La Casa Grande de El Burgo

The clue is in the name: Casa Grande de El Burgo. This is a grand house, originally built 150 years ago for a man of substance. Over time it fell into disrepair, then five years ago it was extensively and sympathetically renovated as a small hotel offering country village accommodation away from the coast, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

There is a real mansion-like feel to the hotel, with lots of rooms and spaces to sit and relax, perhaps sip a chilled sherry or read a book. Substantial fireplaces have been preserved, to be used for real log fires in the winter, while in summer they give way to unobtrusive air-conditioning. There are big wooden beams aplenty overhead, and terracotta floors beneath the feet. There are standard and superior double rooms, but also plenty of triple and even quad rooms to suit the needs of friends and/or families.

Being in a village, there is not a vast outdoors space but the terrace is a lovely place to sit. It has tables and chairs, corners to relax and always plants and lots of flowers.

This area of the Andalucian mountains called the Sierra de Las Nieves has so much to offer. There is hiking and biking, climbing and caving, but those of a less energetic disposition can enjoy the area too, travelling by car and taking short strolls whenever they choose. The mountains have forests of Spanish pines, olive groves, lakes and rivers and all sorts of wildlife too. Look out for birds of prey soaring across the sky.

The village of El Burgo is one of the famed Pueblos Blancos of Andalucia, a chaotic jumble of sugar-cubes flung down in the valley and surrounded by the rounded tops of the local mountains.

Meals

The Casa Grande restaurant offers honest, healthy, Mediterranean cuisine. All dishes are individually prepared with great care and with local products, which results in great taste and low "food miles".The chef likes to work according to the "Mood Food" philosophy.

Breakfast is served in the separate breakfast room.

Out and About

Walking and hiking.
Cycling (mountain or road bikes).
Horse-riding (the hotel works with a local stables to provide hour, half-day and full-day rides).
Caving.
Climbing.
Kayaking.
Beaches (half and hour by car).

Places to visit:
Ronda
Antequera
El Torcal (amazing rock formations in the natural park)
Ardales Lakes
Fuente de Piedra
Other white villages
Malaga (a beautiful city with some interesting museums)

Double room with either a double bed or two single beds. Television. En-suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer. View over the village and on to the mountains.

Similar to the standard double rooms, but larger.

Triple room with three single beds or a double bed and a single. Another extra bed is possible. En-suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer. Table and two chairs. Television. View over the village and on to the mountains.