El Rodat, Javea

There are many beautifully appointed, luxurious hotels with a long list of comforts and amenities, but one thing that is very specific to each one is its particular location. Location, location, location: important to properties but absolutely vital for a hotel. Together with character and service this is the main distinguishing factor that makes you want to come back.

You see, it’s the small things, the details that make the difference. Like strolling towards a poolside lounger set amid opulent greenery. Pine trees swaying gently overhead and the feel of soft green grass underfoot. As you settle down on a lazy lounger, you look straight across a pine-covered hillside to the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean down below. It is a world of colours, hues of blue and green spiced up by the bright tones of flowers, with the scent of pine and floral bouquets in the air. Overhead seagulls punctuate the dulcet tones of summer with their cries – their view the only one that beats your own.

The description matches Hotel El Rodat, in Javea. This comfortable and stylish midsized hotel has many features to recommend it, but the best of all is its situation on a pine-clad slope overlooking the panoramic Bay of Javea and the little resort town that borders it. More than that, El Rodat finds itself in the soft embrace of natural greenery in a spot that breathes wellbeing and relaxation.

Catering to a diverse market of Spanish and international visitors of varying ages and interests, this family-owned hotel offers a variety of semi-independent suites complete with lounge, room service and spacious terraces from which to enjoy both sun and views. El Rodat’s fine dining restaurant is a local reference point for refined Mediterranean cuisine, yet during the day the rooftop restaurant and lounge is a popular spot for a light meal, a relaxing drink or simply basking on its sunny terrace.

Grand Suite “Our spa facilities, which are among the best in the wider region, are especially appreciated among people who come to get away from the stresses of work and life in the city,” says director José Manuel Piña Hernández. They have made El Rodat a popular weekend destination, yet others come to spend a traditional summer holiday here or use the hotel as a base for discovering this easternmost part of Spain.

“We like to accommodate specific interests and requests,” says José, “so we cater to hikers, bikers, nature lovers, yachtsmen, divers, people who come to ride horses and we also have conference and launch facilities for companies and sports teams that like to work from a peaceful, beautiful spot.” Besides a great many Spanish and international companies El Rodat has welcomed professional cycling teams such as Astana and Rabobank, both prominent in the Tour de France.

Among the more unusual but rapidly growing groups of visitors are those who come to learn about Spanish cooking or develop their photographic skills. “Local photographers show them the best spots, places outsiders would take years to discover, and then guide them to produce the kind of ‘holiday pics’ you can be really proud of.” The hotel’s own chef similarly invites interested parties to accompany him to the local market in Jávea, where they join him in identifying, selecting and buying fresh local produce for the morning’s cooking classes.

As José Piña puts it: “The beauty of El Rodat is that it is just what you want it to be.”