Cortijo Bravo

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


BRAVO! BRAVO!....ENCORE!!...........

Inaugurated in 2008 this is one of the latest luxury boutique Hotels to appear on the scene in a rural location, tucked away amongst the avocado plantations that surround the very Spanish town of Velez-Malaga, and just a little over 10 minutes to the sea and the more touristy resort of Torre del Mar. Only a couple of miles off the coastal motorway, you are a mere 35 minutes from Malaga airport. A lot of thought has gone into the reformation of this grand old Cortijo, owned by the Marqués de Larios family. Managed by a charming team , newly installed in late 2011, you will receive a truly warm welcome. The emphasis is very much on rest and relaxation at Cortijo Bravo. Customer service is paramount and visible throughout the entire staff, who will do all in their power to make your stay memorable. Moorish architecture has influenced the design of the interior patio courtyard; the architect and interior designer have done the most wonderful job restoring the Cortijo to its former glory with a very “Andaluz” feel to it. A very special, luxury Boutique Hotel indeed.

Set in many acres of grounds, you arrive along a rather grand landscaped driveway and the imposing, elevated Cortijo greets your eye. Views are long-reaching over acres of almond groves and vegetable cultivation plots (this area close to the sea has a mild micro-climate), and yes, Javier will invite you to go and pluck an avocado or two when the trees are in fruit. From the Hotel gardens (which are growing fast – and very flower “filled”), the main salon, bar, restaurant and several bedrooms you even have a Mediterranean Sea view in the distance. Reception awaits you in the day-light filled “Cordobes” arched patio where a tinkling fountain creates a soothing effect. Through the arches is a small salon area (fab open fireplace for the winter months!) and the large French doors allow you to take in the views from inside, or wander out onto one of the Hotel’s many terraces. To the left of the salon is a bar, another inviting space with its lime washed wooden fixtures, which is staffed throughout the day. Reception is also manned 24 hours a day so a drink is not a problem at any time. The colour palette throughout the Hotel comprises whites, creams and beiges, and with the large picture windows the sense of space and luminosity is to the fore. All comforts are catered for with central heating for the cooler months (not that it gets that cool even in winter) and air-conditioning for the summer heat.

All areas of the Hotel and the inner courtyard are No Smoking. Ashtrays are provided for smokers in the gardens and terraces beyond.

The gardens are maturing nicely and hechiums, hibiscus and bougainvillea are already blooming and were lovely when I was there in mid-April. Terraces surround the property, and in the distance, on a terrace below the Hotel is the inviting outdoor pool and lawned sun-bathing area which is open for catching those rays from April to October. Feel free to wander round the extensive avocado plantations or jump on a mountain bike (provided for free by the Hotel) and explore the local area.

The 21 bedrooms are located over the ground and first floors and all have furnished terraces or balconies large enough to sit out on and enjoy the sunshine...and a fino! My favourites are the Superiors with terraces, either ground or first floor overlooking the gardens and some south-facing ones with sea views way in the distance. All rooms are of a good size and again the light coloured décor and furnishings make them very inviting. There is one room completely wheelchair accessible which has a totally adapted wet room for those with mobility problems (although the swimming pool on a terrace below the Hotel is not yeat accesible by wheelchair). All bedrooms are fully equipped with satellite T.V, safe, aircon and heating. There are no mini-bars at present but room service is available – just call reception for a bottle of your favourite tipple and food to be delivered to your room or terrace. Every room is different. Bathrooms are classic/contemporary in feel, some with baths and showers, and some Standard rooms only have showers so please do state your preference at the time of booking. Eco-friendly toiletries, bathrobes and hairdryers are provided in all rooms.

Massages and beauty treatments are available on request and should be booked in advance. Horse riding and golf are available nearby as is sailing on the sea. There are many walks around the Lake Vinuela area (a huge reservoir) located some 10 minutes further inland. The Hotel also has an accord with the local Velez-Malaga aerodrome if you fancy a spin in a light aircraft. Reception will be pleased to arrange any of the above for you.

Buffet breakfasts are available at your leisure in the main dining room or on the terrace. A light lunch menu of salads, sandwiches, wraps and other "snacks" is available, and a more elaborate menu with a variety of starters, meat and fish courses, and those mandatory puddings is on offer for dinner. The Menu changes regularly and local products are sourced whenever possible. There is a well stocked wine list, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to advise.

An ideal Hotel for those who want an intimate luxury retreat away from it all with good facilities and food. The attraction of a beach nearby is an added advantage as its the proximity to Malaga airport (no two hour drive to get to the Hotel on your arrival in Spain!!). You will definitely leave shouting “encore”!