El Molino Del Santo

I visited Molino del Santo last Saturday for lunch with my brother, and it was a truly fabulous experience from start to finish. The food was wonderful — a wide choice of dishes, all cooked brilliantly and presented beautifully. We both chose steaks, and they were cooked to perfection: seared and caramelised on the outside, rare and tender on the inside. The side dishes were imaginative and delicious, including a particularly memorable celery gratin. Starters were equally impressive — prawns sizzling in hot garlicky olive oil and a superb local chorizo, both beautifully prepared and packed with flavour. But what makes Molino del Santo even more special goes beyond the food. The setting is magical: the restaurant is part of a stylish boutique hotel in an old mill, with the terrace next to the river and framed by the mountains of the Serranía. Trees and cascades of flowers surround the terrace, creating a tranquil and beautiful atmosphere. The staff are wonderful — friendly, humorous, attentive, and clearly skilled at what they do. Their warmth made the experience even more memorable. On the Saturday we visited, the restaurant was fully booked and people were being turned away, which shows just how highly regarded the restaurant is. Molino del Santo is, without question, one of my favourite restaurants (and not just in Spain). My brother was really impressed by the whole experience and set his mind to come back here with his wife and family. I cannot recommend the Molino highly enough — it is an absolute gem.

Wonderful atmosphere. Calm and inviting. The villa has water running through and around it so has lovely gardens and mature trees. The pool is 25 degrees, so refreshing. The food is excellent, proper home made quality fare and fair prices. Fresh ripe fruit at breakfast always a good sign! We will be coming back again and again, a little piece of paradise.

We had a great stay at El Molino del Santo! It is a charming hotel with a wonderful garden and, even if we could not enjoy it due to the rainy April weather, a beautiful swimming pool. The owners are very friendly, the restaurant serves great food and the bar is also used by the locals, which gives a warm feeling of community. Our room was perfectly clean and I liked its rustic minimalism – I always prefer when there is no TV in the room. The village is very close to Ronda (less than half an hour drive) and is located in a beautiful mountainous area, so there is a lot to do and see. I would recommend this hotel to everyone who likes peace, elegance and simplicity!

The management of the hotel has just been taken over by the owners’ daughter and partner, Carmen and Martin, and they are so welcoming and helpful. This is ‘real Spain’ and there is a wonderful feeling of homeliness and hospitality which is radiated by all of the staff. They are all, without exception, thoroughly professional and, at the same time, extremely pleasant, efficient and unruffled. Nothing is too much trouble. The hotel is absolutely spotless; the gardens are beautiful; the terrace is delightful and Paco’s bar at the top of the terrace is a great place to relax in the shade with a cool drink. This is a beautiful part of Spain – it’s in Grazelema natural park and close to the lovely town of Ronda. It’s so enchanting that we hope to return later in the year. Visit if you can!

Wonderful and welcoming stay in a beautiful hotel nestled in the Andalusian mountains. Superb restaurant and facilities. Excellent location for hikes and visiting other towns in the area. Perfect weather too !!

A brilliant reminder that the most magical places in life are often the most understated. Peace comes dropping slow here. Note perfect, in every effortless sense. Carmen’s beaming welcome and bright, equanimous personality. The consistent calibre of the food and drinks. The deeply authentic charm and humour of Victor and other waiting staff. We loved the layout of the hotel, with its pervading peaceful energy. And enjoyed watching the late afternoon Andalusian sun bouncing off the surrounding hills. We were planning our next visit before we left. That is rare. But this place is rare.

I’m not sure what you have to do to get more stars: if you want them. This is an excellent hotel, with very comfortable rooms and excellent pool area and gardens and first rate personal service. However, the star of the show is the restaurant which is fabulous. So, be prepared to have your expectations exceeded.

This is a beautiful little hotel set in the hills of Andalucia. The old mill, set beside a river, has been extended over the years. We love that it is designed like a little Spanish village with pathways and steps leading to bedrooms and down to the pool. The rooms are in simple Andalusian style, spotlessly clean and many have gorgeous views of the surrounding hills. The food in the restaurant is excellent with a wide choice from the set menu or a la carte. But it is the staff who really are the best feature of this hotel. Nothing is too much trouble and you are always met with a warm welcome from everyone. Despite having travelled extensively around the world, we return here every year - to us there is nowhere like it!