OCA Allariz, Galicia, Spain – our review.
Northern Spain is so different to the rest of the country.
Galicia itself has almost an alpine feel to it. With mountain villages nestled amongst the rocky outcrops and huge rivers looking like glacial lakes providing a spectacular backdrop.
As we drove through the twisting roads from Lisbon, on our road trip through Spain and Portugal we were constantly awe-struck by the landscape and beautiful setting.
It seems fitting that this region, particularly around Ourense is home to numerous thermal pools and baths.
It is the perfect location to come and take in the air and enjoy the warm waters, good food and picturesque surroundings.
We stayed at Hotel OCA Vila de Allariz which was the ideal break.
*AD / This post contains affiliate links and I may also have been compensated or gifted in this post. To read more please see my Disclosure Policy.
OCA Allariz is situated on the edge of Allariz town. Overlooking the absolutely stunning Arnoia River which gently meanders past, becoming the perfect place to bathe alongside the locals in summer months. In spring when we visited, as rain pattered across the top it was beautiful to look out at, calming and tranquil.
The hotel, OCA Allariz is around 20 minutes from the main town of Ourense. But there are restaurants and shops in Allariz to keep you satisfied for a few days.
There are 38 rooms in OCA Allariz and it has a very cool, contemporary style, with beautiful interior touches throughout.
Table of Contents
Sleeps
We stayed in one of the hotel’s suites. This had a main master bedroom which was very spacious.
There was a lovely bathroom that was bright and calming and filled with beautiful products from the OCA hotel brand.
There was also a lounge with a dining table which was transformed in to a bedroom for the children.
Both rooms had large wooden shuttered windows with views down to the Arnoia River which I could just sit and stare at all day long, it was so mesmerising.
We really liked these rooms, they were a good space and nice to have the two rooms to spread out across.
Spa
One of the main reasons for coming to this region is the spa facilities.
Ourense district has a large number of thermal pools you can visit and as such it is a great destination for a spa break.
OCA Allariz makes use of this with its own on-site spa.
We took in the pools one afternoon and spent a few wonderful hours just relaxing in the warm waters. It had different jets which come on and turn off.
It was such a fun and relaxing space.
There are also treatments such as massages and facials available.
Food at OCA Allariz
The hotel has one restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast was a good spread of pastries, cheeses, cereals, fruits and juices.
There was a Nespresso coffee machine and a good supply of food which kept us all happy.
We also ate dinner one evening in the restaurant. The menu was largely meat based but the chef was great at adapting the food and coming up with suggestions too.
We had a lovely pumpkin soup and Mr G thought the tuna salad was very tasty.
For main courses I had a veggie fajita which was great and MR G a delicious piece of hake on sweet potato mash.
The children dug in to huge homemade pizzas and a pasta with tomato sauce.
We really enjoyed the meal and thought it well priced.
The Best Bits of OCA Allariz, Galicia, Spain
We absolutely loved this region of Spain. It’s one that we haven’t travelled to before and would love to explore more of.
OCA Allariz definitely sits perfectly in this area. It feels calming and tranquil and an ideal location to go out sightseeing, but equally to sit and take time.
Worth Bearing in Mind
As with many hotels in Spain and Europe there was no kettle in the room (we must remember our travel kettle more often). But also there was no coffee machine either, so no opportunity to make hot drinks which was a shame.
We did take our own tea bags to the restaurant and ask for cups of boiling water which they were happy to provide.
There are strict hours for children in the spa, which has to be booked in advance.
Child Friendly?
While OCA Allariz isn’t particularly geared towards families, children are definitely welcome.
There’s a children’s menu in the restaurant and times for the kids to use the spa.
Our children thought the spa was fantastic and one of their favourite parts of the trip.
There’s a little playground, across the bridge over the river just outside the hotel.
Ready to book OCA Allariz?
You can find out more about the hotel and check availability here. Read about our road trip through Spain and Portugal for more of what we did on this lovely trip.
Shame its not more child friendly, but the spa did look very luxurious, so I suppose if you were there on a romantic getaway I can understand wanting a peaceful child-free environment (not that I remember what one of those feels like!)
I would love to visit the thermal pools! Thanks for the tip.
This place looks so good my work-mate goes to Spain and loves it .
I love places with thermal baths as they’re so relaxing, this sounds like a great spa x
What a really lovely looking place to go I would love to try out the thermal baths.
I’ve never been to Spain and I’ve always wanted to. Here’s to hoping I can go there with the family in a year or two and experience all of this. I think this is the best way to relax!
A spa in general sounds amazing right now, but a spa in Spain ..?
It looks amazing and sounds like you had an amazing time, I’m definitely jealous
That room is definitely spacious. Sounds like a good place for a child-free break – Not sure mine would be able to cope with pre-booking the pool. The food looks wonderful!
Oh my! I would love to have a spa break just like you in OCA Allariz. I’ve not been to Spain but if I do then North of Spain would be on top of my list. The food and view looks amazing as well.
The pool looks glorious. It looks perfect for an adult break
What a beautiful hotel, I love the look of the pools!
I love northern Spain. It’s so quiet and unspoilt. The perfect place for a spa break!