La Almendra y El Gitano
, Camino Cala El Plomo, s/n, Agua Amarga, (Almeria).
Sitting in a unique environment on the Almería coast, the curiously-named hotel La Almendra y El Gitano (the Almond and the Gypsy) offers guests maximum tranquillity with a personal touch, right in the heart of the Cabo de Gata natural park. Nightlife here means sipping a glass of wine, listening to the crickets and gazing up at the millions of stars, uninterrupted by any hint of light pollution.
The hotel rests on a low hill looking down into a valley completely free of roads or houses, giving a complete sense of being at one with nature. 360° views reach around the surrounding hills and down to the nearby sea. Within its several acres, there are plenty of places to relax in total quietude: on the old Moorish “aljibe”, by the spring, under a 300 year-old carob tree, or lying by the pool shaded by a tall palm tree.
The three rooms and two suites match the simplicity of the environment, but combined with such exquisite good taste that they are a true luxury. The decoration of each is unique, drawing inspiration from a mixture of cultures and filling the spaces with comfort, intimacy and peace. There are plenty of modern “essentials”, though no telephone or internet as some of the miracles of 21st century communication have not yet penetrated the natural park. Most important of all is the evident love of the owners for their hotel and for each other, something which will inevitably rub off on anyone who stays here.
There is so much to do, you really can be busy doing nothing. A week of walking would barely begin to explore the numerous tracks along the coast and through the hills. Just look at the amazing volcanic geology of the area, have a peaceful day on the beach at Cala El Plomo or wander along to Agua Amarga, a delightful cluster of white houses around a bay. A little further afield, visit the other villages of Cabo de Gata, or see the flamingos at the Salinas, drive up to the only desert in Europe, or visit the Mini-Hollywood film studios. Whatever you decide to do, this is one of the most benign climates in Europe with winter temperatures in the high teens, summer temperatures in the thirties and 320 sunny days every year.
Meals
The dining room is full of light, with windows looking out on all the beauties that surround it. Breakfasts are served here as well as light dinners of fish, Spanish cold meats and salads, on request. Meals (except breakfast) are not served every day, and 24 hours notice is needed. There is a choice of some excellent wines to accompany a meal.
Out and About
Beaches (Cala El Plomo for a totally virgin beach accessible only on foot or by boat, Agua Amarga for a long stretch of sand with a couple of bars and restaurants nearby, Carboneras for a promenade with bars, shops and restaurants)
Lots of other quiet or totally isolated beaches along the coastline of Cabo De Gata
Cabo de Gata natural park
Cabo de Gata marine park (the only marine natural park in Spain, or maybe in Europe)
Walking. Choose from the coastline, the flora and fauna of the hills, the moorish springs, or even a little industrial archaeology. Guided walks can be arranged.
Sailing trips along the Cabo de Gata coast
4x4 excursions
Scuba diving (Agua Amarga)
Horse-riding (Agua Amarga)
Places to visit:
Cabo de Gata cape and lighthouse
The salinas (flamingos and other birds)
Villages of Cabo de Gata (Las Negras, San José, etc)
The caves of Sorbas
Nijar (artisan shops)
Almería
Granada
Tabernas desert
Mini-Hollywood studios
The hotel has 2 double bedrooms of equal size and comfort with terrace overlooking the valley.
Latex mattress, minibar, DVD, TV and hairdryer.
Double bedroom with jacuzzi and terrace overlooking the valley.
Latex mattress, minibar, DVD, TV and hairdryer.
Each of the three suites has a jacuzzi inside the room. They have a private terrace overlooking the valley. Latex mattress, minibar, DVD, TV and hairdryer.
Reviews from Little Hotels Travellers:
We have a saying in Norway, that "all good things are three". Since this was the third time we booked through little hotels, I must say, that unfortunately this was the one with lowest score. Nice people, nice place ( in the wilderness as aspected), quiet and with lovely view. All this was looked foreward to. But the restaurant, serving nice meals with exeptionel wines,as the web tells, we could not find. We learned that we could order some spesific dishes the day before. (Not sundays.) That means that we had frozen pizza from the supermarket the first night and on sunday. Saturday was ok for us, but it's not nice to see other guests have "micro pizza". Off course we could go by car to one of the nearby small towns, but we like to have good food and wine, and maybe a brandy and then it`s nice to walk "home" not to drive the car for some 10-30 km. Anyway, we will book again and try to find something simulare to Fowlers and Casa de Maco, which we really enjoyed. Little Hotels response: We are really sorry that we didn't make it clear enough on our page. Although we said "light dinners, on request", we have now changed the wording to ensure that we are being totally explicit. I don't think there is any criticism of La Almendra y El Gitano here. It was us, Little Hotels, who did not make it clear enough that the hotel only serves evening meals on request, not every day, and that the meals are limited to salads, fish dishes and the like. We apologise. |
We think that Little Hotels is a great find and would definitely use them again. We spent a great week in our hotel ~ La Almendra y El Gitano. The hotel is in a superb setting with wonderful views and is an oasis of peace, comfort and style. We stayed in the Arab Suite in the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in, other than our own at home. Our room was simple, stylish and elegant with everything we needed. We partcularly enjoyed the jacuzzi with its stunning views across the extensive gardens. The owner was most welcoming and informative, giving us a map where he highlighted the best beaches and good places to eat. We really enjoyed our holiday and would recommend your group and this hotel without reservation. |
I just wanted to let you know what a lovely weekend we just had at La Almendra y El Gitano; it's a truly wonderful place (even the appalling weather didn't spoil it!) You can't help but relax there - the atmosphere and surroundings just weave a spell....I would recommend it to anyone. We hope to go back there again in the future. |
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We Say
La Almendra y El Gitano is the place where you can even get away from the people who got away from it all. A stunningly beautiful place in which to take a complete rest and enjoy the solitude of the Almería coastline.
And the origin of the name? A love poem from Angel to Ana.
A Word from the Owner
We created our little hotel to give you a restful stay and discreet attention within a beautiful corner of the Spanish coastline that remains totally untouched. Ana and I invite you to spend some time in this magical place of ours.