the unique experience, the sheer *weirdness* of it all... it's unforgettable. It's a bit of a gamble, a bit of a trek, but if you're looking for something truly special, something that'll make you say, "Wow, I *did* that!" then go. Just pack the bug spray. And maybe a therapist's number, just in case.
Ruidera is AMAZING, regardless. If you’re in the area, you absolutely MUST go! I'd go back again. Maybe with a shield against the mosquitoes. And maybe a bigger boat for the water.
Okay, I'm Sold! Give Me the Rapid-Fire Survival Guide!
- Bug Spray: Seriously, it's a MUST in Ruidera.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be brutal, people.
- Good Shoes: Leave the flip-flops at home.
- Water/Snacks: Stay hydrated and fueled!
- GPS (But with a Brain): Cross-reference with a map!
- Cash: Always a good idea in more remote areas.
- Consider a Guide: Dive lessons will make things easier, if that’s your thing.
- Camera: To capture the incredible images!
- Expect the Unexpected: Because, Spain.
- Most Importantly: Relax and have fun!
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