Hotel A Torre do Xudeu – Tui, Spain - A Night to Remember

The moment I crossed into Spain on the Camino, my eyes teared with emotions. I had no choice but to walk forward, away from Portugal, a country I love dearly with my heart. 

Despite my sadness, the beauty of Tui, Spain ignited feelings of refinement that live deep within my soul. The city is as beautiful as God’s heart. And Hotel A Torre do Xudeu is no different. 

This elegant and historic hotel is a 1746 mansion, situated directly on the Camino and a five-minute walk to the main Cathedral. The front desk staff promptly checked me in and toured me around the hotel, giving insight to the mansion’s history and aristocratic background. 

The staff told me this was always a Christian home, but some online sources note about a “Jewish Tower.” Even during the time when the Christians and the Moors fought, this area remained under Christian rule.

The second level features an elegant dining room and living room, which guests use at their leisure. The brief tour led to a balcony that overlooked the River Miño, Tui and the distant landscape. Luxury doesn’t stop on the balcony. Guests enjoy a private lookout point or the hotel’s secluded garden. 

Meandering up the winding stair case, additional basic private rooms are available. My room and the comfortable bed, graciously awaited my presence. I opened the ancient window to let in a breeze while Maria pointed out the window. My window looked directly at the Cathedral town and Valenca, Portugal. 

How sweet and endearing. Portugal, now a memory is still in sight. I sat in the gorgeous bay window to observe the skyline and the pilgrims walking on the Camino below my window. 

As above, so below. The writing desk ignited sweet words of wisdom that flowed my head, through my heart and into my hand. Sometimes I feel like I’m born in the wrong era. Not only did I hear church bells from my window, I heard the cathedral bells “sing” at the strike of the hour in the morning – a nice and pleasant way to start the morning. The most difficult part of the morning was in regards to getting out of bed. Comfy and cozy, I was so warm I did not want to get out of bed.

While sitting at the head of the dining room table, I felt alive and at home with my soul and surrounding atmosphere. 

The hotel has character and class, which is something ancient architecture teaches us daily. It’s a mix of textures, elements and shapes within the architectural design. The breakfast area fuses this style of desire. 

And speaking of breakfast…this was the best breakfast I had on the Camino. In my opinion, a five-star breakfast there were zero complaints about options. I don’t eat meat, but the breakfast bar features a variety of meats, wheel cheeses, rolls, pastries, cakes, cereals, fresh melon and fruit, juice, coffee and tea. The most exquisite moment of breakfast was sipping on strong Spanish coffee, “café con leche,” while gliding my fork into a slice of flan. My god this was the best morning fuel for any tired and famished pilgrim. 

The lobby features several glass cases containing jewelry made by local artists. With a passion to preserve Galician culture, these artists present jewelry designs that integrate the Celtic roots and petroglyphs, which is what makes Galicia so different from the rest of Spain. 

I found it difficult to leave this hotel. Beauty is inspirational and this hotel is not only beautiful, but inspired the creative artist within me. I hope one day to revisit Tui, and will certainly book my stay again at Hotel A Torre do Xudeu. 

Onsite parking is free of charge.  I made my reservation via booking.com. Prices vary but when booked in advance, prices are as low as 45 euros per night.

Discover more about my Camino de Santiago Portuguese Journey on my YouTube Channel. 

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