Rooms

We love the look of the bright, uncluttered, grey-on-white bedrooms: simple yet chic, with all that you need in this climate. There's a whisper-quiet ceiling fan, air-con to top up in summer, cool geometrically-tiled floors, functional shower rooms, and lovely mountain views from the window. Extremely comfy beds are kingsize in 3 of the 4 rooms (two of which can be set up as twins); the 4th is a smaller double which works well for solo travellers.

Everything is solar powered, so the in-room hairdryers are low-voltage, and air-con is on a scheduled timer. But there is a back-up generator, and also a gas boiler for hot water in the unlikely event of a long cloudy spell in winter. And the overall spirit is undoubtedly generous. Extra touches include Nespresso machines, glass bottles of cold spring water (the tap water is not potable here), and straw hats which you can borrow.

Step outside - each has its own patio or terrace - to find a small private dining spot with table, chairs and long views, perfect for al fresco breakfasts and sunset tipples. Room 4, the largest, also benefits from a Cowboy-style plunge pool in it's private garden. For shady siestas, there are also hammocks and sail awnings.its

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

A continental breakfast is delivered to your room in a hamper each morning - this started out as a covid measure and, thanks to great guest feedback, looks set to stay. Expect juice, yoghurt, jamon and cheeses, seasonal fruit, maybe a local torta de aceite or choc croissant. There's also a small honesty bar where guests sometimes mingle and swop stories of beaches, hikes and restaurants in the early evening.

For other meals, it’s a 15-minute drive to the restaurants of Rodalquilar (they have 4 or 5 excellent restaurants and bars), or try Pozo de los Frailes which is only 5 minutes away – here Ben and Neil suggest popular La Gallineta or buzzy Bar Treze Sur. San Jose is also only a few minutes' drive away with a good selection – check out wine shop-delicatessen-tapas restaurant La Abaceria. Ben and Neil always give great recommendations.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast

Activities

• Cabo de Gata is famous for its spectacular, wild beaches with sculpted volcanic rocks and emerald waters; three of the best – Monsul, Genoveses and Muertes – are within 20 mins' drive
  
• For more developed beaches, including bars and some watersports (diving – 3 dive schools are nearby, sailing, kayaks), head to the laid-back little resorts of San Jose, Las Negras or Agua Amarga. There's some excellent snorkelling within 10 minutes drive
  
• Between these two – if you hike the coast path (very popular) or rent a boat – you'll find the ancient fort and crumbling oasis settlement of Cala San Pedro: a real highlight
  
• Near the cape are salt pans where migrating flamingoes gather in spring and summer; twitchers can also tick off various herons, egrets, avocet, plover, dunlin, larks and Bonelli's eagle
  
• It's a 30-minute drive to Europe’s only true desert at Tabernas, the backdrop for several iconic movies
  
• Ben and Neil can also advise on mountain biking routes (and rental points), and riding stables; this is one of the top road cycling destinations in Spain
  
• If you're flying out of Almeria, make time to visit its impressive Alcazaba fortress, with its Moorish palace, baths and gardens

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Swimming

Kids

Little Agave normally only welcomes guests aged 16 and over.

If booking all 4 rooms, younger children may be accepted by arrangement. Bear in mind that there are lots of sharp rocks and prickly plants in the garden, and the pool is not supervised or protected in any way.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Little Agave is near the village Pozo de los Frailes in the Cabo de Gata area of Andalucia, Spain. It's 7km from the coast at San Jose, and 30km (or 30 mins' drive) from the city of Almeria.

By Air
Almeria (25km) is the nearest airport; otherwise try Malaga (250km) which has a much wider range of flights. From the airport, you'll need a rental car - see our recommendations.

By Train
Dedicated non-flyers can reach Almeria by train from Granada (3 hrs), Seville (5hrs 30) or Madrid (6 hrs 30). From there you can catch a bus (1 hour, Autocares Bernardo; get off at Boca de los Frailes) or a taxi (35 mins) to Little Agave.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.