Why “Atalaya”?
Atalaya is a Castilian word attributed to watchtowers. Its Moorish root means: the place from which one sees.
The residence which took his name was built at his feet. It awaits you on its rock “from where you can see” to the mineral and pink “Sierra del Cadi”.
Atalaya is a house full of meaning that tells stories, where you will be welcomed with happiness. You can relax in summer above the small hanging garden full of lavender and roses, or near the swimming pool.
In the evening, the setting sun on the horizon invites you to a moment of tenderness. Go next door to “Au Jardin d’Alione” at Son, to enjoy simple and fresh cuisine? Or stay at the lodge and contemplate the glowing valley. Spain is the neighbor. You can enjoy “tapas” or other specialties in Llivia.
In summer, Atalaya opens with the strange and pungent scents of mountain flowers, syringuas and garden roses. Autumn offers its magnificence. And when the snow comes and its garlands of frost, Atalaya wraps itself in bushes of lights, bouquets of hellebores tight in the heart of winter and the smell of wood fire.
Atalaya is “el cant de la terra”, the very one that is danced.
Short history of Atalaya
He was a flight attendant at Air-France and his name was Hubert, she was a midwife and her name was Ghilaine; they met in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, married and had children. They left Paris to create a hotel in a ruined farmhouse, which was accessed by a stony path. But, it was the most typical, wildest village in Cerdagne, a challenge, an adventure made of passion and perseverance without capsizing the boat where the children were sleeping.
The Atalaya became a charming hotel, a relay of silence, a Châteaux Hôtels de France; the children left this eagles’ nest to fly towards their lives, and then Hubert passed away, and Ghilaine remained alone to lead the boat “Atalaya”. Life passed, and the years too, without diminishing the fervor and happiness of creating again and transforming the Atalaya into lodges, to share the passion that unites us to the mountains and to stock up on the art of living.
We made this passion our own and the joy of bringing Atalaya to life was passed on to us by Ghilaine. With our three children, we work to ensure that the charm and character of this unique place transcends the ages. We want to share its colors, scents, energy and calm with you.
Your hosts since 2021, Elisabeth and Emmanuel.
