This attractively
restored Andalusian farmhouse has a dramatic setting, high above the village of
Riogordo, surrounded by a vast bowl of rocky mountains. It's quite a place!
At its lofty position (1,050 metres) it enjoys perfect seclusion and
peace and quiet. Family run, it's delightfully rustic
with just a touch or two of eccentricity thrown in for good measure.
The hotel makes its dramatic appearance from the track (easily negotiable, with a little care, in an ordinary car) which winds
up from the village far below. A private gravel drive and wide parking area are shaded
by palm trees. Another magnificent palm tree dominates the front patio, a peaceful
cobbled garden and terrace, planted with jasmine, a delightful place to start
the day over a leisurely breakfast.
There is a small but attractive bar and a good restaurant, with a pleasing ambience,
decoration and menu. Whenever we have eaten there the food has been excellent. As elsewhere in the hotel, traditional materials and decoration have been used
to recreate an atmosphere of old-world style. It's all been done with good taste and imagination.
The eleven rooms are arranged on the ground floor around a courtyard. Each has
a small downstairs sitting room, with wooden steps up to a sleeping area. As elsewhere
in the hotel, ceilings are beamed and floors are tiled with terracotta or made
of polished wood. At the rear of the main building is a large swimming pool and
spacious terrace with sun loungers.
Just 45 minutes from Málaga Airport, care should
be taken on the last three kilometres as the winding track up the mountain to the hotel is
broad but unlit.
