Elysium Luxury Stays & Restaurant — Hotel in El Valle

We travelled from Austria to regain energy and motivation through a short vacation in the lecrin valley. From the first moment on we arrived we have been impressed by the beauty of the building and the rooms. A big wooden door is opening the hall way and a second is giving the to the pool and the restaurant. We got one of the biggest rooms in the top of the building. Beautiful arches of old stone are giving price the look into the valley and giving a warm feeling of a long bygone era. Amazing. A lot of details that make a big picture. We also booked a table in the restaurant, which is situated in the basement of the building. You sit next to an open kitchen where you can watch Chef Michael Sandoval preparing and finishing your plates. We took the 12 course menu and loved everyone of them. Sometimes the chef comes out to the table and tells you more about the dishes and his idea. Michael Sandoval, a well known Chef in the US is sourcing almost everything from the valley. I am pretty sure he will get more and more in contact with purveyors from the area and will infect those with his love for food and cooking. There is way more to come and to hear from this talented chef, he just got warmed up. We also had the wine pairing with our menu. A young and talented sommelier named Wouter Barneveld poured us only Spanish wines. He also described his idea in combination with the food. Fantastic. This people really love what they do. Last, but not least, to mention is the lady behind (or better next to) Chef Michael, Jasmijne, who welcomed us with a warm "Hello" every time we saw here and knew almost every time what we needed or wanted. We are for sure...

Wow! This was a dining experience that was genuinely lifetime memorable; the kind of taste sensation journey you might embark on once or twice in your life - if you are lucky. We (my wife and I) travelled over from our nearby Casa on bike but, having now experienced Elysium to say: it would amply justify a full-day, laden trek over the local mountains - there and back - if you can secure a reservation.

We were treated to a new, twelve moment taster menu that had only recently been designed - it is clear the Elysium Team are constantly evolving their fare with collective passion. Each moment was incredible - made so by the innovation, focus on local sourcing and the creation-stories behind each. A really special touch was chef Michael regularly coming out from the kitchen to explain the thoughtful provenance of his dishes.

The other point of note was the grace and friendliness of the collective, small team; from Jasmijn at initial welcome through to our server and sommelier; indeed, another real highlight was the wine pairing (thoroughly recommend!) and the expert narration of this wine selection. It’s a rare treat to see such a high-performing team in motion - super impressive in such a young business.

In summary, a huge highlight of our stay in this beautiful part of Andalusia and we wish the entire team every deserved, onwards success. Oh - just to say finally, we made it back to our rented Casa safely - after traversing dark, dusty, bumpy country lanes - with huge smiles...

We ( my wife and i ) stayed in the hotel for two days and had twice dinner in the restaurant ,|. The hotel was 100% as we wished it to be . Even all the little things were there . Soft toiletpaper , turn down service and clean towels everywhere you are. A spacious room overlookimg the Valley and the Mountains of the Siërra Nevada ! Perfect in each and every way ! ||The first evening we had dinner with 12 “ experiences” It is very clear that chief Michael has a full focus to achieve for the best and nothing but the best . Comparing to many good restaurants with one or two Michelin stars it’s only a matter of a short period of time that this restaurant will deserve a Michelin star in my opinion. Together with his assistent Ole and sommelier Wouter both educated and trained in famous wellknown restaurants they will succeed in letting their dream come true . The second dat the chef prepared a less complicated 4 course meal and also that gave us proof of his craftmenship ! Delicious !! Visiting this hotel and restaurant is a must for everyone with a feeling for exceptional cooking and enjoying the luxery of an outstanding boutique hotel . |All in all we enjoyed it very much and can’t wait to come back soon...