The Best Travel Experience and the Best Way to Learn Spanish Most people know that the best way to learn a language is through immersion. But the idea of immersion can be intimidating – or it certainly was to me. Well, how about immersion tailored to your specific needs and desires,... read moreMost people know that the best way to learn a language is through immersion. But the idea of immersion can be intimidating – or it certainly was to me. Well, how about immersion tailored to your specific needs and desires, with all the comforts of life, coziness, delectable food, magnificent scenery, and warm, friendly, and knowledgeable hosts? That’s what I had the good fortune to experience at El Cuelebre Spanish school in La Peral, Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias.

I decided to take a week “off” and study at El Cuelebre. Little did I know that I would not only have customized Spanish classes but that I would be spoiled in so many ways. Jimena and Alfredo, owners, teachers, guides, and chef extraordinaire went above and beyond any expectations.

As for language learning, know that Jimena and Alfredo are professionally trained and experienced teachers who have traveled widely and learned a variety of foreign languages themselves. As a result, they're well-acquainted with the needs and challenges of learning a foreign language. They're also very flexible in quickly understanding an individual's difficulties and can customize accordingly. Learning languages is not one of my talents, and I'm insecure about that, but both of them were amazing in making me feel comfortable and encouraging me. We did two formal classroom sessions per day. I initially wondered if that would really be enough, but we covered a lot of ground in each session. For me, the "breaks" consisted of independent study time, walks with my hosts (and their adorable dog) in the surrounding mountains and charming villages, siestas 😊, and meals together.

Both Jimena and Alfredo are so generous in sharing their deep and broad knowledge of the area, the history, customs, culture and the flora and fauna and their passion for all the above. I have an interest in politics and both Jimena and Alfredo were very kind and patient to indulge me and answer my many questions. I believe it was through our more casual/informal interactions that I was able to improve my comprehension along with developing a great love and respect for the country and people. I was there off-season, so our outside activities were somewhat dictated by the weather. For me, the "downtime" was perfect to allow me to absorb all the learning in addition to providing me with a calm that I was in desperate need of. I look forward to returning during spring/summer seasons when we’ll seek out other opportunities to visit more historic sites and attractions. Of note: Jimena previously worked for a conservation non-profit and is a font of knowledge on the area flora and fauna. I discovered rather late in the week that she has an enthusiasm and knowledge of butterflies. That alone is reason enough for me to return, IMO.

The accommodation is in Jimena and Alfredo's own charming home, but in a separate area with its own entrance, en-suite bathroom, and (if you go off-season as I did) heating system. The room is spotless, spacious, yet cozy. It is large enough to accommodate not only a sleeping area, but there's a bank of closets, a table with laptop along one window looking out over the mountains, a sitting area with a flat-screen tv, and plenty of space (if you're like me) to do yoga and stretching in the morning. It's well-equipped with all necessary+ amenities, e.g., good Wi-Fi, hairdryer, shampoo and soap, towels, in-room electric kettle for coffee and tea. Basically, if you wanted to you could go with your clothing and cellphone (oh and hiking shoes, of course). There's also an additional sleeping loft. I went on my own, but there's more than enough space for a couple or even 2-3 good friends.

Last, but certainly not least, is the cuisine. Jimena prepared some of the most scrumptious meals I've had -- and I'm a well-traveled food enthusiast! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all-inclusive, and I dined on paella, fabada, stuffed trout, and tortillas to name just a few. She used only the freshest of ingredients and was very mindful of food sensitivities and dietary requirements. Thank goodness for the opportunity for walks, otherwise, I would've surely gained a lot of weight!

To ensure that the learning wouldn't stop with the classes, Alfredo was generous in providing online links to other resources and YouTube videos, as well as suggested leisure reading books for my level. I'm currently enjoying reading some fun mysteries in Spanish.

