14.05.2025

Galicia Nueva – our time out in a castle

„Between chandeliers and silence, I found everything I didn´t know I needed!“- Galicia Nueva

Do you know that feeling when everyday life just gets too loud? When you have your phone in your hand but no longer know why. When, between appointments, emails, and to-do lists, you almost forget what real silence sounds like. It was in that exact moment that my husband and I spontaneously decided: We need a break. Just the two of us. Something special. Not a wellness hotel that looks like the last one. Not an overcrowded city trip. But rather: a castle.

Arrive like aristocrats

Even the journey there feels somehow different. The landscape becomes more rural, the streets emptier, thoughts slow down. And then it’s there: the castle. Majestic, somewhat mysterious, with a facade that almost glows in the golden light. We drive through the large gate, over the cobblestones – and suddenly it’s completely quiet. No traffic, no noise. Just this venerable building, welcoming us like a forgotten fairytale.

“ … glows in the golden light. „

The welcome is warm but reserved. Not overly friendly, but genuinely polite. We’re given a glass of champagne, our suitcases are discreetly brought to our room – and I can’t stop marveling at the first step into the foyer. Frescoes, chandeliers, dark wood, fine fabrics. It’s almost too much – and that’s precisely why it’s so good.

The hotel:

The smoking lounge:

Our room: A suite with history

Our home for the weekend is one of the historic suites. High ceilings, old paintings, heavy curtains, and a four-poster bed that makes you feel like a temporary queen. It smells faintly of wood and history—you know what I mean. That feeling that many have stayed here before us. And yet, nothing is missing: a smart TV, a coffee maker, and cozy bathrobes. The perfect blend of past and present.

We make ourselves comfortable, drink coffee by the window, and look out at the castle garden. And suddenly everything is quiet. No thoughts of work. No time pressure. Just us. And the castle.

Our room:

Our bathroom:

A garden landscape to get lost in

On Saturday, we explore the grounds. The hotel is part of a lovingly restored 17th-century castle complex – complete with a chapel, a historic wine cellar, and even a small museum. Everything feels like something out of a movie, but nothing is kitschy. You can feel the history without it feeling dated.

We walk hand in hand through the garden, taking photos, getting lost in the small details: old lanterns, ornate windows, hidden doors. There’s a small pond, a gazebo, and that quietness you only find in very few places. In the evening, the castle glows golden – and I swear, I’ve never seen a hotel so photogenic.

The park:

The grounds surrounding Galicia Nueva Castle are vast – and beautifully maintained. There’s a large garden with manicured paths, steps, viewpoints, and a romantic pond in the middle of the complex. A place to breathe and stroll, but also to explore. You do have to climb a few meters in altitude, as the entire area is gently terraced – which gives the whole place an almost meditative depth. And then comes the highlight: a small mini-farm. Horses! My heart skipped a beat with joy. Unfortunately, I couldn’t pet them – but just seeing them made my inner horse girl truly happy.

The minifarm:

Dinner & Breakfast in the covered courtyard

Although the hotel has its own restaurant, Rosalia, we enjoyed both dinner and breakfast in the covered courtyard of Galicia Nueva – and honestly, we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful setting. This courtyard isn’t a traditional dining room, but a light-filled gem. Perfectly renovated, meticulously designed down to the smallest detail, with a huge glass ceiling that makes the space feel like a greenhouse – only more elegant.

In the center hangs a chandelier—and not just any chandelier. The largest I’ve seen in a long time. Majestic, almost absurdly beautiful. This makes the courtyard seem like the hidden heart of the entire palace. And even though you’re sitting inside, it almost feels like being outside. A small side note—and this would really be the icing on the cake: beautiful flowers in the old flower box fixtures on the walls would add even more life to the room. Then you would truly feel like you were in a Mediterranean garden, only under glass.

The dinner itself was a delight: Slovak classics in a sophisticated guise, with a modern twist. And breakfast the next morning? A long, relaxed ritual with fresh pastries, regional specialties, fruit, egg dishes, and—very important—Prosecco. This is how you start the day like a royal couple on vacation.

A short descent into the spa

On Friday and Saturday, we made a quick stop at the spa area, which is hidden in the lower part of the castle. You descend a winding staircase and arrive in an atmospheric wellness area, almost reminiscent of a secret thermal spa. There’s a pool with dark tile mosaic, a whirlpool, a sauna, and a small relaxation area.

The spa isn’t huge, but it’s charming and just the right place for a relaxing break amidst all the romance of the castle. Those who enjoy swimming or simply diving will feel at home here. I would have perhaps preferred a bit more dim lighting or music—but sometimes this pared-down atmosphere is exactly what calms the mind.

my summary

Castle romance, as it is in the book

The Schlosshotel Galicia Nueva isn’t a place you book randomly. It’s a destination for people who consciously want to take a break. For couples who don’t just want to „get away,“ but rather immerse themselves together – in another time, in another world.

Our weekend was exactly what we needed. A luxurious escape from everyday life, without kitsch, but with plenty of emotion. We left feeling like we had briefly been part of something bigger. And I’m sure we’ll be back. Perhaps next time with even more time – and maybe a horse treat in our pocket.