Learn Spanish in Spain
Residential Spanish language course and holidays for adults in undiscovered Spain
Enjoy a 5*-rated language-learning holiday in authentic rural Spain. All-inclusive package of delicious healthy eating, unique excursions and customised classes.
Estilo de Vida (lifestyle) is, above all, a space of welcome to conversation. We are in a beautiful setting of Northern Spanish countryside: impressive natural scenery, historical sites and open air activities. Moved by the impulse of veracity, we offer:
1to1 Spanish language course
In our residential Spanish-learning courses in Spain, the teacher hosts you at his home and shares his day with you. Apart from the 20-hour weekly classes and depending upon your preferences, this includes activities of the day visiting his interesting friends, historical heritage, beautiful natural sceneries; mountain trekking, conversations in the car, news in media, cooking, indoor games in the evening, etc. This is really a full immersion Spanish-learning residential course.
Learn Spanish enjoying a unique vacation
If you want to improve your Spanish during your holidays in Spain, few things as adequate as this fully customized immersion course in Spain. Your specific learning needs address our indoor classes and your leisure preferences orientate our outdoor activities. You will learn while you enjoy the wecolme of a beautiful rural area and its people.
The links above give further details. The menu on the top of the page allows language selection. Below are a map showing our location, some reviews excerpts and our contact data.
Estilo de Vida es, ante todo, un espacio a acogida a la conversación. Está en un entorno de gran belleza natural que permite disfrutar de paisajes espectaculares, pueblos y edificios históricos y actividades en la naturaleza. Movidos por el impulso de la veracidad, ofrecemos:
Diseñadas para adultos de cualquier edad, las inmersiones en Estilo de Vida son particularmente apreciadas desde la serenidad que acompaña a los mayores de 50 años -ver pestaña más arriba.
Curso particular de español 1a1
En nuestros cursos residenciales de español en España, el profesor te recibe en su casa y comparte contigo la actividad del día. Además de las clases semanales de 20 horas y según tus preferencias, puede incluir cocina, actividades del día visitando a interesantes amistades o patrimonio histórico y hermosos paisajes; senderismo de montaña, conversaciones en el coche, noticias en los medios, juegos de mesa por la noche, etc. Es realmente un curso residencial de aprendizaje de español en inmersión total.
Aprende español en unas vacaciones irrepetibles
Si quieres mejorar tu español sumergiéndote en él, pocas alternativas tan adecuadas como este curso en inmersión en España, íntegramente a la medida del cliente. Tus necesidades de aprendizaje guían el diseño de las clases en aula y tus preferencias de ocio orientan nuestras actividades fuera de clase. Aprenderás mientras disfrutas de la acogida de este hermoso mundo rural.
Puedes seguir los vínculos anteriores para saber más. Más abajo en esta página se muestran nuestra ubicación, algunos extractos de reseñas y los datos de contacto.
Estilo de Vida (style de vie) est, avant tout, un espace d’accueil à la conversation. On est dans un cadre magnifique, en pleine campagne du nord de l’Espagne, avec des formidables paysages naturelles, villages et bâtiments historiques et activités à la nature. Poussés dès l’élan de la véracité, on offre:
Conçues pour les adultes de tout âge, les immersions chez Estilo de Vida sont particulièrement appréciées depuis la sérénité mentale qui accompagne les personnes âgées plus de 50 -voir onglet au-dessus.
Cours particulier d'espagnol 1à1
Dans nos cours résidentiels d’apprentissage de l’espagnol en Espagne, le professeur vous accueille chez lui et partage avec vous l’activité de la journée. En dehors des 20 heures de classe et selon vos préférences, cela inclut la cuisine, les activités de la journée en visitant soit ses intéressantes amitiés ou du patrimoine historique et des beaux paysages ; des promenades en montagne, des conversations dans la voiture, des nouvelles dans les médias, des jeux de société le soir, etc. C’est vraiment un cours résidentiel d’apprentissage de l’espagnol en immersion complète.
Ameliorez votre espagnol en vacances uniques
Si vous souhaitez améliorer votre espagnol pendant vos vacances en Espagne, peu de choses aussi adéquates que ce cours d’immersion entièrement personnalisé en Espagne. Vos besoins d’apprentissage spécifiques guident nos cours en salle et vos préférences de loisirs orientent nos activités de plein air. Vous apprendrez tout en profitant de l’accueil d’une belle campagne et de ses habitants.
Vous pouvez suivre les liens ci-dessus pour en savoir plus. Le menu en haut permet choisir la langue. Voi ci-dessous la carte montrant notre emplacement ainsi que nos coordonnées.
Opiniones
Excellent5.060 reviews
5.0Excellent60 reviews
Estilo de Vida is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to improve their Spanish skills in a tranquil and immersive environment in the countryside. Each day consists of morning and evening Spanish classes tailored to your level and interests, as well as an afternoon excursion to explore the area (rural with beautiful nature) and practice speaking outside the classroom. Afternoon activities included visiting museums, a tour of ancient salt mines, hiking to scenic and historical sites, swimming in the river, and eating a delicious lunch at a different local restaurant each day. Overall, the program is very well organized, comprehensive, and boosted my language skills even within 1 week!
