Travel Guides

When you think of Spain most people would think busy touristy beaches with not necessarily much culture how wrong our perceptions can be!

After my first visit to the beautiful region on Andalucia I feel very different about this fabulous country.  I have fond memories of long "Tapas" lunches in amazing hotels located in spectacular settings either withn historic towns or the vivid countryside.  The sheer diversity of Andalucia's culture and history make this an ideal place to explore the contrasting locations.

Try "An Andalcian Trilogy" to take in a three centre holiday starting in Seville, the exotic capital of Andalucia, better known for being the romantic heart of the country! A high speed train can then take you onwards to Cordoba in the rural heart of the Province.  Cordoba is a myriad of cobbled streets and geranium filled courtyards.  It is also home to the spectacular Mezquita, a mosque so large there is a Christian Cathedral inside!  Lastly drive to Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace.  This mighty compound of buildings - including the summer palace called the Generalife with its fountains and gardens - standsa at the foot of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Grenada.  If you are looking for something a bit different I have listed a few of my hotel recommendations for the itinerary;

Alfonso XIII, Seville

The Alfonso XIII is one of Spain's most prestigious properties and reflects the grace of Andalucia's Arab heritage. WE LOVE it for the location, in central Seville, opposite the Alcazar Palace and set in beautiful gardens with a large outdoor swimming pool.  It is very Moorish in style and what is so wonderful about this property is that the restaurant , lounge and bar are set around a traditional tiled courtyard with orange trees and a fountain - it's a perfect place to relax after a day exploring!

Palacio del Bailio, Cordoba

This is the first and only five star hotel in Cordoba and is located in the historical heart of the city, which was declared a Cultural Heritage site in 1982.  The hotel is a fully realized combination of culture, wellbeing, art, history, cuisine and relaxation.  All 53 bedrooms have been furnished in a contemporary style yet cleverly combined with the traditional architecture.  WE LOVE it for the massage and beauty treatments available in the site of ancient roman ruins!

Palacio do Los Patos, Granada

Located in the centre of Granada this stunning hotel consists of two very different buildings one being a Palacio, the other a striking new modern building with a lattice made of alabaster forming part of the facade.  Within walking distance of the shops, bars and restaurants there is an outdoor plunge pool and massage rooms.  WE LOVE it for the very unique bedrooms this really is Granada's most luxurious boutique hotel!