5 /5
Évaluation
★
★
★
★
★
We were lucky to stumble upon the brand new Malkorra hotel and restaurant just a minute drive from the fantastic hum of San Sebastian, yet a million miles away, set in rural farmland, with tranquility, views, restrained luxury, friendly young proprietors, and dining that...is worth the trip in and of itself. My two teenage daughters and I were on a (sadly) brief visit to San Sebastian from our friend's house in Biarritz. We hoped to stay the night after a wonderful day of walking, swimming, and especially eating in a truly delightful city. We tried but got shut out of any and all lodging in San Sebastian due to a jazz festival in progress (and simply showing up on a Friday night in late July). As we were leaving, we got a tip from a wonderful woman (like my girls, a twin) in the information office about a brand new hotel just a few miles away in the hills. We set out for it, as it was on our way back towards France anyway. We found it easily and lucked into a wonderful stay. A brother and sister team, Xabi and Ane created Malkorra on land once part of their family farm, in a tranquil setting with splendid views down to San Sebastian. Let me start with the food. Wow. The chef, Xabi completely lives up to the reputation that Donostia has for superb cuisine. Malkorra the restaurant is already near capacity each night, and it is no surprise to me. I'd go there all the time if I could. They have a promotional video on YouTube, and the shots of the food are no exaggeration. It is as fresh and delicious as it is beautiful. While my daughters enjoyed the pool, the sauna, jacuzzi and cold water plunge in the spa, I sipped a drink on the terrace and gazed at San Sebastian down below. Xabi brought me a plate of the local peppers, sauteed in olive oil. They were delicious. The piparra peppers were very similar to Shishito peppers available where I live in California. When we later sat for dinner, we decided to try everything Xabi was making that night, but there was one exception. I had asked the server about fresh fish and next thing I know, here comes Xabi out to our table with a foot Hake in his hands, caught earlier in the day and it looked it. He made a special course for us that was not on the menu, and it was out of this world. The hotel rooms are nicely appointed, with balconies. There aren't many, I think in total. All doubles. It is a great place for a couples get away. I had to get two rooms because of my daughters, so I'd say it's not necessarily a place for families, although it worked out fine for us. As for activities, there is an interesting ruins to explore, the Castillo de Beloaga a short walk up the hill from the hotel. It was built on top of a rocky outcrop and the views in all directions are great. The hotel is also a short walk to the trailhead of another great hike, to the Arditurri. And of course it is a short hop from the hotel back down to San Sebastian, or Hondarribia.