¡Qué experiencia fantástica! Tuve el placer de pasar la última semana de julio en Las Viadas con Alejo, el fundador de Estilo de Vida. Buscaba un curso de español más avanzado de lo habitual, ya que hablo español bastante bien, y lo encontré en Las Viadas. Tanto el nivel de las clases como las actividades y excursiones superaron mis expectativas. Tuvimos clases por la mañana y al final de la tarde, Alejo lo había preparado todo a la perfección. Aprendí muchísimo, y las clases se adaptaron a mi nivel y necesidades, pero lo que hizo que la estancia fuera especial ocurrió entre clases. Después de la clase de la mañana, salimos para explorar el Valle de Tobalina. Descubrí una perspectiva completamente nueva de España: muy diferente y mucho más auténtica que los lugares turísticos más concurridos que había visitado hasta entonces. Visitamos las Salinas de Añana con sus miles de años de historia, el pintoresco pueblo de Frías con su castillo y casas colgantes, cuevas donde vivieron ermitaños hace más de mil años, museos historia étnica y natural, y aprendí mucho sobre la historia de Las Merindades. Uno de los momentos más destacados fue la visita a la casa del artista Carlos Armiño, donde compré una preciosa lámpara y una mesa de centro. Después de cada excursión, siempre comíamos en algún restaurante cercano. La comida en Los Canónigos fue tan excepcional como la casa centenaria que la albergaba. Comer con los amigos de Alejo fue una experiencia que, como extranjero, normalmente no suele tener. Los demás restaurantes que visitamos merecieron la pena. Después de la comida, llegaba el momento de relajarse, y como hacía calor, nos bañábamos en el rio Ebro todos los días, cada vez en un lugar diferente. No se podía pedir una piscina más bonita. Por la noche, había tiempo para una cerveza, un concierto o unos pintxos en Frías. Además, resultó que Alejo era un cocinero competente. Gracias a su entusiasmo, Alejo hizo que fuera una semana realmente inolvidable que recordaré durante mucho tiempo.
Well what an experience! It’s hard to add anything to Marc’s review from 10th June. I was with Alejo for two weeks in June and during those two weeks I heard pretty much nothing but Spanish. I still can’t understand everything I hear, but I can now decipher a lot more than I could a month ago! As far as speaking goes, I am now able to respond much more quickly to people. I spent two weeks touring Spain after the course and I found myself chatting to people much more confidently than on previous visits. Alejo’s approach to language teaching is refreshingly different from what I had experienced before, and I have a 199-page document which I am using to refresh my learning - we never made it to 200 pages! The course was about so much more than lessons though. My two weeks included many visits to the hidden gems of Las Merindades, including castles, monasteries, waterfalls, museums, churches, caves, sculpture and the oldest written Spanish in existence (or a copy anyway), salt-drying and a music festival in the hills. And then there is the food. Every day we had lunch out, usually preceded by at least one aperitif. Some restaurants were more ‘local’ than others and one (Los Canónigos) was out of this world. Thanks Alejo for a brilliant two weeks.
I have just returned from a truly immersive experience gracias a Alejo, his friends and the very welcoming local people. Particularly los chavales and their very entertaining conversations. The lessons are an opportunity to make mistakes, aprender más y reír. My listening, comprehension and speaking skills were definitely challenged- but that is why I chose Estilo de Vida. Each day was a treat for my pallet -my first taste of paella cooked by Alberto - deliciosa. Lunching in a local restaurant with a group of Alejo’s friends, here I had my first calimocho (red wine and coke), sounds weird but so refreshing. Again another first for me high end cuisine at Los Canónigos. I enjoyed the hot and spicy fusion of Spanish and Senegalese food - amazing. Finished off with the best coffee in Spain at Janfry’s Bar. Two festivals in one day! first Valle de Valdivielso - I joined a game of bingo -testing my spanish number skills - such fun. A traditional band played while folks danced and enjoying themselves. Then in the evening the second festival. An energetic group of young men dancing as they were followed by musicians and an encouraging crowd. It was an honour to visit the house and garden of the sculptor Carlos Armiño there were many pieces of his work displayed here and works in progress. His pieces are displayed throughout the area. I particularly love the detailed work on the chairs. There was a very special moment when a beautiful song was sung for us in a strong voice by a 92 year old gentleman - fantastic. The walks to caves, castles, waterfalls, museums, churches, and forts gave an insight into the rich history of this beautiful valle con vistas increíbles. When asked what was the highlight it has to be the enthusiasm and passion of Alejo. At the end of a week full of culture, art, history and amazing food my understanding of Spanish has improved and I have lots of great memories. Thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of Alejo. Si quieres vivir una experiencia verdaderamente inolvidable, ve a Las Viadas y prueba un calimocho.
Je rêvais depuis des années de faire un séjour linguistique en espagnol, et j'ai enfin trouvé l'endroit idéal : un lieu isolé qui allie cours d'espagnol, gastronomie et rencontres uniques avec des artistes et artisans, le tout dans un cadre exceptionnel de montagnes et de rivières. Bref, un séjour inoubliable avec un professeur formidable ! Je le recommande vivement !
