Hotel Cerro de Hijar

Rooms

The 18 bedrooms, mostly up on the first floor, are simple and spacious: not the height of boutique chic, but perfectly comfy. It's the mountain views which are the star: we loved throwing open the balcony shutters and gazing up to wooded mountains bathed in the pinks of dawn.

Most are classified as Standard Rooms: a decent size for two, and available as twins or doubles. If coming for longer, or with a child, the generous Junior Suites measure over 30 sq.m., with a sitting area (sofabed) and a large bathroom with tub and twin sinks. Suites come with separate sitting areas: the one tucked away in the tower would be our top choice if it's free.

White walls have a welcome splash of colour from the susani (Turkish wall hangings) above the bed. Bright Moroccan kilims soften the ubiquitous quarry-tiled floors, while Mexican wooden cabinets hide the TV and minibar. Some rooms come with a rustic writing table or secretaire; all have louvred wardrobes with masses of space. There are bedside spotlights, A/C units and Casablanca fans, although Hijar’s high mountain perch means you barely need them. Beds come with soft duvets and forgiving mattresses: we slept so well we nearly missed our flight home!

Large but functional bathrooms are done out in white ceramic tiles with bathtubs and overhead showers (just 2 rooms have shower only).

Features include:

• Fan
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The dining room is decorated in warm ochres and whites, with a moody fado-esque soundtrack when we visited. Outside, there's a shady wooden deck for warmer evenings (bring a sweater); the views are as good as the food.

Perched as you are between sea and mountain, it's no surprise that the menu features produce from both - including gilt-head bream, octopus and tuna in the seafood section, and roast lamb, beef fillet and (excellent) pork 'wraps' among the meats. Garnishes and sauces make the most of local mushrooms, peppers and even seaweed, while Moorish influences include couscous, chickpeas and raisins.

Breakfast is laid-up buffet style in the dining room, though you're welcome to drift out to the deck when the weather permits. You'll find cold cuts, soft and hard cheese, croissants and cakes, muesli and yoghurts, some fresh fruit, and a selection of jams. There's freshly squeezed orange juice and superb espresso coffee, served à volonté.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Explore the spectacular Sierra de las Nieves on foot, or even mountain bike: the hotel sells maps with the best local trails, and can arrange a guide for groups of 6 or more
  
• Go horse riding through the forest to verdant llanos (pastures) - an unforgettable experience
  
• Afterwards, book the hotel's micro-spa for the evening: a private sauna and a hot tub with a view!
  
• Hunt for wild mushrooms on the surrounding hillsides during the autumn months
  
• It's a good hour's drive to Ronda and its famous pueblos blancos; but nearer to Hijar is under-rated Yunquera, with a maze of whitewashed alleys fanning out from its hilltop church
  
• Head for the Med: it's an hour to the busy beaches of Marbella or Fuengirola, and there are quieter spots if you know where to look
  
• Spend a day in the historic heart of Malaga: don't miss the Picasso museum

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Language courses
• Mountain biking
• Swimming
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

This is a great option for outdoorsy families: the hotel has a pool, some suites for 3-4, and kids options at dinner. Children up to 12 years old receive breakfast for free, and cots and extra beds are available on request. And when it comes to the big travel day, you'll be grateful that you're only an hour's drive from Malaga airport.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Cerro de Hijar is near the village of Tolox, midway between Malaga and Ronda (it's an hour's drive from both), at the gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.

By Air
Malaga (50km away) is the closest airport; or you could try Gibraltar (115km), Seville (150km), Granada (160km) or Jerez (170km).

From the Airport
You'll almost certainly need a car to get here - see our car rental recommendations. Otherwise you could conceivably take a train into Malaga, hop on a local bus to Tolox, then taxi the last 2km up to the hotel.