La Bobadilla
Near Loja, Granada & Sierra Nevada, Spain
Reviewed by
Tom Bell
A 3km private drive sweeps you up through olive groves to this gorgeous collection of whitewashed buildings. It has the feel of an Alhambra-in-white, set on the crest of a small hill with the sun-washed Sierra de Loja all around you encircling a magical, hidden kingdom.
Walk up to the main house and a serene courtyard welcomes you; water runs in the fountain and the scent of rosemary and jasmine fills the air. This beguiling jumble of volumes feels centuries old yet is a mere babe in arms: 25 years ago there was only a lowly farmhouse here. Now the style is smart, rural and timeless, with soaring brick arches in a marble hall, terracotta rooftops tumbling down hill, a bell tower in the courtyard - there's even a private chapel. Wonderful rooms have balconies or terraces, a huge shimmering pool lazes in a bowl of lush lawn, 350 hectares of private estate wrap around you. Tracks and trails lead out into it, so choose your mode of transport - foot, horse, bicycle - and set out to discover your own Xanadu.
Walk up to the main house and a serene courtyard welcomes you; water runs in the fountain and the scent of rosemary and jasmine fills the air. This beguiling jumble of volumes feels centuries old yet is a mere babe in arms: 25 years ago there was only a lowly farmhouse here. Now the style is smart, rural and timeless, with soaring brick arches in a marble hall, terracotta rooftops tumbling down hill, a bell tower in the courtyard - there's even a private chapel. Wonderful rooms have balconies or terraces, a huge shimmering pool lazes in a bowl of lush lawn, 350 hectares of private estate wrap around you. Tracks and trails lead out into it, so choose your mode of transport - foot, horse, bicycle - and set out to discover your own Xanadu.
Highs
- Luxury, peace and natural beauty all entwined, 3km up a private drive. The finest hotel in Andalucia?
- When we last visited we loved that there was so much to do: on-site activities, local excursions, a pampering spa and acres of grounds, including the amazing pool open April-October
- Families are very welcome - kids' club, pool, menus, and farm animals
- Big luxurious rooms all have private balconies or terraces
- Three good restaurants, all with excellent, friendly service
Lows
- Larger and more corporate than our usual hotels; easy to get disoriented amid the rambling floor plan
- You'll need a hire-car to get here, but you probably won't use it that much
- If you want to eat out, it's a bit of a hike to get anywhere
- Popular for weddings - if you're not part of the party, you may feel left out
Best time to go
Apri, May, June, September and October are the most pleasant months - warm and usually sunny. It's worth knowing that temperatures in July and August can hit 40 degrees. The hotel usually shuts December through February.
Our top tips
If you want to go walking, or partake in any of the impressive list of activities (and we definitely suggest you do) for the whole family, make sure you bring the appropriate footwear/gear for all. Note that dress at dinner is smart casual.