What can I add to the stellar reviews left by others? My wife and I have lived in Valencia, Spain for two years and we've traveled the country extensively but the week spent with Alejo in Burgos in May showed the authentic side of Spain one cannot experience as a tourist. Visiting remote pueblos, hiking through breathtaking scenery, and seeing significant historical sites with virtually no tourists is all amazing. But my favorite experiences were spent with the locals, Alejo's friends, at fiestas, lunches, bars, workshops, museums, and cafes. Learning is best when gained in context and those moments are indelible. Regsrding classes, Alejo has a unique and very effective approach where he frames the scaffolding upon which Español is built--a different perspective to other schools Ive attended. The best endorsement is this: I'll be back. If you're up for an intense but rewarding week in indiscovered Burgos, book your session now!
I had a wonderful week with Alejo, improving my language skills while also learning about history, culture and life of people in "el campo". Surpassed my expectations. Great language instruction and tips; afternoon hikes, visits to historical sights, connecting with local people, and enjoying "comidas de dia" and specialities from the region. Full immersion with Alejo's passion, energy, knowledge and attentiveness enhancing the experience.
Nous avons passé une semaine d'immersion en espagnol chez Estilo de Vida à Las Viadas. Cette semaine a dépassé nos attentes. Non seulement on a beaucoup appris pendant les cours bien structurés et très clairs d'Alejo, mais on a beaucoup apprécié sa disponibilité du petit déjeuner à la fin de soirée. Il nous a fait découvrir avec enthousiasme la belle région de las Merindades et nous a régalé avec ses commentaires et les rencontres avec ses amis. Ce fut une très bonne expérience !
I travelled from Australia in September to spend a week at Estilo de Vida prior to catching up with family in the UK. I was looking for an immersion experience to help improve my spanish and engage with the local community. I was not disappointed! Alejo, the owner of Estilo de Vida, put much thought into preparing our daily spanish classes to help me prepare for DELE B1..un monton! He also sent me all of the resources so that I can continue to use them. However the learning/immersion did not stop there. Conversations whilst exploring the beautiful region of Las Viadas, lunch in local restaurants, socialising with Alejo's friends, going food shopping to name but a few. Alejo's home is charming and comfortable, set in a small but beautiful village I cannot recommend highly enough!
What an amazing week I spent with Alejo! He thought of everything and took care of everything. The lessons, the food and the excursions all far exceeded my expectations. He kindly invited me to his village fiesta in Bakio. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. We visited the wonderful medieval town of Frias and everyday we had a great lunch, I particularly remember the one in Valpuesta, where the Monastary is of great his significance. Alejo was so kind and thoughtful, I really couldn’t have been looked after any better. The lessons and the Spanish immersion have improved my grammar and confidence in speaking immensely , and Alejo has lots of fun exercises , articles and videos to keep it interesting. Thank you, Alejo. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Estilo de Vida to anyone looking for a great immersion week.
I have just returned home following a two-week unique experience in the beautiful Valle de Tobalina. Alejo’s Estilo de Vida immersion course is just that, unique. His dedication to ensuring that my stay was a rich one was to me very evident. Not only were the classroom lessons well thought-out, structured and presented through various means, but the opportunity for less formal practice was constantly available outside the classroom thanks to Alejo’s lively and passionate interest in the world of ideas and the ways of the world, his desire to communicate these ideas, his sense of humour, and not least thanks too to his patience in engaging with my level of Spanish and facilitating flow in the course of these conversations. He also ensured that I met and had opportunities to converse with his many friends who were so welcoming. I have to mention the extent to which I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon trips during which he was tireless in his efforts and enthusiasm in bringing me every day to visit so many wonderful locations of interest which I will never forget: local rural ways of life, places of cultural, artistic, historic and archeological interest, beautiful old towns and villages, delightful local restaurants, invigorating treks in the countryside. A true immersion experience, highly recommended!
Alejo's passion for language learning and the people and culture of his area shined though every day in the week I spent with him. Along with two other students, we studied hard and were treated to outstanding lunches and activities every afternoon. He seems to know everyone! We visited friends of his who are artists, farmers and musicians, and we toured historic buildings and attended fiestas. A fascinating and active week, for sure!
J'ai passé une semaine avec ESTILO DE VIDA pour améliorer mon espagnol. J'ai beaucoup appris sur la langue ainsi que sur la culture et le mode de vie de cette région d'Espagne. C'est un programme d'immersion qui vaut vraiment la peine d'autant que le professeur Alejo est très attentionné et très généreux.
We’ve just spent a richly immersive week with Alejo – catapulted not only into the language but the landscape, the culture, the cuisine and above all, the web of friendships that he has nurtured at Las Merindades. The passion and energy that Alejo radiates are infectious. They’re the hallmark of his presence as a host, teacher and guide. However, it’s important to emphasize his responsiveness and adaptability to the needs and the interests of his guests. This applied to how he approached our language sessions: alert to the gaps in our knowledge or confidence and finding ways to build a scaffold for our learning – but always with patience and humour. Equally, it determined what ‘adventures’ he invited us to take part in during the week. On discovering my husband’s interest in human evolution, Alejo arranged a visit to the museum of human evolution at Burgos and a guided tour of the fascinating archaeological deposits at Atapuerca. We prepared for the trip by watching with Alejo a video interview in Spanish with one of the lead investigators of the project. The pay-off was that on the day of the visit to Atapuerca, we were able to understand a remarkable amount of the fascinating presentation offered by the on-site guide, which was conducted completely in Spanish, with no pause or rewind button to hand! One of the precious aspects of the trip was a sense of being invited into Alejo’s ever widening network of friendships. We loved being part of the collective conversation at a lively informal lunch in a local bar/restaurant at Cereceda, a weekly gathering of locals from nearby towns and villages; we shared stories and banter over delicious meals with several of his friends – but we also debated about ways of seeing and understanding our world. Rich conversations that opened heart and mind – and all at whatever level of Spanish we were able to muster, encouraged in the knowledge that this was all part of this glorious immersive adventure. Vaya Estilo de Vida!
