Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera

Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera occupies a centuries-old olive mill restored by its owners, in open countryside a few kilometres from Ronda, in the heart of the Andalusian Serranía. The property is surrounded by olive groves and by a garden of cypresses, walnut and chestnut trees and palms, with the pool at its centre looking out over the hills.

The common areas keep the original structure of the building and combine handcrafted furniture, natural fabrics and artworks chosen by the family. In the colder months the sitting room with its fireplace is where guests gather; in summer life moves to the terraces and the poolside. The hotel also has its own restaurant, massages on request, private parking and an electric-car charging point. Ronda, with the Puente Nuevo and its old town, is a few minutes' drive away.

The hotel is family-run and the service is attentive to detail: the owners look after guests personally, from suggestions for walks and cycling routes to booking a table in town.

Room service, concierge, luggage storage, a paid shuttle service, yoga classes and massages on request are available. Pets are welcome; the property is entirely non-smoking.

Accommodation ranges from double rooms and superior doubles to junior suites, classic suites, deluxe suites and deluxe family suites: each one differs in size, furnishing and outlook. Interiors combine handcrafted furniture, natural fabrics and original artworks; several rooms have a private terrace or patio overlooking the valley.

Facilities include air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, safe and private bathroom. Family rooms and soundproofed rooms are available.

The restaurant works largely with produce from the estate's kitchen garden and orchard: seasonal vegetables, citrus, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, figs and the hotel's own extra virgin olive oil.

Breakfast is a continental buffet with freshly squeezed orange juice, white and wholegrain breads, Iberian cured meats, Manchego and Gouda cheeses, yoghurt, local honey and homemade preserves, with cooked dishes available à la carte. Lunch is informal and served at the tables on the terrace, with honest Andalusian home cooking.

In the evening the offer changes daily: a set menu prepared by chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, served by candlelight on the terrace among orange and lemon trees, magnolia and jasmine. The menu is sent to guests by email or WhatsApp and choices must be confirmed by 4 pm. The wine list favours the bodegas of the Serranía de Ronda; vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are prepared on request.

The hotel stands in the Partido de los Frontones, in the countryside a short distance from Ronda, in the province of Málaga. Ronda is one of the most visited destinations in Andalusia: the Puente Nuevo suspended over the Tajo gorge, the Plaza de Toros, the La Ciudad quarter with its noble palaces.

Nearby: the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, the Caminito del Rey and the bodegas of the Serranía, many of which open for visits and tastings. Málaga and the coast are about an hour and a half away by car, Seville a little over two.