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By David Brice
Golf International Inc.

Thoughts of a hotel chain being run by a state government, may send shivers down the spines of many seasoned travelers, but in the case of Spain's state owned and operated Paradores, even these skeptics will be in for a very pleasant surprise. There may be no better way to discover the magic of Spain than by staying in Parador Hotels, but first it's important to understand just what Paradores are.

Parador de Carmona -- a 14th century fortress turned into a lavish hotel.

These are not conventional hotels, as each Parador is quite unique and totally different from the others, but all are very special. Each Parador holds an appeal of its very own -- it may be, as many are, an historic building, tastefully transformed into a plush hotel. Many Paradores enjoyed previous lives as castles, palaces and ancient convents. Others are purpose built hotels that boast a very special location or a spectacular view.

There are some things all Paradores have in common; they are all distinctly first class properties, with a level of service that is consistently high, and in my own experience, always extremely friendly. Each staff member I have come across during stays in a dozen or so Paradores, takes a special pride in their job, the hotel where they work and the local area and points of interest. From managers to porters, restaurant staff to front desk clerks; everyone takes joy in being an ambassador for the region, eager to have hotel guests get the very most out of their stay. It's almost like having a group of personal guides on call.

When was the last time you stayed in any hotel where the entire staff really cared? It's a wonderfully personal and very human touch, too often lacking in commercial hotel chains.

Another characteristic all Paradores share is excellent restaurants, always with an emphasis on local and regional cuisine, which is featured prominently on their menus and wine lists. Eat in any Parador restaurant and you are guaranteed to be dining in the best.

A stay in a Parador brings another dimension to any Spanish vacation experience, adding something very special, almost privileged and a feeling that you are experiencing a side of Spain most other visitors are probably missing.

There are more than 90 of these excellent and very special hotels scattered across the length and breadth of Spain. They may not all be conveniently located next to golf courses, but if it takes a small detour to find one, I can only encourage you to do so, the rewards will more than repay the effort. Bear in mind, most of these thoroughly charming properties are located in or very close to places of great historical or cultural interest, so any diversion required to stay in one will certainly have benefits.

Parador de Ronda brings new meaning to the phrase "room with a view"

Chances are your Spanish golf trip is taking you to the sunny, south of Spain and the fascinating region of Andalucia. Filled with history and culture, remarkable towns and cities, wonderful food and wines, this is the land of flamenco, dancing horses, bullfighting, pueblos blancos and the best golf in the entire country. There are also some excellent Paradores, with golf conveniently close by, that are irresistible.

Seville is everyone's favorite Spanish city and for good reason -- there's no other that typifies the Andalucian love of life quite so vibrantly. With the Royal Seville Golf Club now ranked as # 3 in Europe, there's every reason to include this stunning, Jose Maria Olazabal layout in your trip. This also gives you the opportunity to experience staying in a 14th century Alcazar or Moorish Fort, which is the Parador de Carmona. Located only a half hour's drive from the heart of Seville and about the same distance from Royal Seville Golf Club, the small historic town of Carmona, a Seville in minature, provides the best of two worlds.

You will be staying in one of the most magnificent of the Paradores, surrounded by centuries of history, with stunning views across the valley and all of Carmona's rich past at your doorstep. As a bonus, the area's best restaurant happens to be right here, in the hotel.

Arcos de la Frontera is the oldest of Spain's fortress-like, Pueblos Blancos (white villages) and it's certainly the most beautiful -- this dramatic, mountain top location has been occupied for literally, thousands of years. The drive to the very peak is an adventure of its own, climbing along narrow winding streets to reach the small town square where the Parador de Arcos de la Frontera is located. Occupying the towns most commanding location, overlooking one of Andalucia's most breathtaking views, across the Guadalette river valley, the treasures of Arcos are literally a short stroll away.

The ancient palaces, churches and castle, would be reason enough to include Arcos de la Fronetra in any trip to this part of Andalucia, but golfers now have another excuse, the impressive, Arcos Gardens Golf Club. Already listed among Andalucia's top ranked new courses, Arcos Gardens, located just ten minutes from the Parador, is destined for even greater glory as it is inevitably going to be a future host for both regional, national and inevitably, international golf events.

Arcos's close proximity to sophisticated Jerez de la Frontera, the world's sherry capital and home to the Royal School of Equestrian Art, offering the most extraordinary exhibition of horse riding skills, makes this an irresistible stopover for anyone with even a passing interest in things Spanish.

Ronda, the last of the Pueblos Blancos to fall to the Moors, may have no golf course, but any trip to Southern Spain that doesn't include an excursion to this intriguingly picturesque mountain fortress town will be incomplete. Crammed with centuries of history, experienced through the town's innumerable ancient palaces, churches and museums, Ronda is a living monument to Andalucia's colorful past. This was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, in part due to its ties with the early days of bull fighting. The bullring here, built in 1785 is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. The Puente Nuevo, a 300 foot high bridge that connects the old and new towns, was built in 1740 and stands as a tribute to 18th century engineering. And this is only the beginning of all to be discovered in Ronda.

Do yourself a favor and avoid the mistake of attempting to see all the town has to offer in a day excursion from your coastal golf base. Instead stay overnight and gain a true appreciation for an extraordinary place. There is no better overnight lodging than the decidedly first class, Parador de Ronda, which boasts the best location in town. Sitting at the edge of the tiny old town, the Puente Nuevo is immediately to one side and the Plaza de Toros to the other.

The views of the gorge are breathtaking, the location is perfect and as should be expected, the Parador's restaurant is one of the best in a region, with more than its fair share of superb eating possibilities. One other benefit of staying here - the Parador has its own private self-parking garage under the hotel, an important advantage in town where it's be impossible to find parking. Ronda is made for walking and with the parking problem quickly resolved, you'll be free to enjoy everything to the fullest.

Including a Parador or two in any Spanish trip is highly recommended for all and a golf trip is no exception. And for the die-hard golfer, eager to squeeze in just one more round before the return flight home, there's yet another possibility -- The Parador de Malaga. Conveniently located only a ten minutes from the Malaga Airport, the hotel is located in the middle of a piece of golf history, Real Club de Campo de Malaga, the first golf course built on the Costa del Sol, opened in 1925. It's also the course where Miguel Angel Jimenez, got his golfing start as a caddie. More temptation than this I cannot provide.

For more ideas and suggestions on including Paradores and the best golf in Andalucia, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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