Alejo has an unparalleled passion for language that is evident in every one of his classes. His knowledge of the area and his friendships with many locals permitted us to visit places of natural beauty, historic sites, and local festivals, and to speak directly with local artisans. Restaurant lunches always offered regional specialties and good conversation—in Spanish! Alejo’s home is charming and comfortable and his village a great place for fresh air and scenic strolls.
Acabo de terminar un curso de inmersión de español de 2 semanas en Estilo de Vida. Compartí cada semana con una estudiante de otro país y también con una chica española que estaba aprendiendo a ser profesora/anfitriona. Fue mucho más que aprender español (4 horas de clases formales al día), fue una inmersión TOTAL. Alejo, nuestro anfitrión y profesor, tenía una energía alucinante. Compartimos su hermosa casa y su vida como si fuéramos sus amigos. El está muy orgulloso de su lugar y nos llevaba con gusto a los increíbles pueblos de Las Merindades cada día, explicándonos su historia, cultura, la vida local, etc. Visitamos monasterios, iglesias, ermitas, museos, muchos lugares preciosos para bañarnos, hicimos senderismo, fuimos a conciertos y comimos como reyes. Fue un privilegio experimentar la vida en Las Merindades. Las 2 semanas fueron intensas, no vacaciones!!!, pero sin duda valió la pena hacerlo. Gracias, Alejo por tu gran esfuerzo.
Acabo de pasar una semana de inmersión en español en Estilo de Vida. Esta semana ha sido mucho más de lo que podía imaginar. No sólo cursos de español dos veces al día con un profesor muy atento e implicado, sino también excursiones diarias por la magnífica región de Las Merindades. Sin olvidar la deliciosa comida casera en casa y la exquisita comida en los restaurantes todos los días. Y por si fuera poco, la excelente compañía de otra alumna, además de Alejo y una buena amiga suya. Gracias, Alejo, por todo. Ha sido una experiencia inolvidable.
Deux semaines formidableS !!!! Mon mari et moi sommes débutants en espagnol, et nous venons de passer 15 jours à LAS VIADAS. Ce séjour accompagné d’Alejo ,passionné et bienveillant, a été pour nous une véritable immersion, à la fois linguistique, humaine et culturelle. C’est beaucoup plus qu'une école d'espagnol. A savoir que j’aime randonner , Alejo a su nous concocter des randos hors des sentiers battus ,pour découvrir cette magnifique région "Castilla y Léon région très riche en histoire et culture. La randonnée, c’est aussi une excellente école qui rend l’apprentissage de la langue plus vivante et facile ! Deux semaines, passées trop vite, enseignement de qualité et bien adapté ,de magnifiques rencontres ,de très belles visites à la découverte du patrimoine de la région., de bons restaurants , baignades dans l'Èbre, tout ça accompagné de la bonne humeur d’Alejo. Je recommande vivement . Un grand Merci Alejo pour ton acceuil .Thérése et Didier
My family spent the last week at Estilo de Vida and my daughter (6 years old) described it as her 'best vacation ever!' Alejo.is the perfect host and has boundless energy. Alejo's school is so much more than language study, it is also a full cultural and gastronomic immersion into local life. I learned so much about linguistic theory and about the history of the Burgos region. My daughter was able to meet and play with local children, as well as expand her horizons. In short, it was a great way to learn Spanish and about Spain together as a family. If anyone is thinking about taking their family with young kids - I fully recommend Estilo de Vida and I'd be happy to speak with you and answer any questions.
Wir haben eine sehr eindrucksvolle und intensive Woche im August mit Alejo verbracht. Von Beginn an war er unser Freund, Lehrer, Reiseführer und Gastgeber in seinem Haus. Wir haben so viele wunderbare Orte gesehen, Natur wie Kultur erlebt und dabei ganz selbstverständlich die spanische Sprache geübt. Dabei hat Alejo in seinem Unterricht einen umfassenden Überblick über die Grammatik und Verwendung des Spanischen gegeben sowie ausführliches Material zum Wiederholen und Üben geschickt. Danke für eine unvergessliche Woche! Eva und Joachim
We just spent a week at Alejo's magical Estilo de Vida Spanish language immersion school, and you must go! From the moment we got off the plane, Alejo made us feel like old friends. And the immersion in Spanish language and culture began immediately. Our first surprise was the location of his school. We had previously visited Catalonia and Andalucia, but were not familiar with the Borgos region. The beauty of the farms, mountains, rivers and wild forest make it our favorite region we've visited. As a bonus, foreign tourism is minimal and we were often the only non-Spanish people at attractions and restaurants. On the ride from the airport to his home, Alejo worked in experiences. We stopped by a family that sells the locally popular morcilla, as well as a Romanesque hermitage from the early 13th century with sweeping views of the valley. We could go on and on about all we saw and did. We swam in rivers and lakes, ate at family restaurants, attended an organ and violin concert in a medieval church, hiked in the mountains, visited local artists, and explored historical sites. The focus of our stay was the Spanish language. Alejo has a true passion for language and how it works. We learned so much; both in class and in conversation throughout the day. We also learned so much about Spanish culture and history. Thank you so much for all you did for us Alejo! We hope to return and continue our learning at your wonderful school and home.
