Casa Viña de Alcántara

Casa Viña de Alcántara lies concealed in a deeply wooded garden of palms, cypresses, myrtle and bay, a delightful country house boutique hotel where the tall trees and abundant greenery soften the heat of a Spanish summer. Built originally as a shooting lodge in the late 19th century, the Hotel Casa Viña de Alcántara remains in the Gonzalez-Byass sherry family and managed by one of the family. It almost goes without saying therefore that you'll be offered an excellent glass of fino, or a smooth amber oloroso if you prefer.

The extensive lands around the hotel are a real treasure, where the lovely mellow swimming pool lined with natural stone lies in a verdant lawn, and guests can take short walks in the woods or long ones out through the vineyards and down around the lake which is a magnet for ducks and other waterfowl.

The décor of the house reflects touches of arts-and-crafts blended with traditional Andalucian style and some surprising English elements, befitting of the anglophile owner. Downstairs, the polished limestone floors give a light and airy feel, while the oak parquet on the upper floors is richer and more sonorous. There are painted wooden dados, rich natural hardwoods, and a scattering of antique furniture, paintings, and family mementoes.

Nine comfortable bedrooms are warmly decorated in muted colours. Some have steep beamed ceilings, and all the bathrooms are really special: lots of crisp white marble, thick soft towels and invigorating showers.

Casa Viña de Alcántara is an oasis of fine living. It’s location close to Jerez makes it ideal for visiting the great sherry bodegas of the city, the ancient port of Cadiz, the pueblos blancos on the inland hills and the long sandy beaches of Spain’s Atlantic coast.

Meals

Breakfast is English-style with some Spanish touches, like eggs fried in olive oil and fragrant honey from hives in the nearby hills. An appetising start to the day, served in gracious style.

Although there is no restaurant for lunch and dinner at Alcántara, there are plenty to choose from in the close vicinity.

Out and About

Beaches. The nearest beaches are those around El Puerto de Santa María, Rota, Chipiona and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Playa La Puntilla, Playa Santa Catalina, Playa de la Costilla, and Playa Chipiona come recommended. If you want to venture further afield, there are some great beaches near Conil de la Frontera too, south of Cadiz.
Horse-riding (Jerez is almost as famous for horses as it is for sherry!)
Golf (Montecastillo, a spectacular championship course only about 1 km from Casa Viña de Alcantara)
Motorsport. The Jerez circuit is host to the Moto GP, Formula 1 winter testing, and more.

Places to visit:
Jerez. To see the sherry bodegas, of course, and we'll particularly mention Gonzalez-Byass, though there are others of course. While there, don't miss the Alcazar, the cathedral and the gypsy quarter. Also, there is the Feria de Caballo (Horse Fair) in May.
Cadiz. A sort of Spanish Venice without the canals.
Coto Doñana National Park. A huge area of wetlands, ideal for bird-watchers and other nature lovers.
Pueblos Blancos. The white villages of Andalucia are in the mountains to the east. Just drive off and see what you find.
Inland Lakes. Near Arcos de la Frontera there are several huge man-made lakes (reservoirs) that add yet more beauty to the mountain scenery.

All the rooms are subtly decorated with soft earth colours continuing the atmosphere of the huge estate that runs behind the house. Everywhere you will find evidence of the family owners: photographs, paintings, embroidery, furniture.

The ceilings of the rooms, located on the top floor, have impressive wooden beams and all the bathrooms are delicately decorated in grey-veined white marble, with friezes of painted wood.