“Set in a 1,000-acre private estate of fragrant rosemary, sun-drenched olive groves and ancient oak trees in the heart of the Andalusian countryside, La Bobadilla started life as a simple ‘finca’ (farmhouse) 25 years ago. Since then, it has blossomed into a 70-room hotel (although it doesn’t feel this large), laid out like an Andalusian village on the crest of a hill, with interconnecting courtyards, gardens and fountains centred around a pretty (unconsecrated) chapel. The cool, marble-floored hotel lobby, with its towering brick colonnades reminiscent of the Alhambra, sets the tone for the décor throughout. Guestrooms feature palatial bathrooms, secluded terraces with sweeping views and intricate Moorish and Andalusian furniture and art - the Alhambra Suite is a triumph. The hotel also boasts an enormous swimming pool set in manicured lawns, three superb restaurants, a new spa and countless activities from horse-riding to archery. Fear not that La Bobadilla was recently appropriated by the Spanish hotel group Barceló – it’s reflected only in a few branded napkins and pens, not in the feel or style of the property.”
