La Cazalla

Stylish little hotel hidden away in a magical valley, also available as a gorgeous house rental (6 bedrooms)

Maria Ruiz dedicated time to find a fitting location to build her secluded Spanish country home. Her hard work paid off. La Cazalla nestles in its own lush green valley 3km from the historic town of Ronda. Gloriously quiet save for the gentle rustle of trees and birdsong, La Cazalla is a hidden, soothing prospect that is utterly charming. Inside, the use of space and light is impressive. Existing rock formations meld into white-washed walls; arabesque arches lead you from one sitting area to another and funky modern lamps are juxtaposed with antiques. The overall look is elegant rustic with old complimenting new and a hint of Andalucia's Moorish past. While there is an interesting contemporary edge, Maria has managed to maintain an overwhelming sense of comfort and with only a handful of bedrooms it feels more like a private house than a hotel.

This is a wonderful oasis for pure relaxation and also a great starting point for marvellous walks in the surrounding countryside and exploring Andalucia's famous white villages.

Highs

• Light-filled interiors and attention to detail. Everything is simple, fresh and elegant
• Enchanting garden filled with the scent of lavender
• Fabulous swimming pool with views across the valley
• Cosying up by the log fire in winter; walking through fields of wild flowers in spring

Lows

• A car is essential because of the remote location. Futhermore, to get there you will need to negotiate a very bumpy and potholed 3km track so bear this in mind when choosing your vehicle
• Communication with the outside world is limited: no TV, phone, or reception for your mobile (although there is a satellite phone if required)
• Although Maria is around for most of the day, don't expect an array of staff beyond the maid
• There are several 'house rules' (such as locking doors) which may feel overly fussy