Serge y yo tuvimos el gran placer de vivir una semana de “inmersión en español” en ESTILO DE VIDA en Viadas. Fantástico ! Tanto en lo que respecta a la calidad de la formación como al programa "descubrimiento de lugares de la región "Castilla y León, ocio, encuentros"... También el gran placer de estar acompañados por personas "en inmersión" como nosotros: Philipp, Mike, sin Olvídate de Carmen (profesora). Un programa rico y variado. Un estado de ánimo digno de "Estilo de Vida". Gracias Alejo por tu profesionalismo, tu humanismo, tu creatividad, tu gran amabilidad.
This was a brilliant week of Spanish immersion that my wife and I went to. In the mornings we did classes of Spanish; afterwards we were brought to various sights, cities and towns that were all beautiful. Our teacher who brought us around every day knew many locals and they all seemed to be delighted when we joined the conversation - even with our sketchy Spanish accents - and they were some lovely and friendly people! Our teacher was an absolute source of energy and there was never a dull moment - unless we asked for it, to recover ;) We brought our dogs with us, and exploring the local farms and towns on dog walks in the morning was a real pleasure, and the area transformed into a real treasure at sunset. Thanks very much for a fantastic week of discovering Las Viadas from a perspective that otherwise we would have never had access to.
My adventure in Las Merindades! This area is a treasure of natural beauty: rivers, mountains, ancient tracks and waterfalls weave through the landscape. Roman and gothic structures amidst Catholic iconography make its rich history visible. Friends greeted me warmly and with interest. These included a painter, a notable sculptor, a radio presenter and many others. The food in the restaurants Alejo took me to was delicious and the restaurateurs welcoming. Days are divided between excursions and lessons. Alejo is passionate in his teaching of spoken Spanish and its grammatical structures. I learnt a great deal. This is definitely an immersion in the language, art, culture and rhythms of the country. A very rich way of learning and improving Spanish .
Estilo de Vida is a unique way to integrate into Spanish culture and its language. First of all, the area is magnificent. Every day, blue skies, green countryside and the river awaited me. Then the peaceful surroundings at Alejo's rustic Spanish home added to the tranquility and simplicity of the little village of Las Viadas. Add in Alejo´s friends and their hospitality to get a picture of a complete welcome and integration into Spanish life. The proverbial paella made by Alejo's friend was an added bonus. Amazing restaurants off the beaten track that Alejo has discovered welcomed me and the food left me speechless. I am now carrying a few pounds more than I arrived with. The old castles and museums impressed me and the t shirt was an outstanding surprise! Last but not least, Alejo is passionate about teaching and ensures his students walk away with a complete resumé of the morning's and evening's classes to reinforce the topics he delivers. Thank you Estilo de Vida for creating an original way to revise and learn the wonderful Spanish language.
What can I say about Estilo de Vida that hasn’t already been said? My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed spending a week in Alejo’s home in Las Viadas, working hard to improve our castellano, thanks both to his patient, interesting and methodical teaching, and to the fascinating social and cultural visits he guided us through every afternoon after our classwork, which really enriched the experience. We visited the largest and most spectacular cathedral in Spain at Burgos, witnessed the natural salt extraction operation at Salinas de Añana, where salt has been harvested by hand for a staggering seven thousand years, got up close and personal with pregnant ewes in the barn of four shepherd brothers in Valdivielso, visited the semi-derelict Valpuesta collegiate church in the beautiful countryside on the border between Burgos and Álava, where in the ninth century monks wrote on church documents what is now recognised as the first known examples of written castellano script, and we met Alejo’s prolific artist and sculptor friend Carlos Armiño in his eclectic workshop stuffed with exotic wooden and marble carvings and beautiful prints. We lunched out every day at a variety of different venues, eating white bean stew with morcilla and chorizo one day at a simple café on the banks of the fast-flowing Ebro, and another day feasting in the former prior’s house at Valpuesta, a step across the road from the church, and now a high-end restaurant which must be on its way to at least one Michelin star. The chef is the son of the man who painstakingly restored the broken stained-glass windows of the church. The most surprising meal of all was held in a modest private Burgos apartment of a friend of Alejo’s, an utterly charming and talented lady whose culinary skills would grace any top-class restaurant. Alejo himself, besides being a talented teacher, is a warm, humorous, intelligent and generous man who does everything in his power to ensure his clients enjoy and benefit from their time with him. We are proud now to call him our friend. He has also addicted us to Rummikub, our nightly relaxation and a totally unexpected consequence of our stay in the beautiful Las Merindades area!