If I've left you with any question, let me just say that my time with Jimena and Alfredo was educational, informative, delightful, delicious, head-clearing, relaxing, and inspiring. I arrived there a nervous, stressed out novice student and left there calm, energized, more confident, feeling like a princess, with a little bit of sadness to leave friends behind. I look forward to my next stay at El Cuelebre! read less

The Best way to Learn Spanish by emerging your self all day long Just got back from a fabulous week with Alfredo y Jimena. Initially thought 2 hours a day formal sessions was not enough but by joining them for meals and going out walking was enough to begin to refresh my previously... read moreJust got back from a fabulous week with Alfredo y Jimena. Initially thought 2 hours a day formal sessions was not enough but by joining them for meals and going out walking was enough to begin to refresh my previously learnt Spanish. It was really useful to use Lola Lago reading aids to create a conversation. I already could understand a lot of Spanish but my problem was speaking it and getting it right. Being corrected all the time really helps. We went out everyday could not go far as it had snowed but loved it.
We ate vegetarian food most of the time and it was lovely, especially the gazpacho
the home made hummus, guacamole and the pizza. (estupendo).
Jimena is a fabulous cook and really made an effort to provide food that we enjoyed. Although she did not provide our lessons I spent along time speaking with her, and her accent is very clear and she is very patient in listening then helping us to speak in the correct way. She gave time to listen to me which really helped.
We would go back there again for a shorter period to keep the momentum going of learning Spanish. I have dyslexia but found it very easy to listen to Jimena more easier than Alfredo.
The wifi in the bedroom both of us had difficulty with the signal, which is better in the lounge. Also would be nice to have more pillows in the beds but room was lovely, cozy and with fabulous views

And of course Loved Fa

thank you to Jimena and Alfredo and Fa read less

Nous venons de passer une semaine à la Peral de Somiedo.
L'environnement est magnifique et la chambre où nous logions est confortable et trés agréable,avec une vue superbe.
Notre séjourne fut pas seulement un semaine de vacances mais un enrichissement culturel... read moreNous venons de passer une semaine à la Peral de Somiedo.
L'environnement est magnifique et la chambre où nous logions est confortable et trés agréable,avec une vue superbe.
Notre séjourne fut pas seulement un semaine de vacances mais un enrichissement culturel et linguistique constant. L'immersion n'est pas un vain mot: repas (exc1ellents) pris ensemble; belles excursions mais aussi cours très enrichissants.
Nous avons énormément appris et avons des outils pour progresser au retour.
Une semaine formidable à tous points de vue.
Bernard et Odile read less

My week with Jimena and Alfredo was absolutely unforgettable. The natural beauty of the area served as a springboard for my Spanish learning. During my time with these wonderful teachers my life indeed was in Spanish—whether hiking in... read moreMy week with Jimena and Alfredo was absolutely unforgettable. The natural beauty of the area served as a springboard for my Spanish learning. During my time with these wonderful teachers my life indeed was in Spanish—whether hiking in the mountains, enjoying a delicious meal around the table, or reading and writing during the course.

Alfredo makes it easy to arrive at the school by picking you up at the airport or train station . Once at El Cuélebre, you have a beautiful room with private access, a full bath, and all the amenities typical of a thoughtful host. Meals are superb, and the balance between instructional and private time is perfect. My field trip to the Atlantic Coast provided yet another opportunity to indulge in beautiful vistas, Asturian gastronomy and be part of daily life in rural Spain.

My week at El Cuélebre far exceeded my expectations on every level. read less

Epoustouflant Un séjour à El Cuélebre est une pleine réussite sur tous les plans. Le site est magique, même en hiver ,isolé, reposant. Les randonnées sont magnifiques, adaptées à chacun. Le logement agréable, poétique même. La cuisine délicieuse, l'ambiance familiale et... read moreUn séjour à El Cuélebre est une pleine réussite sur tous les plans. Le site est magique, même en hiver ,isolé, reposant. Les randonnées sont magnifiques, adaptées à chacun. Le logement agréable, poétique même. La cuisine délicieuse, l'ambiance familiale et chaleureuse. Alfredo et Jimena sont deux pédagogues hors pairs, de savants linguistes très cultivés, à la conversation passionnante. La salle de cours est bien équipée, l'attention des professeurs est constante, et les progrès rapides sont garantis.
Ce furent mes meilleures vacances. J'y retournerai en février 2020, cette fois dans leur maison d'hiver à Tenerife, et en attendant , je continue à prendre des leçons par Skype avec Jimena, car je ne peux plus me passer d'elle.
Claudine, 70 ans. read less

