The hot dry climate of southern Spain lends itself perfectly to the concept of a cave house: cool in summer yet warm in winter. Scottish owners Shirley and Mark have taken a traditional Spanish cave house, totally renovated it and given it an unexpected contemporary twist. It becomes an ideal holiday home for a family or a group of friends.
Cuevas Helena is set out in the Granada countryside surrounded by hills and mountains and the beautiful lake at Negratin. This is a place for lovers of big skies and big scenery, with lots of places to visit and things to do.
In front of the cave house is a large terrace with a pergola, plenty of sunbathing space, a swimming pool and an outdoor dining area. It also includes a swing for children and room for them to just run around and do what children do. New for 2018 is the jacuzzi, set in an elevated position to enjoy the views.
On entering the cave house the special intimate atmosphere is immediately apparent. Pass through the entrance hall to the large living room that runs across the front of the house with plenty of windows to let in light and reflect it off the white walls. There's a kitchen of course and a bodega corner which feels like sitting in your own personal bar. There are three bedrooms, one with a double bed and two with twin beds. Then there are three wetroom shower rooms so there will be no queuing in the morning.
There is an obvious novelty to spending a holiday in a cave house, but it's practical too, sensible, comfortable and filled with a sense of well-being.
Out and About
Lake Negratin. Just 15 minutes away. Stunning scenery and a great place to go for a swim; just like sea-swimming but without the crowds and without the salty water. You can find places for lunch and there are also the Banos de Zujar natural thermal baths near the edge of the lake.
Mount Jabalcon. Standing 1492 metres above sea level, you really can't miss this mountain. Just minutes from Cuevas Helena by road you can ascend to the top on foot, by bike or in a car. This is a popular spot for all sorts of outdoor pursuits; not just hiking and mountain-biking but hang-gliding and para-gliding too.
Benamaurel. The nearest town to Cuevas Helena, Benamaurel has everything you would expect of a Spanish village. There are local handicrafts, a weekly market, a Moors and Christians fiesta, some lovely old architecture and a ruined castle. The bars in Benamaurel still adhere to the traditional way with tapas: a free little titbit to enjoy with your glass of wine or beer.
Castril. Another small town deep in the Sierra Cazorla mountains. There's just about everything here: walking, cycling, scenery in abundance, caving, climbing, horse-riding, canoeing, bird-watching, a museum and a whole lot of history. Be sure to bring your phrase-book as you won't find many English-speakers.
Granada. Just an hour away, this is on everyone's bucket list, but be sure to book your Alhambra tickets in advance.
Sierra Nevada. The most southerly ski-resort in Europe. Ski in the morning and head down to the coast for a spot of sun-bathing in the afternoon. Or visit in the summer when the Sierra Nevada is a vast expanse of nature perfect for every outdoor activity.
Cave House (up to 6 people)Cuevas Helena is rented as a single 3 bedroom cave house with all facilities. Each of the three bedrooms is independent of the others.
Up-to-the-minute information on availability and room rates is provided by our partners at Booking.com.
Check room rates, check availability and make your booking. It's so easy!
If you don't find what you want, be sure to come back to Little Hotels to find another hotel personally chosen by us.