J'ai beaucoup aimé mon séjour à Estilo De Vida, chez Alejo. Accueil chaleureux et attentionné, séjour très bien organisé tant pour les cours que les activités variées et très intéressantes. J'ai découvert une région magnifique, rencontrė des personnes très sympathiques et, bien sûr, progressé en espagnol avec un professeur très pédagogue, attentionné, patient et heureux des progrès de son ėlève. J' y reviendrai avec grand plaisir !
My time at Estilo de Vida was memorable! I have been re-doing my review many times as it always ends up being too long I really want to share it all so that when looking at this review you don’t think twice and reach out to Alejo to kick start your journey with the Spanish language! But I will make it brief and relevant I hope. The stay at Estilo de Vida was everything I expected and more. This means that I came to kick start my Spanish-speaking journey and have a better understanding of the language’s rules and pronunciation and I left the place with more confidence and hope that I can actually make it and learn a third language easily. Alejo is a great teacher as he knows how to bring out the best in you so you have the confidence to try and celebrate your mistakes. He will be there to gently correct you so that you are always learning. He will also adapt to how you learn to bring the best student out of you, making the learning process so much more efficient, at least for me. He will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone to speak and use what you have learned, but he is there cheering you up so you dare, and it pays off :D! Then, the activities, are …can I describe them even I am not sure, between cultural sightseeing and nature walks and the people we meet… wahoo, it makes this immersion magical to me, true, authentic and memorable! I have discovered how rich of history the area is, how nature can enchant you and how the people you meet can warm your heart up…from a song to a life story, to a simple chat, a painting, or a sculpture, every aspect of this immersion was for me exactly was I was looking for. If you are considering this immersion with Estilo de la Vida, I would 200% encourage you to go for it, for the classes, the incredible teacher, the experiences, the discoveries and the extra super boost in your learning curve of the Spanish language…this is the real deal!
My two week educational and cultural immersion trip with ‘Estilo de Vida’ in October 2023 was an eye-opening and enriching experience. One-to-one interactive language learning combined with diverse cultural experiences, which included meeting and spending time with Alejo’s friends, afforded a unique insight into ‘Las Merindades’ and the local way of life. Alejo’s attention to detail, careful advance planning and passion in execution, facilitated a unique insight into the language, history, traditions, and customs of this wonderful part of Spain. The wide range of activities, which included language classes, visits to heritage sites, iglesias y ermitas, necrópolis, caves, waterfalls, restaurants and bars, to mention but a few, provided a complete and unparalleled perspective. ¡Mil gracias a ti, Alejo! - this experience will stay with me forever.
Eine Woche lang komplett eintauchen in die spanische Sprache und Kultur – das war mein Ziel, als ich mich bei Estilo de Vida angemeldet habe. Ich unterrichte selbst Spanisch, hatte aber das Bedürfnis, meine Sprachkenntnisse wieder mal aktiv im Land zu „boostern“. Die Mischung aus Unterricht am Vormittag und auf Wunsch auch nochmal am Abend und Ausflügen am Mittag/Nachmittag hat mir sprachlich viel gebracht. Alejo ist sehr flexibel und stellt sich wirklich auf individuelle Fragen und Bedürfnisse seiner Schüler ein. Er gibt ausführliche Erklärungen, eine Fülle an anschaulichen Materialien und viele viele gute Tipps. Die absolute Ruhe ist zum Lernen in Las Viadas ideal, das kleine Dorf ist liegt wunderschön inmitten von Natur. Das übrige Programm war wirklich abwechslungsreich: Bei Begegnungen und gemeinsamen Essen mit Freunden, Besuchen bei Künstlern, Entdeckung kunsthistorischer Schätze und hervorragender Restaurants in abgelegenen Winkeln, Besichtigung uriger Dörfchen, beim Baden im Fluss oder am Wasserfall, beim Gespräch im Auto unterwegs lernt man, ohne es zu merken. (Kleiner Tipp: Wer sehr zu Reiseübelkeit neigt, sollte wegen der vielen kurvigen Strecken Vorsorge treffen. Aber es lohnt sich und der Fahrstil wird auch angepasst). Fazit: Viel Spanisch-Input, die Entdeckung der spektakulären Landschaft und Schönheit der Natur der Provinz Burgos und des Baskenlandes, viele schöne Erlebnisse und Begegnungen – eine wirklich bereichernde Woche. Danke Alejo! Ich habe die Woche noch mit ein paar Tagen in Bilbao ausklingen lassen. Sehenswerte Stadt, nicht nur wegen des Guggenheim-Museums!
