Finca el Tossal, Near the Costa Blanca, Spain - Explore & Book

"A stone and terracotta villa with wrought-iron balconies, it looks like it’s been here for a century or more, but Thorsten and Sonia Herrmann built this place from scratch - everything, even the furniture. There was nothing here, says Thorsten, except goats, ruined farmhouses, a ledge of wooded hillside and a sensational view. They opened in 2005 with just one guest room. Today there are 9 luscious suites, plus a cool pool terrace, Jacuzzi and chill-out area, and an intimate dining room and bar. It’s a very personal space, drawing influences from the Herrmanns’ globe-trotting past: German-born, they have lived in Italy and California; Sonia was brought up in Spain. Their country retreat is a hybrid of Italianate villa and mini Moorish palace, set in a tranquil Spanish landscape where craggy mountains overlook a haze of coastal plains and a patchwork of lemon, almond and orange groves. In the gardens, trees cast pools of shade onto pristine lawns; you can smell the pines, and watch a light Mediterranean breeze ruffle the palms. Don’t be put off by the crowds who pour into nearby airports. Up here in the mountains, nature is the big draw. Opportunities for hiking, biking and fresh air open up a wild side to the Costa Blanca that tourists rarely see. You can see a glint of Benidorm in the distance, but you couldn’t be further away. Highs The wonderful views across mountains and valleys, down to the coast. You're high in the hills, surrounded by wonderful hiking and biking; there are mountain bikes to borrow The 9 Junior Suites are large and sunny with handmade four-poster bedsA relaxed house-party atmosphere - spiced up by the mix of nationalitiesFantastic set dinners on the terrace at sunset, served with a gentle evening breeze, candles on the tables, cocktails and Rioja Great value Lows It’s a bit out of the way so you'll need a car, and the access is steep via narrow lanesDinner is only available 5 nights a week (and no lunches) though there are restaurants in Bolulla, a 3km drive away No kids under 16 permitted (a high for some!)" - Lesley Gillilan