
How refreshing it is to find somewhere so achingly stylish in somewhere so pleasingly traditional. Only savvy travellers in Andalucia know about Arcos de la Frontera, a white hilltop town poised above a plunging river valley, with views stretching as far as the eye can see, and a history dating back as far as the Romans. A castle, convent, churches and elegant palacios are testament to its ancient roots, and it’s in these historical monuments that Arcos’ stories are told.
But sometimes, when you look behind old walls, you find something completely new...
On a typical Arcos street, behind a typical whitewashed façade, is a hip little haven gleaming in the shadows. Boutique Suites, the brainchild of creative owners Gareth and Paul, is everything you don’t expect: all jazzy wallpapers, state-of-the-art lighting and gilded furnishings. A marble staircase leads up to four sumptuous suites, each a work of art with individual design pieces and bold patterns that dazzle. In a smart lounge, breakfasts of fresh pastries and Spanish hams are served, and up on top, a roof terrace takes in wide vistas of Arcos’ rooftops. An unexpected masterpiece in a hidden gem of a town.
But sometimes, when you look behind old walls, you find something completely new...
On a typical Arcos street, behind a typical whitewashed façade, is a hip little haven gleaming in the shadows. Boutique Suites, the brainchild of creative owners Gareth and Paul, is everything you don’t expect: all jazzy wallpapers, state-of-the-art lighting and gilded furnishings. A marble staircase leads up to four sumptuous suites, each a work of art with individual design pieces and bold patterns that dazzle. In a smart lounge, breakfasts of fresh pastries and Spanish hams are served, and up on top, a roof terrace takes in wide vistas of Arcos’ rooftops. An unexpected masterpiece in a hidden gem of a town.
Highs
- Each suite is a work of art, tastefully decorated with smart lighting, Art Deco design pieces and flamboyant patterns that are jazzy but not clashy
- The roomy roof terrace is a lovely spot for a sundowner while gazing out across Arcos’ rooftops
- Arcos de la Frontera is one of Andalucia’s most attractive white towns, dramatically sited above a deep river valley within the Sierra de Cadiz, east of Jerez, with great hiking and cycling trails nearby
- The hotel has private parking, which is a real treat in Arcos
Lows
- No kids allowed
- You're a fair distance from the coast here; the nearest beach is Cadiz, a 40-minute drive
- Breakfast only, and it costs extra, but there are a bunch of good tapas bars and tavernas outside
- Arcos isn’t much fun to drive around, but you won’t need the car once you’re here
Best time to go
You can come all year. April and May are lovely months for walks and wildflowers. September and October are also great for hiking and general exploration. Summer can get hot and the tiny lanes can clog with cars.
Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) is an important calendar event in Arcos, and quite the spectacle, with sombre processions and a bull run in the old town on Easter Sunday. The three-day Feria de San Miguel, a fiesta dedicated to the town’s patron saint, takes place in late September.
Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) is an important calendar event in Arcos, and quite the spectacle, with sombre processions and a bull run in the old town on Easter Sunday. The three-day Feria de San Miguel, a fiesta dedicated to the town’s patron saint, takes place in late September.
Our top tips
For a sweet treat, head up to the convent of Mercedarias Descalzas, located at the top of the hill. Here you can buy homemade biscuits and cakes made by the resident nuns from a revolving window at the entrance. This is a unique custom in these parts of Andalucia, and it's become a valuable source of income for the convents.