El tiempo pasado en El Cuélebre fue simplemente fenomenal! La atencion de Alfredo y Jimena es permanente. Fue mimada!
Aprendi tantas cosas de la lengua actual y de la historia de Espana (y otros paises) y de Asturia y leon, que ahora no puedo sonar en frances, sino en espanol.
El... read moreLa atencion de Alfredo y Jimena es permanente. Fue mimada!
Aprendi tantas cosas de la lengua actual y de la historia de Espana (y otros paises) y de Asturia y leon, que ahora no puedo sonar en frances, sino en espanol.
El lugar maravilloso, salvaje y muy lejos del turismo habitual, es un paraiso para los enamorados de naturaleza y quietud.
Ademas, el hogar de Alfredo y Jimena es muy confortable y la habitacion que tenia no faltaba de nada, con un cuarto de bano privado, un armario, una television, internet y una vista maravillosa sobre el monte.
Los cursos de Alfredo son muy intensivos y ligeros y divertidos, por medio de poesia, canciones, articulos de prensa..Aprendi mucho.
Ademas, la cocina es deliciosa y local.
Lo que me gusto mas que todo fue la posibilidad de hablar espanol todo el dia en conversaciones sobre temas a veces muy profundos y varios, sin darme cuento que lo hiciste. Eso, con la ayuda frecuente y dicreta de los dos.
Que paciencia tienen!
En una frase..... quiero regresar! read less

What a delightful couple! Jimena and Alfredo are two well-experienced Spanish teachers, sensitive and attentive to your particular needs in learning their language - with least effort. They welcome you into their home into a spacious room with en-suite shower room with magnificent views... read moreJimena and Alfredo are two well-experienced Spanish teachers, sensitive and attentive to your particular needs in learning their language - with least effort. They welcome you into their home into a spacious room with en-suite shower room with magnificent views over the mountains. Spanish is taught through formal lessons and entertaining conversations at meal times and during the daily outings. The meals are delicious and typically Spanish. They live in a beautiful, unspoilt part of Asturias, in the Somiedo Nature Reserve, and are extremely generous with their time and availability in sharing their knowledge of the flora, fauna and traditional way of life. They went out of their way so we were lucky enough to see two bears and they ensured we saw chamois before we left. Everything is made-to-measure so we were delighted with our stay and thoroughly enjoyed their easy-going company. We highly recommend this Spanish school. read less

Excelente manera de aprender español ¡Qué encantadora pareja! Jimena y Alfredo son dos profesores de español con mucha experiencia, sensibles y atentos a sus necesidades particulares para aprender su idioma, con el menor esfuerzo. Le dan la bienvenida a su hogar en una habitación espaciosa... read more¡Qué encantadora pareja! Jimena y Alfredo son dos profesores de español con mucha experiencia, sensibles y atentos a sus necesidades particulares para aprender su idioma, con el menor esfuerzo. Le dan la bienvenida a su hogar en una habitación espaciosa y cuarto de baño privado con magníficas vistas de las montañas. El español se enseña a través de lecciones formales y conversaciones entretenidas durante las comidas y durante las salidas diarias. Las comidas son deliciosas y típicamente españolas. Viven en una zona hermosa y virgen de Asturias, en la Reserva Natural de Somiedo, y son extremadamente generosos con su tiempo y disponibilidad para compartir sus conocimientos sobre la flora, la fauna y la forma de vida tradicional. Hicieron todo lo posible para que tuviéramos la suerte de ver dos osos y se aseguraron de ver una gamuza antes de irnos. Todo está hecho a medida, por lo que quedamos encantados con nuestra estadía y disfrutamos mucho de su compañía fácil de llevar. Recomendamos encarecidamente esta escuela de español. read less

