One of the most attractive of all the paradores: a rambling fotl convent with 14 small galleried courtyards, each with a fountain, super little town on the plain of La Mancha. `Quality and age a from the walls, says one fan. There are huge amphorae in the i handsome dark chests and tables, pictures and tapestries in 1 lounges. The spacious bedrooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms), `relatively sparsely furnished, befits a former monastery, but pleasant and comfortable, look a the gardens or swimming pool. Reception may be soulless effective and the food average, but he peace of the courtyards, 1 night-time quiet and the all-pervading scent of honeysuckle maim for any drawbacks'. Vast breakfast buffet. Some coach parties Almagro has some fine old houses with heraldic facades. On its Splendid main square is a Renaissance theatre (Spain’s oldest), where asummer drama festival is held.

A great find, this former monastery, amid the open plains and spaces Extremadura, is nominated by a regular correspondent: `Converted kb care and devotion, it has location, style and ambience, plus an outstanding restaurant: dinner a culinary masterpiece, seven courses carefully blended flavours; superbly presented' (Michelin star). dining area is a former chapel. Open hearths, vaulted ceilings, fabrics, hand-painted tiles, wafer-bricking abound. Most accomation is in small suites: Ours had small monastic windows, a writing room, a separate lounge (great views of the countryside), enormous bathroom.