Escondrijo

Stunningly cool B&B in Vejer's gorgeous old town, also available as a self-catering house for 6-12 in peak season, 10km from the beach

Micro hotels have mushroomed across Europe, and Escondrijo epitomises the type. It has just 3 rooms (it once had 5, but the owners have preferred to offer just the best), available for B&B or, in July and August, combined to form a self-catering house for 6-12. Its cool interiors, easy intimacy and fabulous prices make this a perfect escape, and those looking for something hip and informal will be in heaven here.

Step in off the cobbled alleyway and you find all the original architectural gems: the old stone steps, the ancient wooden doors, a 12th-century well, and an open courtyard with cloistered walkways. The clean contemporary style, however, is distinctly 21st-century. You get candles on the stairs, loungers on the roof terrace, scatter cushions in the chill-out room, bold colours on the walls. The blissful bedrooms are faultless. One has a mezzanine with hammocks, another has a woodburner, and the third has vibrant abstract art. You’ll find CDs and books everywhere, French windows opening to the breeze, and fridges filled with drinks. There’s Duna the dog and Reno the cat, too. Brilliant.

Highs

• The enchanting old town of Vejer de la Frontera, with its cobbled streets and ancient alleyways
• The rooms. You can't single any out - all are magnificent and all have private terraces with 20-mile views
• Sundowner drinks on the roof terrace, with huge vistas off to sea and mountain
• Owners Nigel and Nettie are wonderful hosts, with bags of insider knowledge on Vejer and its surroundings
• Also available as a self-catering house rental in peak season (July and August) - ideal for small groups and family get-togethers, with beds for up to 12 and a sleek kitchen

Lows

• There's no pool at the house, but the beach is 10km away; you'll find 12km of sand
• You'll need a car, but parking in summer can be tricky and you may have to park in the car park at the bottom of the hill; there are local buses to Cadiz and surrounding beaches
• No meals other than breakfast are available at the B&B, but there are restaurants and bars aplenty in Vejer