Aprende español y camina en las montañas de Austuria. Pasé 6 días encantadores con Alfredo y Jimena aprendiendo español; Formalmente en las mañanas y de manera informal durante las comidas y mientras camina por las hermosas montañas del parque nacional de Somiedo. El Cu lebre se encuentra en un... read morePasé 6 días encantadores con Alfredo y Jimena aprendiendo español; Formalmente en las mañanas y de manera informal durante las comidas y mientras camina por las hermosas montañas del parque nacional de Somiedo. El Cu lebre se encuentra en un pequeño pueblo rodeado de montañas con acceso a muchos senderos espectaculares. Las lecciones se adaptan a sus deseos y son individuales. Además, muchos buenos consejos y materiales para llevar a casa para continuar el estudio. El alojamiento es excelente y consta de una habitación grande con baño privado, cama grande, televisión, calefacción independiente. ¡También disfruté la comida y el vino! Como alguien a quien le gusta caminar y aprender español, fue una gran experiencia. read less

Una experiencia maravillosa aprendiendo español Me quedé con Alfredo y Jimena durante 9 días, con la intención de mejorar mi español como vivo en Asturias ahora, pero obtuve mucho más de lo que esperaba. Una de las grandes cosas es que te adaptan el curso... read moreMe quedé con Alfredo y Jimena durante 9 días, con la intención de mejorar mi español como vivo en Asturias ahora, pero obtuve mucho más de lo que esperaba. Una de las grandes cosas es que te adaptan el curso y las excursiones. Son muy acogedores y disfruté de nuestras conversaciones que van desde el entorno, la cultura y la historia española y asturiana. Tengo la suerte de vivir en Asturias, que es una parte hermosa de España con excelente comida y belleza natural, así que hicimos algunas excursiones en León.

Es muy conveniente ya que te recogen y te devuelven a cualquier lugar de Asturias y absolutamente todo está incluido. Incluso si solo desea pasar una semana en un bello entorno y simplemente aprender suficiente español para el resto de sus vacaciones, sería perfecto.

Las explicaciones de Alfredo realmente me ayudaron y sus recomendaciones sobre herramientas en línea y cosas como canciones en español para escuchar fueron muy útiles.

¡Definitivamente regresaré! ! read less

Yo disfruté el curso muchisimo!!!!
Alfredo and Jimena are great hosts and go to a lot of effort to tailor the course to your particular situation. OF course the walks in Somiedo are fantastic, seeing the footprints of a brown bear... read moreYo disfruté el curso muchisimo!!!!
Alfredo and Jimena are great hosts and go to a lot of effort to tailor the course to your particular situation. OF course the walks in Somiedo are fantastic, seeing the footprints of a brown bear in the snow incredible! If you don't live in Spain, this is a great way to see a part of Spain that is not well known and if like me you are lucky enough to live in Asturias "El Paraíso Natural", it is a great way to take the next step up in becoming fluent in Spanish and to learn more about Asturias and Spanish culture. It was great that you get recommendations on which online tools to use.

Even if you are just coming for a holiday, especially if you are a solitary traveler who doesn't speak Spanish but wants to get to know "Green Spain" I would recommend it. read less

If you’re reading this review, you’re probably reading the others here, too. From our personal experiences, every glowing comment about El Cuélebre is absolutely true!

We are a retired couple from Arizona, USA, and have just ended 2 incredible weeks studying... read moreIf you’re reading this review, you’re probably reading the others here, too. From our personal experiences, every glowing comment about El Cuélebre is absolutely true!

We are a retired couple from Arizona, USA, and have just ended 2 incredible weeks studying Spanish, and at the same time experiencing Asturias, with Alfredo and Jimena — El Cuélebre’s owners, teachers, hiking guides, and so much more — at their quaint little pueblo of La Peral in the Somiedo Natural Park. It was an astounding time, one of the best of our lives.

