Fountainhead

A remarkable suite-retreat in the mountains close to Málaga, offering complete respite for body, mind and spirit

If utter peace, privacy and intimacy coupled with superb food and wine make up your vision of a holiday Shangri-la, this will be your kind of place. Helen Bartlett and Peter Jewkes took a leap of faith to create this unusual hideaway hotel on a remote hillside with no TVs, no communal pool or sitting room, and just 4 guest suites. But Fountainhead is about other things. You come here to unwind, to recharge your inner batteries and, above all, to rediscover the sheer pleasure of feeling so removed from the commonplace.

The mood is set by a raked Zen garden which leads guests through a moon gate to the 4 suites, via fishponds, sculptural cacti, palm, agave and papyrus. This is a place where you can arrive early and leave late: Helen's philosophy is 'privacy and personal service', so expect few rules. The flamboyant rooms are a decorative flight of fantasy and the restaurant is just as extraordinary, offering creative, gourmet cuisine and one of Andalucia's most informative wine lists.

Highs

• The suites are totally private, and each has an outdoor terrace and plunge pool: you can sunbathe or swim naked, if that's your thing
• There are soaring views across the surrounding olive and almond groves to the distant mountains
• The hosts are unobtrusive yet constantly caring, and are always mindful of your space
• You'll find colourful, flamboyant and theatrical decoration throughout
• The food is in a league of its own

Lows

• You have to assemble your own breakfast, but all of the ingredients are in or delivered to your suite, and it allows you to be more private
• Some might find the suites a bit too ornate and comfort has occasionally taken second place to decorative good looks
• Rooms and food come with a hefty price tag but are still, we think, fairly priced
• The track leading to the hotel is pretty steep and rough in parts; bring your sense of adventure