Excellent5.019 reviews
5.0Excellent19 reviewsPosted on Facebook![]()
Eileen Taylor14 November 2022recommends
My partner and I spent 2 amazing weeks here. Classes at 2 different Spanish levels were taught with patience. The visits we made and the conversations we had with friends excellent. We will go again!Posted on Facebook![]()
Caroline Phillips4 April 2022recommends
I spent a great week improving my Spanish in this immersion week in the province of Burgos. Alejo is a great teacher and explains everything really well. As well as lessons, I got to experience lifestyle in Spain. Eating in restaurants, visiting the countryside and lovely towns (Frias in particular), visiting museums and it was a great honour to meet Alejo's friends who made me feel really welcome. I can honestly say it was worth the money and more. I'd recommend it to really accelerate your language skills.Posted on Facebook![]()
Michele Thornton18 April 2021recommends
Spanish Immersion Course 9 to 17 April 2021 I am not only a complete beginner regarding Spanish but I also have zero talent for languages in general. As a result, I was initially extremely apprehensive about committing to a Spanish Immersion Course at Estilo de Vida My fears disappeared though, the moment I met Alejo, and I ended up having the most amazing week, and for so many different reasons. Regarding my Spanish language skills, Alejo not only helped me hugely during my stay (he quickly established my needs and requirements) but he also gave me the tools, motivation and enthusiasm to continue my learning once back home. The actual formal Spanish lessons are complimented by so much more though, and this is the real magic of Estilo de Vida...... I was welcomed in to Alejo's rural, rustic and cozy home more as a valued friend than as a client. The home cooking was genuinely delicious as well as nutritious and the ingredients were local and ecologically sourced, wherever possible. The restaurants we visited for our lunches ranged from surprisingly good for such a rural area to, quite literally, outstanding (Blanco y Negro). The region is full of both natural wonders and architectural gems and Alejo's knowledge and passion for the area is extremely infectious. A highlight for me was meeting some of Alejo's wonderful friends whose occupations ranged from shepherd to sculptor to government advisor, quite literally! I completely fell in love with the Valle de Tobalina and its surrounding areas during my stay. It is so much easier to learn when surrounded by beauty, passion and kindness. I can't wait to return and maybe just maybe my next review will be in Spanish.....Posted on Facebook![]()
Adelina Ciobanu15 November 2020recommends
Fue una semana rica en experiencias! Recomiendo con mucha calor “Estilo de vida” por todos los que quieren una imersión en castellano, por los quien aman la naturaleza, la cultura y la cocina del Norte de España. 👍Posted on Facebook![]()
Marie Thérèse Tellechea23 August 2020recommends
Un accueil des plus chaleureux - une semaine un peu "magique" pendant laquelle nous avons pu travailler notre "espagnol" avec un professeur très à l'écoute, pédagogue, et aussi decouvrir cette magnifique region "Castilla y Léon" que nous ne connaissions pas. De très belles visites, de magnifiques rencontres, des petits restaurants super sympas ; tout cela dans une ambiance sympathique, amicale, pleine d'originalité et d'humour. De jolies soirées improvisées avec des amis à Alejo ! En un mot, une semaine fantastique avec Alejo qui outre ses talents de professeur est un superbe guide et animateur. Chants, danses ont été des petits moments "bonus" non prévus au programme. Merci Alejo. Nous reviendrons...Posted on Facebook![]()
Valerie Leveque20 August 2020recommends
Hola, con alegría y muchos recuerdos inolvidables, quiero realmente agradecer aquí a Alejo. Ha sido una maravilla vivir esta experiencia tan excepcional de inmersión lingüística en Las Viadas. Es realmente un sueño para quien quiere aprender o mejorar su español de manera muy eficiente y para quien busca el encuentro con un entorno natural impresionante para admirar, pasear y disfrutar de visitas culturales con guías apasionados y apasionantes. Sólo os puedo recomendar vivirlo también. ValériePosted on Facebook![]()
Susanne Denskus9 October 2018recommends
En septiembre tomé dos semanas de clases particulares con Alejo. Fueron dos semanas intensivas durante las cuales aprendí mucho, pero también me recuperé. Alejo demostró su talento como profesor de español, guía de viajes y cocinero. Como profesor de idiomas respondió exactamente a mis deseos, repetimos y profundizamos las áreas gramaticales con las que tenía problemas. A través de conversaciones intensivas a lo largo del día, he mejorado mis habilidades lingüísticas y he aprendido a hablar español en la vida diaria. Nunca te quedas sin temas de conversación con Alejo. Hicimos muchas excursiones interesantes tanto en el campo como a Bilbao, donde vimos un inolvidable espectáculo flamenco de Sara Baras. Pero también conocí la cocina española a través de Alejo que cocina típicamente español y realmente delicioso! Muchas gracias, Alejo. Seguro que volveré el año que viene.Posted on Facebook![]()
Julie Portelange23 September 2018recommends
We will always cherish our memories from our week in Las Viadas with Alejo. Fantastic region, beautiful village and a way of life that reminds you what really matters. We spent a week fully immersed in the Spanish language and made great progress. Alejo makes you feel confident in your language capabilities and very soon, without really noticing it, you find yourselves discussing philisophy of life in Spanish at night under the stars. Beijos de Buenos Aires!Posted on Facebook![]()
Anne McGowan29 July 2018recommends
