A 16th-century palace in the heart of Asturias’ Comarca de la Sidra has been given a new lease of life as an exclusive boutique hotel. The historic building, located in the municipality of Colunga near Lastres—recognized as one of Spain’s most picturesque villages—now blends its rich heritage with modern standards of hospitality.
The Palacio de Luces Hotel, originally built in 1580 for the hidalgo Juan Victorero “El Viejo,” has undergone a meticulous restoration, preserving its original stonework and wooden features. Today, it is part of the prestigious Cool Rooms Hotels group and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Notably, it is the only establishment in Asturias awarded the Llave Michelin, a distinction that underscores its high standing in the industry.
The hotel complex comprises four buildings from different eras, housing 44 rooms. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Lastres Bay, the Sierra del Sueve mountains, and the Picos de Europa. The interior design is inspired by the region’s natural palette: soft tones evoke green meadows, sea mist, and sunset hues, creating an atmosphere of elegance and comfort.
Guests can enjoy an extensive wellness area designed for relaxation and recovery. It features a heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath (hammam), sensory showers, and thermal loungers. The hotel’s spa uses products from the renowned Spanish natural cosmetics brand ALQVIMIA, offering treatments based on aromatherapy and kinesiology. Guests also have access to a modern fitness center and charging stations for electric vehicles.
The hotel’s gastronomic offering centers around Tella restaurant, led by chef Francisco Ruiz. His cuisine is rooted in traditional Asturian recipes and relies on local ingredients such as pitu pintu chicken from Colunga and fabada with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The menu also features American-inspired dishes—a tribute to the palace’s founder, who was involved in trade with the New World. In summer 2025, guests can enjoy a tasting menu that includes oyster and truffle risotto, grilled octopus, tuna carpaccio, and lamb ragout made with the Xaldu breed.
The hotel’s location offers guests a chance to experience authentic Asturias. Nearby are hiking trails in the Sierra del Sueve mountains, the fishing village of Lastres, and traditional cider houses (llagares). Palacio de Luces offers more than just accommodation—it provides a deep immersion into the region’s culture, history, and nature, blending luxury with respect for local heritage.
