Can you tell us about L'Ovella Negra?

At 1800 metres right at the end of a valley, stands l´Ovella Negra Mountain Lodge. For us, luxury means a sizzling fire as you walk in, comfortable beds, noble materials (wood, iron, velvet, linen, stone), crisp white sheets, merino wool blankets, dimmed lights and candles, good wine, simple but sophisticated mountain food, and a hot cup of coffee in the morning while planning your day.

In the winter, we are immersed in white wonderland and you can only access it with a snowcat machine (we come and fetch our guests at the entrance of the valley), skidoos, helicopter or snowshoes. During the summer months, the access is easier but it still keeps its charm surrounded by lush green trees and tons of hiking trails and lakes nearby. We have a small team, therefore we try to adapt to the needs of our guests as much as we can. The team is authentic, welcoming and professional without getting in our guest´s way, and will help plan their stay: skiing lessons, heli-ski, trekking adventures, fishing, wine tastings, amongst others. We are a place to meet other like-minded people, share a bottle of wine while exchanging stories, or if one prefers, a place to just sit back and disconnect from the world in one of our cozy corners by the fire or under a blanket outside, while contemplating the views or going over the day.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A Mountain Lodge, nestled at the end of a valley at 1800 metres. Cozy and simple with a raw sophistication. Good wine, hearty food, shared communal tables, cozy nooks all around a sizzling fireplace. Beautiful views and comfortable bedrooms. A warm and adventurous experience.

What made you decide to open your own ski lodge?

I always wanted to have my own little place to host people and meet people. I thought there was a lack of a lodgy place in my home country Andorra, as there are loads of big hotels but I prefer something smaller and more personable. Also, I had been managing an Igloo Hotel for 3 years but needed something more solid, or at least that wouldn't melt every April!

I love the idea of it being right at the end of this beautiful valley, it adds some magic to it! (and a lot of adventures as well!)

You use Falcon enamelware in the lodge. What’s your favourite product and what do you use it for?

The Mugs are an absolute must in a ski lodge. They are great for hot chocolates and creamy milk coffees, as well as for a welcoming hot soup when we go through a winter event.

We also use your oven plates for our team food, we must keep ourselves well fed!

Do you have any unusual food combinations you can recommend?

We have a delicious salad in summer of braised strawberry, mozzarella and rocket which is very yummy! And a delicious Venison Wellington to die for!

Can you give tips on the best places to eat, drink, source ingredients in your local area?

There are quite a few nice little spots nearby, including...

Hotel Grau Roig, beautiful hotel and lovely terrace with great food
Kao, delicious chinese restaurant belonging to the Kao family which have had an emblematic Chinese restaurant in Barcelona for decades
Hermitage Hotel, offers a few number of restaurants, of which 2 with Michelin Star chefs: Hideku and José Paniega
Taverna de la Iaia, informal good tapas with a great vibe
Borda del Popaire, typical local cuisine in a typical "borda"
Abarset, fun and cosy with a fun aprés-ski vibe, and a total must!
13,5 for delicious wine and food downtown.
Mood for a healthy meal downtown.
Lastly for a place to enjoy a glass of wine and a small bite while looking at art is Taranmana, @tdetaranmana

As for local ingredients, we have great meat in Andorra. Not much more, due to the size of the country we have to export most of our products from Spain and France.

Photos are by Arnau Giol, @giolet
To book and find out more http://lovellanegra.com

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