First, the teaching and language immersion. We had Spanish classes with Alfredo twice a day. These were entertaining and culturally informative lessons tailored to our individual needs. Learning continued outside of class during hikes, trips, and meals, with both Alfredo and Jimena gently correcting our mistakes and elaborating on grammatical points when we didn’t fully understand. There were lively discussions about Spanish history and culture, current events in Spain, and the natural and human history of Asturias.

Alfredo and Jimena are both exceptional Spanish teachers, not only because they know so well how to teach it, but also because they have worked hard themselves to learn English (and other languages). They understand what students struggle with, and why, and how problems are best addressed. They know what’s needed to continue progressing toward fluency in a new language. They advised us on the best ways we can be permanent students at home (websites, periodicals, music, radio, TV, etc.). After two intense weeks, we thought that our Spanish had improved significantly, especially listening comprehension and speaking. It’s important to say, though, that they are flexible teachers, and they can/will tailor the intensity to the interests and desires of their students.

The main “extracurricular” activity was hiking. We’ve hiked in many stunning parts of the U.S. and Mexico. Honestly, though, the most breathtakingly beautiful spot we’ve experienced is Asturias! Jimena and/or Alfredo took us hiking everyday, except for two one-day driving excursions (see below). Each hike was unique, and special in some way. Several passed through traditional, centuries-old brañas, still worked today and populated by congenial Asturian cattle. (The hills are, indeed, alive with the sound of music from the multi-toned bells the cows wear.) Because Jimena has worked for an NGO that is dedicated to the conservation of the Asturian brown bear, she really knows both the trails in the Somiedo Natural Park and the natural history of the park.

On the two days we didn’t hike, Jimena and Alfredo took us on car excursions. The first included a visit to a cave with prehistoric paintings, a “comida” at a traditional Asturian restaurant in a small town, a walk down to a beautiful beach on the coast, and a stroll into a charming fishing village. The second excursion was to the impressive city of Oviedo and environs, and then to some spectacular sites in an adjacent natural park and in a remote part of Castile y León.

The food! Jimena is a fantastic cook (Alfredo cooks a pretty mean Spanish tortilla, himself). Each mid-afternoon “comida” was different and delicious, with Spanish wine and great conversation, often in their pergola outdoors, surrounded by the mountains.

Finally, the accommodations are perfect. Alfredo and Jimena added a suite to their house, with its own entrance, just for their students. It’s private, comfortable, plenty spacious, and cozy, with everything you need to feel at home. Best of all, though, are the views from every window — even the one in the shower.

Footnote: This is our third trip to Spain, starting in 2014, with stays ranging from 1 month to 11 weeks. We’ve been in most all the regions. Asturias is our favorite, by far! Yet, although it’s so beautiful and interesting, it’s uncrowded and relatively untouched by foreign tourism. Come here to experience a part of Spain still very much as it was in the past. read less

I took the courses for 2 weeks, and every single day was fantastic! Alfredo and Jimena were very attentive and passionate, they explained thoroughly the tons of questions that I asked about Spanish and the Hispanic culture, and it was... read moreI took the courses for 2 weeks, and every single day was fantastic! Alfredo and Jimena were very attentive and passionate, they explained thoroughly the tons of questions that I asked about Spanish and the Hispanic culture, and it was a pleasure sharing my Taiwanese culture with them too. We went trekking at different places everyday, which weren’t touristic and the sceneries were impressive. We also had some cooking classes and nearby city tours one in a while, and I loved all of it. Anyway, El Cuélebre is definitely 100% recommendable!! read less

