Hotel Barcelo La Bobadilla

Luxurious country estate in the Sierra de Loja where the high arts of pampering are practised with flair

A 3km private drive sweeps you up through olive groves to this gorgeous collection of whitewashed houses. It’s a fairyland setting on the crest of a small hill with the sun-washed Sierra de Loja all around you.

Walk up to the main house and a serene courtyard welcomes you; water runs in the fountain and the scent of rosemary fills the air. You’ll think you’ve washed up at an ancient village, perhaps a princely estate, but what looks 200 years old is a mere babe in arms: 20 years ago there was only one house here. Now the style is smart, rural, timeless, with soaring brick arches in a marble hall, terracotta rooftops tumbling down hill and a bell tower in the courtyard. Wonderful rooms have balconies or terraces, a huge shimmering pool lazes in a bowl of lush lawn, 1,000 acres of private land wrap around you. Tracks and trails lead out into it, so choose your mode of transport – foot, horse, bicycle, quad – and go and explore.

Highs

• Luxury, peace and natural beauty all entwined, 3km up a private drive. The finest hotel in Andalucia?
• There's loads to do: collapse by the pool with a drink; head out into the Sierra de Loja on horseback; pamper yourself in the spa; take a day trip to Granada
• Big luxurious rooms all have private balconies or terraces
• Families are very welcome
• Good food and friendly service

Lows

• You'll need a hire-car to get here, but you probably won't use it that much
• If you want to eat out, it's a bit of a hike to get anywhere
• This is a popular spot to get married. If you're not part of the party, you may feel left out
• With 70 rooms, it's larger than our usual hotels and some feel it has become too corporate since takeover by Barcelo