La Almunia del Valle, near Granada, Spain - Explore & Book

"You’re in the first folds of the Sierra Nevada here, but only a 15-minute drive from the centre of 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. As for the house, well, that’s not bad either, a beautifully orchestrated commingling of contemporary art, furnishings and fittings with the building's more rustic base elements of slate and dressed stone: rustic chic at its very most appealing. It’s built into the side of a hill and a couple of the rooms have raw stone walls. Elegant, uncluttered bedrooms come with long views and crisp linen, a fire smoulders in the first-floor sitting room in cooler months, 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. Magical. Highs The fabulous setting on the side of a hill has mountains all aroundThe comfortable and stylish bedrooms offer great value for moneyBeautiful Granada and the magnificent Alhambra, the finest palace in Spain, are just 15 minutes away; the Sierra Nevada National Park is great for long walks, horse riding and mountain bikingPatricia and Manuel are consummately good hosts: warm, caring and genuinely keen for you to experience the best of Granada and its sierraSustainability is a priority; solar panels generate the electricity, guests are encouraged to recycle, single-use plastics are cleverly avoidedLa Almunia has a droolingly romantic, hidden away feel to it: you can't fail to slip into easy R&R at this place Lows The set menu for dinner offers no choice. But menus are discussed in advance, any allergies or veggie leanings accommodated, and the produce is all locally sourced. Note you need to say 24 hours in advance if you want an evening meal If you want the bars and clubs of the big city, you’ll have to drive down to Granada each nightYou’re up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, at the end of a long country road (with a narrow access road at the end), so you’ll need a car to get here" - Tom Bell