Una experiencia increíble para aprender español y la cultura española en profundidad Tomé los cursos durante 2 semanas, ¡y todos los días fueron fantásticos! Además de los cursos en el aula, Alfredo y Jimena fueron muy atentos y apasionados, y tuvimos muchas conversaciones mientras comíamos y hacíamos trekking, lo que hizo que... read moreTomé los cursos durante 2 semanas, ¡y todos los días fueron fantásticos! Además de los cursos en el aula, Alfredo y Jimena fueron muy atentos y apasionados, y tuvimos muchas conversaciones mientras comíamos y hacíamos trekking, lo que hizo que la gramática y el vocabulario que aprendí parecieran muy prácticos y fáciles de recordar. Explicaron a fondo las toneladas de preguntas que hice sobre el español y la cultura hispana, y fue un placer compartir mi cultura taiwanesa con ellos también. Fuimos de trekking a diferentes lugares todos los días, que no eran turísticos y los paisajes eran impresionantes. También tuvimos algunas clases de cocina y visitas a la ciudad cercanas de vez en cuando, y me encantó todo. De todos modos, El Cuébre es definitivamente 100% recomendable! ! read less

If you want to escape the rat race and immerse yourself in Spain's language and culture, this is the place for you. La Peral is a stunning location, so peaceful and beautiful. Your hosts, Jimena and Alfredo, have created a... read moreIf you want to escape the rat race and immerse yourself in Spain's language and culture, this is the place for you. La Peral is a stunning location, so peaceful and beautiful. Your hosts, Jimena and Alfredo, have created a homely environment where you will have to think about nothing other than relaxing and improving your Spanish. The teaching style is unique and will be adapted to your specific needs. You will improve your Spanish significantly under the expert guidance of Jimena and Alfredo whilst you enjoy your stay at La Peral.
Highly recommended. read less

My short review is: I went to El Cuelebre. I loved it. I want to go back.
My longer review is: The mountain setting is beautiful. The walks are exhilarating and will give you an even better idea of the beauty... read moreMy short review is: I went to El Cuelebre. I loved it. I want to go back.
My longer review is: The mountain setting is beautiful. The walks are exhilarating and will give you an even better idea of the beauty of this part of Asturias. The food is sublime. The Spanish lessons/classes were exactly what I wanted - they were stimulating, challenging, motivating, pitched at the right level for me and, importantly, they were fun. I also enjoyed and learned a lot from the conversations on history, sport, literature, films, wildlife, politics and many other topics. The accommodation was very comfortable. All of this, of course, is thanks to Jimena and Alfredo who did everything possible to ensure my stay was enjoyable and worthwhile. That, in slightly more detail, is why I want to go back. read less

Una experiencia fantastica Me quede con Alfredo y Jimena en las montanas seis dias en invierno. Era una experiencia fantastica. Me encanto las lecciones con Alfredo y los paseos en las montanas y los pueblos. Habia mucha nieve! Mi... read moreMe quede con Alfredo y Jimena en las montanas seis dias en invierno. Era una experiencia fantastica. Me encanto las lecciones con Alfredo y los paseos en las montanas y los pueblos. Habia mucha nieve! Mi espanol ha mejorado y tengo algunos consejos para mejorar mas en el futuro. read less

I have just spent a week with Jimena and Alfredo. I fully endorse all the positive opinions left here! I could copy-paste them;-)! Jimena and Alfredo created for me a perfect mix of holidays and work and an equally perfect... read moreI have just spent a week with Jimena and Alfredo. I fully endorse all the positive opinions left here! I could copy-paste them;-)! Jimena and Alfredo created for me a perfect mix of holidays and work and an equally perfect equilibrium between treating me like a family member and mine and indeed theirs need of privacy. They truly do what they describe on their website: they take into account your needs and preferences, both in learning as in things of everyday life. You get all you need to study (books, laptop , TV, WiFi...) and to relax (a spacious room with a true mountain view, a very comfortable bed, an electric water cooker, a yoga mat and many hiking possibilities - while hiking, you practice your Spanish of course, as Jimena and/or Alfredo will go with you). They are very patient teachers who share with their students not only the rules of Spanish grammar (they do it very well) but most of all their love for their language and country.
And last but not least: Asturias is sensationally beautiful.
Many many thanks for a fantastic week! read less