Overview

The region has been described as a walker’s paradise and Mountain Walks certainly agrees with this. Indeed, they wouldn't be there if they did not consider this to be the case.

To ensure that visitors to these mountains obtain the best possible experience, Mountain Walks is delighted to offer the most varied and complete packages available in the region. All holidays are accompanied by an experienced guide. Or simply stay in the excellent accommodations and do your own thing. Mountain Walks is happy to supply information on walks.

The packages offered not only cater to walkers of differing experience, but also distinguish between the "purists" and those wishing to walk while experiencing the culture and cuisine of the region.

Having accidentally discovered the area while on holidays during 1988, Patricia and Brian immediately fell in love with its rugged and unspoiled beauty. The location for a long planned 'new life' had been found. After an extensive exploration of the region and its villages they found the little mountain village of Quatretondeta.

Overlooked by the Serrella Mountain and its distinctive pinnacles known as "Els Frares", they decided this was to be the location of their dream. In 1988 a small holding of 12 acres, two kilometers from the village, was bought.

Producing olives and almonds, this provided the base for which they could get to know the local people and search for a suitable property. In 1991 a large, ruined village house was purchased and the project began.

A few days before Christmas 1992, the builders moved in and phase 1 of the reformation began. Building work was completed by the end of April 1993 and furnishing and the tiresome pursuit of the necessary licenses and permissions began.

Els Frares opened its doors to the public on June 30, 1993. Further reformation work was carried out in 1995, when the roof was raised and another floor added. In 1999 further licenses were sort and major modifications were made to the lounge and reception areas, as well as a further three double bedrooms being added.

Finally during 2005/2006 with the introduction of new shareholders in the business, the existing hotel was totally refurbished and a major new extension added.

The restaurant, as well as serving excellent cuisine as always, now offers an extended “a la carte” menu. An excellent place for refined yet informal dining with superb views of the surrounding countryside and village.

Els Frares is a personal dream based entirely on what the owners would like to encounter while on holiday, but have so rarely found: welcoming, comfortable accommodations, and above all, good food using the best of the wonderful fresh ingredients available in Spain.

Obviously not forgetting another important element, the glorious scenery and weather. Hopefully there are many more people in the world with similar tastes.

With a passion for cooking and a love of this area and Spanish life, Mountain Walks aims to make Els Frares a welcoming, comfortable base, with good food and wine; a base for guests wanting to get under the skin of the real Spain.

Since opening in 1993 Els Frares has steadily gained an international reputation for comfortable accommodations, excellent cuisine and exceptional value for money. It is recommended by many of Europe's leading guides, such as Gourmetour, El Pais/Aquilar guides, and Allaster Sawdays "Special Places to Stay in Spain", “Fourmetour”, “Michelin”, “Restauradores, best restaurants of Spain”, “Rough guide”, and “Lonely Planet”. Named by the Time of London as “Best Place to Stay” in Alicante Mountains in 1999. Awarded 2005 “Diploma of Merit for Tourism” in the Regional Tourism Awards Ceremony, held in July 2006.

An important element to the business is a responsible approach to the environment and to the local economy. Mountain Walks’ policy and actions on these matters are as follows:

• They were instrumental in working with the regional environmental agency and the Quatretondeta town hall to get a significant area of the local mountain range, the Sierra Serrella, declared a micro reserve for flora and fauna under the EU Life 2000 initiative. They maintain close contact with the local environmental groups.
• All staff have employment contracts in accordance with Spanish law with full social security rights and benefits. The restaurant specializes in regional dishes using locally grown produce and where possible, organically grown produce. Mountain Walks encourages guests to act in a responsible way, with an insight and understanding of the region, its people, and their customs.
• Mountain Walks brings employment to the local valley where they are the largest employer; all staff live in local villages. All purchasing is from local suppliers and where possible, using local agricultural produce. Locally produced olive oil and almonds are available for guests to purchase. They support local income generation and small business enterprises by supporting locally owned shops and restaurants.
• Mountain Walks’ actions to immunize their impact on the environment include the latest insulation and the introduction of low energy lighting to 90% of the building to reduce energy consumption. During 2006, solar panels are being fitted to provide the hot water for the hotel.
• Waste produce is recycled (glass, plastics, tins, paper, and carton).

   Seasonal Rates & Info

	Weekly Rates	Daily Rates
Year Round	Not Specified	$100.00 - $120.00 per person

   Travel & Industry Awards

• El Mundo - The Spanish National Newspaper Named Mountain Walks' Holidays as the Icon of Rural Tourism in the Valencia Community, January 2006
• Named by the London Times Newspaper as 'Best Place to Stay' & 'Best Walking (Hiking)' , June 1999
• 2005 Diploma of Merit , Regional Tourism Awards Ceremony Held in July 2006
• Listed by the Prestigious Spanish Guide guide 'Restauradores' for the Best Gastronomic Restaurants of Spain

   Affiliations

• Ethnological Museum ....
• HOSBEC
• Life 2000 ....
• Responsible Travel/Ecotourism

   Payments Accepted

   Reservation Policy

   Cancellation Policy

30–22 Days: 50%
21-14 Days: 75%
13-7 Days: 90%
6 Days or Less: 100%