La Fuente del Sol

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


BIRD´S EYE VIEW...............

For those of you who have yet to discover the magnificent countryside that lies between Málaga and the town of Antequera, I suggest you add it to your ¨to do¨ list. If you are already familiar with the sheer, natural beauty of this area, it would not surprise me if you have a nagging itch to return. Now you have a reason, and the reason is La Fuente del Sol. Opened in early 2006, this beautiful Spanish-owned Hotel situated on the outskirts of the El Torcal Natural Park, is like a hidden treasure just waiting to be found.

The cortijo-style building wraps around three sides of a cobbled patio where water trickles from a pretty fountain in the centre. The open side of the patio serves as a ¨mirador¨ or look-out point with one of the most breathtaking views of rolling hills, far off mountains and even the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

The interior is a fine example of rustic design. Gorgeous terracotta tiles cover the floors, and wooden beams line the ceilings of wide corridors and spacious rooms. The 14 tastefully decorated bedrooms are equipped with en-suite bathroom (some with open plan sunken bath) underfloor heating/cooling, TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, telephone, bathrobes, hair dryer and safety deposit box. For the romantics among you, the Suites and Imperial Suite feature a fireplace and sunken jacuzzi. Upon booking you will not regret requesting “a room with a view”, especially not from the 45 square metre private terrace of the Imperial Suite!

Breakfasts are served in the main dining room, as are lunches and dinners. Head Chef Jesus Guerrero as been with La Fuente del Sol since their inauguration, and he is one young talent! Innovative Spanish cuisine with an international twist are prepared with an obvious passion for flavour and presentation - "art on a plate" as I like to call it!

The very friendly team, lead by three young vibrant women - María, Estefanía and Ester are wonderfully service focussed and will go out of their way to help. All the staff come from the local villages, and although a little raw around the edges, they are infectiously enthusiastic.

If you want complete relaxation, lounge by the outdoor swimming pool or treat yourself to a massage session. There is also a magnificent indoor heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna and Jacuzzi. For the more energetic of guests, horse riding (the horses and even a donkey are kept on the premises) and mountain bikes can be arranged on request. Walkers, all you have to do is walk out the front door! One walking route on the property is particularly wonderful for discovering the local flora and fauna, plus there are 20 other walking routes from the Hotel.

It is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding area; Antequera is just 20 minutes away, and the El Chorro gorge and lakes district can be reached in just 40 minutes. An excellent base for discovering Andalucia with easy day trips by car to Granada, Cordoba, Ronda (all within a drive of an hour and-a-half). Seville, at two hours, although a bit farther, is well worth the journey! There are also trains to all of these cities from Antequera.

An ideal Hotel if you are looking for complete relaxation in a tranquil, picturesque and intimate setting. A walker's paradise.