A quick affirmation of my review from 2018: After doing an immersion at Estilo de Vida a few years ago, I wanted to re-immerse myself (in a smaller dose, from home) in Spanish language and was so happy for the chance to take lessons with Alejo over Skype. I appreciated that the material was specially catered to my skill level, and Alejo took care to design the classes according to my personal interests. There was a shared excitement for language that made these classes very enjoyable and energizing. As Alejo is a friend and a teacher- this was a personalized experience unlike other Spanish classes. Thank you, Alejo! --- Pasé una semana fantástica a Estilo de Vida. La inmersión fue un equilibrio movíl de estructura y espontaneidad. Con el lenguaje sirviendo de la pregunta abierta de cada día, me parece que sentimos la manera en que la vida encarna el lenguaje y el lenguaje encarna la vida...en conversación y en silencio. A través del "diariamente de inmersión," la pregunta del lenguaje reinventa a sí misma en formas nuevas, y desdobla un proceso profundo de aprender. Estilo de Vida es una experiencia muy único. Alejo es un maestro y una guía considerado y intuitivo. Me alegro mucho que fui. Un millón de veces, lo recomiendo. Gracias, Alejo. Los atributos de la inmersión son un reflejo precioso de ti mismo.Posted on Facebook![]()
Gilles Moc Bxl10 July 2018recommends
Una semana de alegría, de descubrimientos, de sonrisas, de paseos, de buenas conversaciones en castellano... y de comida riquísima ! <3
Excellent5.04 reviews
5.0Excellent4 reviewsPosted on Trustindex![]()
Mike van der Loo10 August 2026
Lifestyle - What a fantastic experience! I had the pleasure of spending the last week of July in Las Viadas with Alejo, the founder of Lifestyle. I was looking for a more advanced Spanish course than usual, as I speak Spanish quite well, and I found it in Las Viadas. Both the level of the classes and the activities and excursions exceeded my expectations. We had classes in the morning and at the end of the afternoon; Alejo had prepared everything perfectly. I learned a great deal, and the classes were tailored to my level and needs, but what made the stay special happened between classes. After the morning class, we set off to explore the Tobalina Valley. I discovered a completely new perspective of Spain: very different and much more authentic than the more crowded tourist spots I had visited until then. We visited the Añana Salt Flats with their thousands of years of history, the picturesque town of Frías with its castle and hanging houses, caves where hermits lived more than a thousand years ago, ethnic and natural history museums, and I learned a lot about the history of Las Merindades. One of the highlights was visiting the home of the artist Carlos Armiño, where I bought a beautiful lamp and a coffee table. After each excursion, we always ate at a nearby restaurant. The food at Los Canónigos was as exceptional as the centuries-old house that housed it. Eating with Alejo's friends was an experience that, as a foreigner, I don't usually get to have. The other restaurants we visited were also worthwhile. After lunch, it was time to relax, and since it was hot, we swam in the Ebro River every day, each time in a different spot. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful pool. In the evening, there was time for a beer, a concert, or some pintxos in Frías. It also turned out that Alejo was a competent cook. Thanks to his enthusiasm, Alejo made it a truly unforgettable week that I will remember for a long time.
(Translated by Google, see original)Posted on Trustindex![]()
Sander7 July 2025
Una semana mágica con Alejo y su Estilo de Vida en Las Viadas Mucho más que una escuela de español: es la pasión de Alejo, su amor por el idioma, sus estudiantes, la gente local y la naturaleza. Clases por la mañana, aventuras por la tarde: caminatas, baños en el Ebro, iglesias, comida deliciosa y encuentros inolvidables. Estilo de Vida es un inmersIon por excelencia, es una forma de vivir, una filosofía que Alejo encarna con autenticidad y generosidad. Haber formado parte de su mundo, aunque solo fuera por una semana, fue un verdadero privilegio. ¡Gracias, Alejo, por compartir tu estilo de vida con nosotros! ¡Volveremos!Posted on Trustindex![]()
Michel de Jonge5 July 2025
A true adventure Our week in las viadas was a fantastic journey into Spanish language, in all space and time. Alejo is at the same time our perfect host, professor and guide. Alejo composes a balanced week programme from a great variety of ingredients he juggles with the student in mind. This counts for the profound tailor made language lessons as well as for his ability to meet the regions fabulous history, nature and people, all flavored with a daily episode of Alejo and friends. A true adventure!Posted on Trustindex![]()
Ronald Crause17 May 2024
A truly wonderfull life experience… Well I have just spent two weeks with Alejo and I must admit the experience met with all my expectations. Before signing up Alejo gave me the details of 3 Australians that had in recent years stayed with him. Talking with them was very useful as I garnered valuable insights that aligned with my experience and expectations. Many of the previous reviewers have outlined in some detail the program so I do not think I need to include it here as it is also detailed on the website. However it is important to say that Alejo is able to adapt the program according to specific needs and requirements of the person during their stay. Moreover as I said to Alejo on several occasions he is a man full of surprises so that when you think you have already seen and leant a lot he is able to still offer new “ cosas” to make it interesting , challenging and enjoyable. Studying with Alejo has increased my confidence and understanding of Spanish and has also given me an interest in further studying English grammar particularly as it relates and overlaps so much with Spanish.We had many conversations concerning the features of both languages. Before I joined him Alejo suggested I complete the Spanish course called “LanguageTransfer” on Soundcloud. This was very beneficial as his approach is similar to that taught on LanguageTransfer so it was easy for me to adapt to his teaching style. Alejo offers a totally unique experience and as he is a very generous and open person hence the relationship that one develops with him is unique and precious as well. Whilst with him, Alejo also encouraged me to engage with his many friends which I took full advantage of and had satisfying discussions practicing my Spanish with them. There needs to be a mention of the fabulous “almuerzos” we enjoyed every day. They were truly satisfying, varied and memorable. We also did a lot of great walks both short and long as the area offers excellent scenery,forests and places to enjoy great vistas. All in all a very a valuable life experience and highly recommended if you want to go on the “journey “ with Alejo and enjoy his unique offerings.Showing our latest reviews
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