Despite what many of you think, you don’t need to go far for a slice of paradise. In fact, you only need to go an hour north of the Coast to Lujo, just outside of Granada, to get away from it all. From the moment you drive up the winding pathway to the Barceló La Bobadilla Hotel, you feel a sense of ease and relaxation come over you. Flanked by hills and valleys, olive and almond trees and blooming wild flowers and herbs on both sides, it’s like a secret route only you know about.

Built by renowned architect Jesus de Valle, and set in 350-hectares of land, Barceló La Bobadill Hotel is a sprawling Andalusian chateau with heart, charm and so much soul. Comprising just 70 rooms, it’s the perfect country retreat for city couples looking for a breath of fresh air without compromising on modern amenities. Inside, guests will find a wonderfully designed interior in keeping with the architectural principles of old Andalusian palaces, with stone floors, sweeping archways and sleek marble columns. The rooms themselves all boast magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, and are constructed in dark woods, marble and brick. Each bedroom has its own luxurious bathroom, as well as king-size beds with fine-thread-count sheets. Larger suites are also available for those who want to splash out and really spoil themselves.
As if this wasn’t enough for Barceló La Bobadilla to earn itself a special place in your heart, the hotel features a 700-square-metre spa, with steam room, Jacuzzi, heated swimming pool, and a number of treatment rooms. For pure indulgence, couples can enjoy a therapeutic bath filled with flowers and aromatherapy oils, whilst relaxing to soothing panpipe music.

Outside, guests can while away the hours on a sun lounger beside the outdoor pool, or enjoy a refreshing drink at the thatched-roof bar. For those a little more active, the grounds of the hotel afford wonderful walks, with labyrinth-like pathways leading off into the distance. There’s even a walkway that takes adventurers to a view of the Sierra Blanca mountain range. Other activities include horse riding, archery and quad biking – the perfect excuse to get muddy! So, whether you’re the laid-back type or an adrenaline junkie, there’s something for everyone at the Barceló La Bobadilla.

No hotel would be complete without five-star dining facilities. When hungry, guests have a choice of two restaurants: La Finca, which specialises in creative cuisine, and El Cortijo, offering traditional Spanish and regional fare. While El Cortijo is more casual and hits the spot for lunch, La Finca is an entirely glamorous affair for dinner, and proves that just because you’re in the country you don’t need to dress down. Boasting a menu that a Michelin-starred chef would be proud of, it’s one of the highlights of many people’s stay and brings all the elements of a city restaurant into the heart of the campo.

Aside from the physical features of the charming hotel, the staff also add to the enjoyment of one’s stay here; each member of the team is charming, kind and well mannered, and eager to help you with whatever he or she can. The personal touch is sometimes what’s lost in a hotel chain, but other than the Barceló added to the front of the La Bobadilla name you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a family-run business. Heavenly, in every sense of the word.
For more information go to www.barcelolabobadilla.com