Madrid & Valladolid

Written By Morgan Patton

Where We Stayed

We first went to small town about 90 minutes outside of Madrid, called Valladolid, in order to spend two nights at one of my dream hotels, Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel, Restaurant, Winery & Spa. This is a restored ancient 12th century Romanesque abbey, set on 500 acres of vineyards in the Duero Valley. The heart of the estate is its award-winning winery, it’s intimate resort with just 30 rooms and suites offering full butler service and a beautiful spa, and Refectorio, their Michelin-starred restaurant. This place felt like a storybook; stunning grounds and architecture with a very boutique, special feel. The hotel provides you with an itinerary or your stay and each of the activities, spa services, and meals you have booked. For our first night, they surprised us with a framed picture from our wedding and the room decorated with candles and roses while we were finishing up dinner. We loved the winery tour, spa visit, and every meal we had.

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine

We then took the train back to Madrid and checked in to the Four Seasons Madrid, another stunning building placed in the heart of Madrid with between the Puerta De Sol and Plaza Major. The attention to detail here was also above and beyond. The concierge met us out front when we first arrived, offered us a glass of Cava, and escorted us around the showstopping lobby and up to our room. Thanks to AMEX’s Fine Hotels and Resorts Program, we were upgraded to a terrace room on the highest floor of the hotel with incredible views of Madrid.

Four Seasons Madrid Terrace Room

How We Got There

We flew from the island of Gran Canaria to Madrid on Air Europa’s 737 business class. This was only about a three hour flight, but we were luckily on one of the flights that have the upgraded/long-haul business class seating. This includes full lie flat pods with plenty of storage, legroom, and a nice entertainment system. We had a nice meal service, watched a movie, and landed in Madrid. From there you can take the train to Valladolid.


What Points We Used

Our four nights at both of these hotels were booked using AMEX points, earned through my AMEX Platinum which gives me access to AMEX’s Fine Hotels and Resorts Collection. These special hotels can be booked through the AMEX travel portal for either cash or points and they include special benefits when booking: free breakfast, room upgrade, and $100 hotel/experience credit. We used our credit for Spa services at Abadia and dinner at Dani at the Four Seasons.

I booked two seats on our LPA-MAD flight with 55,000 Citi points transferred to Air France Flying Blue and $17. in taxes/fees. Citi points were earned through my husband’s Citi Premier Card Sign-Up Bonus.

Check out my free guide for more information on cards and transfer partners. If you’re interested in signing up for any of the cards I mention, please send me a message and I’ll send you my referral link. I don’t get paid - It just helps me earn a small amount of bonus points and you get to earn the full sign-up bonus.

Value

Abadia (2 nights)87,000 AMEX = $850, plus Free Breakfast, $100 Spa Credit

Four Seasons Madrid (2 nights)180,000 AMEX = $3,600, plus Free Breakfast, $100 Hotel Credit

LPA-MAD Business CLASS 55,000 + $17 = $900

Itinerary

Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine (11/25-11/27)

  • 11/25 10:00 - 13:45 Flight UX9161 LPA - MAD

    • Air Europa via Air France #NV6BYI

    • Sala Galdos Lounge (PP - 2nd floor, zone C)

    • 7:30 Transfer from hotel to airport 

    • Transfer from MAD to Abadia

    • 21:00 Dinner at Vinoteca

  • Abadia (11/25-11/27)

    • Free Breakfast, $100 Spa Credit

    • Address: Sardon de Duero 47340 Valladolid (Spain)

  • 11/26 (Saturday) Spa, Wine Tour, Dinner, Bikes

    • 10:30 Winery Visit and Tasting

    • 17:00 Spa

    • 21:00 Dinner at Refectory

Madrid (11/27 - 11/29)

  • 11/27 Car to Valladolid, 12:50 - 13:56 Train - Madrid-Chamartin

    • Train: Aliva 4086

  • Four Seasons Madrid (11/27 - 11/29)

    • Free Breakfast, $100 credit, room upgrade

    • Address: C. de Sevilla, 3, 28014 Madrid, Spain

    • Chocolateria San Gines for churros, Casa Labra for salt cod!, Lambuzo*

    • Puerto del sol (4 min walk)

      • Mallorquina - napolitana de chocolate

    • Wander down calle major, left into Plata Major - Regal Square

      • La campana - calamari sandwich 

    • Mercado san miguel

    • 21:00 Dinner at Dani

    • La Canibal

    • Azoteo Rooftop Cocktail

  • 11/28 (Monday)

    • Buen Retiro Park, Reina or Prado

    • Walk through Ibiza (Tapas) and Lista neighborhoods

    • Confiteria Rialto for moscovitas

    • Oriol Balaguer for croissants

    • Platea Madrid - food hall

    • Calle de Serrano - boutiques

    • La Castela* - tapas

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel

Morgan Patton
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