La Almunia del Valle

Style and comfort in the Sierra Nevada at this boutique hotel in the mountains, only 10 minutes' drive from Granada and 20 from the ski resort

You’re in the first folds of the Sierra Nevada here, but only a 10-minute drive from Granada. Spectacular landscape encircles you: mountains rise across the valley, streams gurgle, pine forests cling to the hills. If you want to walk, you can strike out from the front door (maps and walking sticks are on hand); alternatively, sit out by the pool in the shade of an ancient fig tree and drink in the views. Come in winter and go skiing: the Sierra Nevada ski resort is a 20-minute car ride away.

As for the house, well, that’s not bad either. It’s built into the side of a hill and a couple of the 11 rooms have raw stone walls. The style is ‘rustic chic’. Elegant, uncluttered bedrooms come with long views and crisp linen, a fire smoulders in the first-floor sitting room in winter, and summer suppers are taken up on the rooftop terrace, where, on clear nights, you’ll see the moon slip over the mountain and light up the valley below.

Highs

• The fabulous setting on the side of a hill has mountains all around
• The comfortable and stylish bedrooms offer great value for money
• Beautiful Granada and the magnificent Alhambra, the finest palace in Spain, are just 10 minutes away
• The Sierra Nevada National Park is great for long walks, horse riding and mountain biking

Lows

• The set menu for dinner offers no choice. Menus are discussed in the morning, but you’ll probably want to eat out a bit
• If you want the bars and clubs of the big city, you’ll have to drive down to Granada each night
• You’re up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, so you’ll need a car to get here