Cortijo del Marques

Rooms

The 15 bedrooms vary in size and confab, following the organic assemblage of farm buildings. Some look out onto the courtyard, some are within the main house, El Silo (Deluxe Suite), our favourite, is housed in what was once a grain silo. This circular room, with bathroom below and bedroom above, has a huge fixed window framing the surrounding estate and distant sierras: it would be a great choice for honeymooners.

The decorative base elements are authentically Andalusian - terracotta tiles, beamed ceilings, shuttered windows - whilst the eclectic mix of antique chests, wardrobes, mirrors and desks are in sync with the sense of history that permeates the cortijo. The 2-bedroom Los Aljibes (Family Suite), measuring in at over 100m2, would be our top choice for a family. Romantic El Granero (Deluxe Suite) is a massive courtyard-facing room with an open-plan bathroom, whilst El Palomar (Suite) is also huge, with quirky old pigeon houses. For ultimate privacy, choose El Mirador (Superior Double), set in the ancient tower with wraparound views.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Mosquito net
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

Given the cortijo's isolated position and the fantastic Michelin-keyed food on site, most guests choose to dine in. Meals are served inside the lofty, beamed dining room where wood-burners are lit in the cooler months. In warmer weather you can have an apéritif, then later your coffee, out in the courtyard.

Our 3-course dinner was a culinary tour de force. A scrummy appetiser of pumpkin paté with Oloroso sherry was followed by a light cream of avocado, apple and fresh mint soup. The main course of skewered tuna with Moorish spices and finely cut veg was eye-wateringly delicious, and the honey, almond and coffee dessert offered a sweet and sticky finish. Eilko’s recommended wines are a match for the food and include several local cépages.

After a deep sleep, expect a big, buffet-style breakfast with delicious coffee and freshly squeezed juice served at your table by easy-natured waiting staff. Light lunches are available if you’re chilling at the farm for the day: sandwiches, salads and a yummy selection of tapas - think Spanish omelette, roasted pepper and tuna salad, or cured Iberian ham.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• Laze in the walled pool garden, drinking in the vast views out towards the Sierra de Arana
  
• Explore the mountain villages of the western Alpujarra. The walking in this region is spectacular
  
• Spend a day in Granada (24km away). You’ll find comprehensive information about what to see in the guest file of your bedroom. And don't forget to book your Alhambra tickets in advance
  
• Grab a mountain bike and follow one of Eilko’s recommended routes out from the farm
  
• Saddle up at the local stables and head for the hills: the surrounding countryside has a real Wild-West vibe about it
  
• Spend the day on the beach. You can reach spectacular, uncrowded beaches in a little over an hour. Our top tips: the shingle beaches of El Cañuelo and the Playa del Pino, both just west of Almuñecar
  
• Watch an authentic flamenco performance in the gypsy caves of Sacromonte in Granada

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Traditional cultures

Kids

Only children over 12 are accepted. Aside from the swimming pool, there’s little specifically laid on for teens who may be bored if not so outdoorsy; active older children will enjoy walking, biking and horse riding. The 3-course gourmet dinner can be adapted for fussy eaters on request.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

There are 2 Family Suites and one Family Duplex, which each have 2 bedrooms (a double and a twin); one has a bath too. The Standards, Superiors and a couple of the Suites can each fit 1 or 2 extra guests on solid extra beds or sofa beds.

Distances:

• Airport: 30 minutes' drive (Granada)
• Shop: 5-minute drive
• Hospital: 24km

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The cortijo lies 4km from the A44 motorway, a 30-min drive from Granada or 3.5hrs from Madrid in southern Spain. The nearest settlement is Deifontes, a workaday village with a few sleepy bars and restaurants.

By Air:
Granada (24km away) is the nearest airport, followed by Malaga (146km away), Almeria (185km away), Seville (262km away), Gibraltar (263km away) and Jerez (277km away).

By Car
Airport transfers are available but you'll definitely want a car while you're here. For hire cars see our car rental recommendations. You can park for free at the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.