An Andalusian hideaway, nestled peacefully between the valleys and a special treat for us when we get the opportunity to go there.  A chance for us to rest our bodies and minds, relax and unwind in good company with excellent food.  Ali and Caroline, the owners of the rural country hotel, Cortijo Valverde are warm, welcoming and genuine, which is probably why many of their guests, including us, have become good friends and keep going back for more. The Cortijo is surrounded by rolling hills, fruit trees and fields of flowers. The gardens of the Cortijo enhance the tranquility of a place where you wake up only to hear the birds singing and the water fountain, a perfect peaceful country retreat.

Caroline, who is an excellent cook, sends Ali to the shops daily. He arrives back with fresh organic produce from local farms and shops and Caroline then prepares an exquisite menu for the guests.  We had a starter of various Andalucian style tapas, spinach with sauce, white bait in a vinagre and herb dressing, chorizo sausages and patatas bravas. This was followed by a main course of traditional mixed paella with a fresh side salad. For dessert, always my favourite part, homemade chocolate and cream mousse, all washed down with a few glasses of wine from Rioja. You can dine together as a group in the dining room at the large table, or take dinner on your terrace.  The dinning room has a family feel and we met other guests from various corners of the world and chatted late into the night.

The accommodation is first class, the Casitas (little houses) are built in a traditional style, all equipped with modern facilities and include a private columned terrace, overlooking those beautiful rolling hills.  Due to the tranquility of this little haven, the comfortable beds, excellent food and wine, there is no doubt you will sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed.

Ali and Caroline make great breakfasts, cereals, yoghurts, freshly squeezed juice, tea, coffee and to die for home made bread, preserves and if you like, a cooked breakfast. The perfect start to a day of sight seeing or relaxation.

Ali, who has an extensive knowledge of the local area, can help you to plan your day. He can tell you of various places of interest to visit, some of which are close to the cortijo such as the El Chorro gorge and El Torcal, nature spot. Malaga City is only a short train ride away, where you can find the Picasso museum and cathedral. Of course whilst in Andalusia it´s well worth visiting the stunning Alhambra Palace in Granada or the Mezquita in Cordoba. Ali can advise on how to get there, he is a walking - talking guide book!!

For me, I like the really small touches, the dressing gowns in the room, thick egyptian cotton towels, the honesty bar, a range of dvd´s and books,  your own private terrace, comfortable chairs in shady places in the garden, home baked bread, home made cakes and cosy seats by the fire for those chilly evenings.

Ali and Caroline have managed to create a beautiful place to relax, combined with a friendly happy atmosphere. It certainly is an experience not to miss, they have achieved the perfect recipe for happy guests, I can´t wait until we go back again this summer.