La Bobadilla, A Royal Hideaway Hotel

La Bobadilla started out as a gourmet restaurant – its food and location were so popular that it grew into one of southern Spain’s best-loved hotels. The setting is enchanting; on a peaceful 350-hectare estate of fragrant gardens and lush lawns, surrounded by olive groves and oak trees. The hotel is around midway between Malaga and Granada, which makes it easy to include in a wider itinerary, but it’s also a fantastic destination in its own right, far away from the city bustle and with lots of green space to explore on hikes or bike rides.

This member of the Leading Hotels of the World has been designed in the charming style of a white-washed Andalusian village. The large outdoor pool area is a highlight and has plenty of poolside loungers where you can curl up with a good book or podcast. Inside, there’s a rustic-luxe feel, with terracotta floors, high archways and beautiful attention to detail. Light and airy guest rooms are dotted around the estate. Many come with a balcony, terrace or garden – perfect for private al fresco breakfasts. Romantic couples will love the Junior Suite with Panoramic Terrace with its spacious terrace, while families are well catered for with a range of interconnecting rooms and two-bedroom suites.

Dining here is special. There’s a focus on local produce and the exceptional olive oil is the ideal base for the fine dining dishes at gourmet La Finca restaurant, which is one of the best restaurants in and around Granada. Choose one of the tasting menus to take a culinary tour of Andalusia. El Cortijo also serves up regional cuisine – grab a table on the terrace for breathtaking views of olive groves and the Loja mountains. La Bobadilla has impressive eco credentials too. It takes influence from the local environment and uses olive stones as an energy source for heating and hot water, which has zero pollution.