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Andorra, Off-Piste

A get-away within easy reach of BCN

By Brian Gallagher 03.04.19

Even if it’s just for a few days getting away from the routine of day to day life is a great way to clear the mind and recharge the batteries. A change of scene in different surroundings is important to our wellbeing; ideally somewhere not too far away bearing in mind our carbon footprint and the stresses that long distance travel involves. Andorra then is a practical destination, easily accessible offering something for everyone whether it be pristine natural parks, sporting facilities, a world renowned Spa or duty free shopping.

Sandwiched in between the peaks of the Pyrenees Andorra is a sovereign landlocked principality founded by Charlemagne during the Middle Ages that continues to control its own borders nowadays. The Pyrenees form a natural geographic border between Spain and France, stretching from the Mediterranean and the Basque country. Although outside the EU the official currency is the Euro and Andorra is closely connected to Catalonia culturally and politically. Located just 2.5 hours from Barcelona the microstate of Andorra is just the right distance away to feel disconnected from day to day routine. Although it is only accessible by road.

  • Off-Piste Andorra
  • Off-Piste Andorra

    The Golden Tulip Andorra Fénix located on the periphery of Escaldes-Engordan, part of Daguisa Hotels, the ideal base for both sporty types and urban travellers.

    Since getting serious about developing its tourism industry some 30 years ago, some world class hotels have been constructed in the Andorra region. Among them is the Golden Tulip Andorra Fénix located on the periphery of Escaldes-Engordan, part of Daguisa Hotels, strategically placed for urban and sporting travellers. With transfer services to the slopes and the nearest ski lift located just a few hundred meters away from the hotel it is a practical place to plan a stay.

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    The cuisine at the Goden Tulip Andorra Fenix includes typical dishes from the region.

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    One of the typical desserts

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    Spa Caldea, view of the interior

    For skiers Andorra is a Mecca for snow sports, Grandvalira is one of the largest ski resorts in Europe with 210 Km of ski runs over 128 slopes of different levels, situated between 1,700 meters and 2,700 meters altitude. For hikers there are three national parks to explore, they are the Valle de Sorteny, the Madriu-Perafita-Claror and the Valles del Comapedrosa. And for anyone looking for a little rest and recreation there is the spectacular Caldea, Europe’s largest Thermal Spa accommodated within a contemporary structure that dominates the Andorra la Vella, the principality’s capital. With its glass pyramid designed by French architect Jean-Michel Ruols inspired the surrounding landscape the building has become a symbol for the radical changes that have transformed the area over recent decades. Catering to families and groups there is also and adults only section, Inúu, added in 2013. 

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    The Caldea is the largest Spa in Europe with an area of 45,000 sq.m. in total. This year is the 25th anniversary of the facility, nowadays considered one of the main attractions of Andorra.

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    Retrato de Narcís Allué, el chef del Golden Tulip Andorra Fénix, miembro del “Club de Chefs”.

    Andorra is a destination for all year round not just the winter, the local gastronomy and shopping are also attractions in their own right. The local cuisine benefits from its proximity to France and Spain, and also reflects its landscape with typical dishes such as Baby lamb strudel confit with legumes from Antan or the Andorra style Foal Tartare. Chef Narcís Allué a recent arrival at the Golden Tulip Andorra Fénix is part of the ‘Club de Chefs’, a gastronomic collective that includes 8 chefs (mostly French) who all belong to the Louvre Hotel collection. Last February 8th one of the six encounters that the Club de Chefs will celebrate in 2019 took place at the Food Court Pi del Migdia, the renowned restaurant accommodated within a log cabin on the El Tarter sector of Grandvalira. The other seven chefs who together with Narcís Allué were Serge Aniambossou (Aeroport CDG Villepinte), Sebastien Clini (Aix Les Bains), Laurent Lecompte (Lyon Eurexpo), Cyrille Repetto, Matthieu Saunier, Mathias Vila and Servé Vromien (Sophia Antipolis).

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    The Food Court Pi de Migdia has a privileged setting in the Pyrennes, surrounded by peaks and fresh mountain air.

  • Off-Piste Andorra

    The Golden Tulip Andorra Fenix provides daily connections to Grandvalira ski stations.