Casa La Siesta

A funky bolthole close to Vejer and the beach, with shabby-chic guestrooms, the warmest of welcomes and a self-catering casita for 2

It was my honour to be the first-ever guest at Casa La Siesta, in late 2008. After homing in on the house from over a mile away - it stands proud on a hilltop looking out towards the ocean - I was greeted with infectious enthusiasm by Lee and Amelia. They were just putting the finishing touches to their delectable small hotel, and my initial surprise at how young they were soon gave way to admiration for what they've created: a relaxed home where rustic Andalucian cortijo style meets bare but immensely comfortable, urbane chic.

When faced with rebuilding the original farmhouse, their mission statement was sustainability and many of the building's base elements - tiles, beams, doors and windows - were recycled from older houses. But, that aside, Casa La Siesta is a celebration of contemporary creature comfort. Expect a room-to-remember, an easy one-tribe-vibe and masses of communal living space. And the twin cherries on your Siesta cake? You're a shake away from one of Andalucia's most beautiful towns and close to some of its best beaches.

Highs

• Holidays are all about R&R and this place seems made for both
• The food and wines are both in the 'extra special' league
• Seven funky rooms, which stylishly fuse ethno and boho, plus a super-private self-catering Casita
• A place imbued with the generosity of its owners: many of what would be charged as extras elsewhere are included at Siesta
• A big pool, big views and a big heart

Lows

• Don't expect much action in the tiny hamlet of Los Parallejos: for that, you'll need to slip into Vejer
• With only 7 rooms, it books up quickly; plan your trip well in advance