Situated on the lower slopes of the Contraviesa mountain range, close to the Guadalfeo River in the eastern reaches of the Alpujarra Granadino, here you will enjoy wonderful views of the high mountains which rise up on the other side of the valley, the Sierra Nevada National Park.
With the
village of Cádiar a couple of kilometres away in the floor of the valley and
Bérchules in the distance, it's a very peaceful spot, a rural idyll.
Set in its own 35 hectare countryside estate, which is ecologically planted with almonds, vines, figs, olives and fruit trees, the farmland is actively maintained and also offers excellent stabling, henhouses, a dovecote, and delightful kitchen gardens.
Designed to offer a genuine understanding of Las Alpujarras, it's people and their way of life, all the buildings within the small complex have been cleverly reconstructed in traditional style and built on many different levels to create the asymmetry of a local village; and uniquely include a bodega (a wine cellar), an ermita (an old chapel) and a well stocked library.
For
creative and imaginative style, "Alquería de Morayma" takes a lot of beating.
There are delightful surprises
everywhere - ancient wooden doors, antique furniture, beautiful Arabic tiles,
old photographs and maps, chestnut beamed ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, cobbled
pathways etc. The attention to detail and authenticity is excellent.
It has won the Junta de Andalucia's first prize for innovation in rural tourism and is recommended in the Spanish national newspaper EL Pais "Where to Stay" list. It has been recommended as one of the "Best Hotels For Budget Fliers" in a Guardian feature.
The accommodation comprises eighteen rooms, five of which are self catering apartments. All rooms have central heating, en-suite bathrooms, telephone and television, and mountain views. Decor is in local style: white walls, beamed ceilings, rustic bedrooms - with modern bathrooms. One client described it as "rustic-chic". Each room is different in character and design,
each with its own theme and
name - La Señorita, Casa Arabe, El Maestro, Los Montañeros etc. Some have small
kitchen / living areas.
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There are two dining rooms: one large but informal, with an open fireplace, a friendly bar and a sunny terrace with stunning views of the mountains; the second is smaller, more intimate and wonderfully decorated with antiques and old paintings. The food is good and wholesome, authentically Alpujaran, using organic produce from the Estate wherever possible. They specialise in all things local; olive oil, dried tomatoes, herbs, cheeses, pulses, vegetables, fruit and nuts. The menu often includes thick stews, migas, charcuterie, and rice dishes for which the Alpujarra is well known. There is a well stocked wine cellar.
In the summer you can enjoy the swimming pool, which also enjoys the wonderful views over the surrounding countryside; in winter relax beside the fire in the large dining room or check out the library, which has the largest collection of books about la Alpujarra in the area.
Guests are encouraged to join in the work of the organic farm, picking fruit, making sausages. In season you can watch the olives being milled. If you want to explore a little, horse riding, bicycling and walking can be arranged (guides are available). The trans Europe route (the GR7) and the GR-142 "Senda Alpujarra" route pass through the grounds.
For lots of reasons, this is an excellent
place to stay.
