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BRIHUEGA

A sensory escape into nature’s purple wonderland.

Every July, the picturesque town of Brihuega, near Madrid, transforms into a fragrant sea of purple during the annual Lavender Festival. Curated by The Real Thing, your visit to this spectacular celebration is a sensory journey that captures the essence of Spanish summer.

Stroll among vibrant lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see, breathe in their calming aroma, and witness breathtaking sunsets casting magical hues over the landscape. The festival culminates with a delightful outdoor concert at dusk, where music blends seamlessly with nature, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Enhance your experience with local artisanal markets, gourmet tastings of lavender-infused delicacies, and workshops dedicated to the uses and benefits of lavender.

To complete the journey, stay at the elegant Castilla Termal Brihuega, a beautifully restored 18th-century royal textile factory transformed into a luxury spa hotel.

Nestled in the heart of the village and surrounded by lavender fields, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering thermal pools, serene gardens, and a restaurant focused on seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.

After a day immersed in the Lavender Festival’s natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy, unwind in a setting designed for total relaxation and well-being. The experience is a perfect harmony of scent, scenery, and self-care, making it one of the most peaceful and visually captivating escapes in Spain.

Where?
In the rolling hills of Brihuega, a historic town in Guadalajara just outside Madrid, where fields of lavender bloom into a mesmerizing purple landscape.
When?
Mid-July, during the height of the lavender season, when the scent is at its most intoxicating and the sunsets most spectacular.
Why?
To immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration of nature, music, and slow summer living, from golden-hour concerts to artisan tastings and lavender-laced experiences that awaken every sense.
Photography credits
Unsplash, Castilla Termal Brihuega

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ABOUT US

Hola! Welcome to THE REAL THING
The Really Top DMC in Spain & Portugal

We plan the trips that dreams are made of: trips tailored to your tastes and interests, with sophisticated proposals and all-around excellence. We help you discover the soul of vibrant cities and picturesque villages, the best coastal enclaves, the true countryside, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains in their purest state.

You will enjoy food and wine like never before and soak up history and art at every turn; you will take part in our traditions and immerse yourself in our culture. Always in superb spaces, in great company, with an emphasis on quality, exclusivity and good taste.

We know how to have fun and how to make your trip truly enriching, connecting you with the local spirit: its people, its art, its cuisine, and its land.

What we do

We make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, arranging one unforgettable experience after another.

We take care of absolutely everything so you don’t have to worry about absolutely anything. Our job is to ensure that your travels in Spain and Portugal are a pleasurable experience. We work for people with high standards (we have them, too), both on an individual and corporate level. We are flexible, but we like to have everything under control. And we aim to exceed expectations, including those of children: we love kids and know how important they are.

We put together packages based on what you want to experience. We are very well-versed in the cultural and dining scenes, and we have a long list of exceptional locations and contacts at our disposal. We open the doors of a convent full of precious art work just for you, we invite you to discover an enchanting Andalusian city guided by a viceroy, we take you to harvest oysters in the sea and cook with a chef, we send you sailing through Lisbon at dusk while listening to fados live… The accommodations, means of transport and restaurants, like everything else, will always be superb and fit with your style and preferences.

We highlight the local historic, artistic, natural and traditional heritage with a contemporary approach. We stand for a high-quality, inclusive, sustainable and respectful form of tourism. We want you to feel like a local, but not just any local: we provide you with the best of the best because there are so many wonders to see and no time to waste.

Monuments, museums, urban vibes, shopping, heritage, traditions, festivals, local cuisine, wine, crafts, relaxation, slow life, wellness, sports, adventure, nature, sea, music, fun, the good life…

During your travels will we be available to assist you 24/7 and help you with whatever you need.

Letting go is easy when everything feels so good. THE REAL THING always makes your wishes come true.

Who we are

We are your hip insiders, the guardian angels of your travels.

Gloria Pou and Marta Muñoz
Glòria Pou and Marta Muñoz Recarte

We are a small but strong team led by Marta Muñoz Recarte and Glòria Pou. Both of us had long-standing careers in the art world until 2013, when our passion for travel led us to create THE REAL THING.

We are based in Madrid and Barcelona, where we design and oversee your journeys. We have a close-knit network of choice collaborators that make us the really top DMC we are. They include hoteliers with class, tour guides with cachet and chauffeurs with an eye for detail and impeccable timing; people who hold the keys to historic and unique buildings, art curators, cultural ambassadors and personal shoppers; contacts at the trendiest restaurants and bars of our cities, musicians, DJs, flamenco dancers, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders… Farmers and winegrowers, ceramicists, cheesemakers, sports instructors, massage therapists, fishermen, percebeiras (goose barnacle hunters), sailboat captains, jugglers, magicians… Want to meet them?

We like to keep up with the latest developments and traverse villages and cities in search of the best locations, hotels, businesses and restaurants.

We’re passionate about fine dining, great wine, and—above all—art. Creative, communicative, and detail-driven, we deliver impeccable service at every step.

Postcards

Welcome to our Postcards, a curated collection of travel inspiration from across Spain and Portugal.

This section is your gateway to the destinations, experiences, stays, flavors, and cultural gems that shape The Real Thing’s bespoke itineraries. Each Postcard offers a glimpse into the essence of our journeys – exclusive, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Whether it’s a hidden boutique hotel, an unforgettable dining experience, a must-see art exhibition, or a private escape to a secluded beach, each Postcard reflects the detail, creativity, and luxury that define our approach to travel.

SPAIN

SPAIN
PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL