This meticulously restored 16th-century building turned boutique hotel has an unrivaled setting at the highest point in the village of Vejer de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz. Opened in 2008 by Belgian-born hotelier Jean van Gysel, it's all about understated sophistication and historical authenticity, with fabulous 360-degree views.
Enter this charming small hotel through its ebony and glass front doors, and you'll find a 16th-century courtyard surrounded by tall stone columns. Interiors are a blend of polished concrete floors and Venetian stucco walls, and guest rooms are stylishly decorated with antiques collected from around the world.
But the place to unwind with a glass of chilled Cava is the rooftop terrace, with its views across the Atlantic Ocean out as far as neighboring Morocco. Embrace the poetry and romance of Andalusia just steps from your door or revel in the captivating blend of subtle elegance and modern contrasts of the hotel itself.
Each of the 13 guest rooms has an extra-large bed, antique Portuguese furniture, and a spacious en-suite bath with heated floors and luxurious fixtures.
The Classic Room is a spacious room with king size, queen size, or twin beds, bathroom with a shower and/or a bathtub, wifi, air conditioning and floor heating.
The Superior Room is very spacious with views and plenty of daylight, a choice of a king size, queen size, or twin beds. Certain Superior rooms have a little private garden or a relaxation loft.
The Exclusive Room is the only room in the hotel with a private terrace. From the bed and from the terrace, you can enjoy the stunning views of the countryside.
EXPERIENCES
Located in the old well of the 16th-century hotel, the spa is a tranquil retreat at the bottom of a glass spiral staircase. Immerse yourself in customized aromatherapy, and have a massage tailored to fit your needs. The rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments are also available in the privacy of your guest room.
Numerous nearby activities can be arranged by the hotel, such as a day of Spanish cooking, nautical excursions, wine tasting, or private customized tours of any of the nearby areas.
The hotel also offers all-inclusive wellness retreats for singles and couples, aimed to transform lifestyle through fitness, nutrition and restorative treatments. Ask about yoga and meditation, body toning, and hiking retreats, or learn about healthy eating featuring local farm-to-table foods. The retreats offer overnight stays, with guided activities designed to improve physical well-being and inner peace.
AROUND
The hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera is surrounded by orchards and orange groves, and overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and the Moroccan skyline beyond. Vejer has many historical monuments and buildings that combine Arabian and Roman culture, making the town a fascinating place to explore. Much of the architecture harks back to Moorish times, which lasted from 711 until the town was captured by Saint Ferdinand of Castile in 1248.
Vejer is a great base for exploring the wider region. Unwind on the white sand beaches of La Playa de El Palmar, explore the Roman ruins at Baelo Claudia, and take a guided tour of Cádiz. Local activities include surfing, kite surfing and wind surfing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, and sailing. Day trips to Gibraltar and Morocco are highly recommended.
LOCATION
Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain. Nearest airports: Jerez (35 miles), Gibraltar International (35 miles), Seville (81 miles).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to November