Cortijo Valverde

Cortijo Valverde is a small country hotel of high repute, with a comfortably informal atmosphere. Set in the mountains of Andalucia, a short distance inland from Málaga, Cortijo Valverde is within easy reach of some spectacular scenery; the amazing El Chorro Gorge, the peaceful, beautiful Ardale Lakes and the rocky spectacle of the El Torcal Natural Park.

Everything is tailored to provide the best of relaxation, from the cottage-style garden with its hidden corners and shady spots, to the swimming pool with its broad terrace and inspiring views. The five standard rooms are located in a row of "casitas", each with a private terrace and views down across the garden, the pool and the countryside beyond.  The two premier rooms are in converted stables attached to the main house. All have tea and coffee-making, boxspring beds, honesty bar, television, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The premier room has extra channels on the television, a bigger- more private terrace, DVD player, and all the facilities are more luxurious.

Many guests may be fully satisfied with an unwinding and re-charging holiday, settling onto the sunny pool terrace, or the private corners that abound throughout the garden. For others, the location of Cortijo Valverde opens up so much of Andalucia, the hills and mountains, the spectacular geological formations like El Torcal and El Chorro, and even the beaches are not that far away. For the most adventurous, there is cycling, quad-biking, canoeing, and more, all of which can be booked from the hotel.

Meals

Food is a key ingredient of a holiday at Cortijo Valverde. As travel writer Guy Hunter-Watts put it “What really makes Valverde sing is the chance of eating supper as the sun dips over Sierra de Nieves”. Throughout the summer dinners are served on the large terrace with the stunning view of the Guadalhorce Valley and Alora Castle, while in the cooler months everyone can retire to the large farmhouse table.

Every day there is an excellent 3-course dinner made from fresh products. The menu can be adapted to cater for allergies or dietary requirements. The Cortijo owners have gathered an incredible range of recipes from around the world, which introduces their guests to an amazing gastronomy experience. Guests wishing to have dinner need to make a reservation at breakfast. 

Breakfast (included in the room rates) is a leisurely affair offering a wide selection all made with fresh ingredients.

A freshly prepared lunch dish is available every day on request. Or chose a picnic lunch to take with you while you explore the area. 

Out and About

Cycling and walking. Choose a time away from the hottest part of the summer
Golf. There are lots of golf-courses inland, with far less pressure and crowding than you get on the Costa del Sol
Bird-watching. Andalucia is a great place for both resident species and migrants
Horse-riding. Beginners or experienced riders
Canoeing, and more. The Ardale lakes are a lovely spot to waft gently across the water. The activity centre also offers para-gliding, abseiling, etc

Places to visit:
Ardale Lakes. Spain's "lake district"
El Chorro Gorge. A spectacular slash through the mountain
El Torcal. Impressive rock formations
Antequera. A city with more than 5000 years of history
Costa del Sol. It's only about 40 minutes by car, to visit Málaga, Marbella, Puerto Banus or Mijas

The double rooms each have a private terrace and face out to the swimming pool and to the country views beyond. They are equipped with air-conditioning (and a fan for guests who are not fond of air-con!) which also works as heating in the winter. In all the rooms there is a minibar, Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities and TV.

All rooms are configured as a double with a top quality boxspring bed, unless twin beds are requested at the time of booking.

The premier rooms have all the facilities of the standard room plus extra luxury and more space. The premier rooms have a television with all tv channels, a DVD unit, boxspring bed and their own wi-fi router in the room.