Los
Castaños, the charming little hotel situated in quiet historic Cartajima,
is a relaxed, sophisticated hideaway in the middle of a tiny Andalucian
pueblo blanco. Elegance within, tradition without.
Enjoy
a warm welcome by resident proprietors (Di and Lu), sumptuous Western Mediterranean
cuisine, and step back in history as you explore Phoenician, Roman, Moorish,
and Christian Spain. If you are seeking action, hike through stunning landscapes
or scale Los Riscos for amazing views of Africa.
A restful
place to stay, only 16 km from bustling historic Ronda, and conveniently
located for Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz, and Jerez - the romantic
cities of Andalucia.
In
the heart of Cartajima, next to the church and the Town Hall, is Los Castaños
where we emphasize quality and comfort. Enjoy our rooftop terrace and plunge
pool. Curl up by a roaring fire with a good book from the library. Sip
a cocktail in the Moorish courtyard. Chat with the neighbours, always eager
to meet a new face.
Walk
to the next village and indulge in a strong coffee or a cold beer before
setting off to discover what other simple pleasures are on offer.
We
have a dinner party every evening (except Sundays). Enjoy 4 courses of
Western Mediterranean cuisine. A typical menu might begin with rocket and
watercress salad with a verjus dressing, followed by "gambas al ajillo"
(lots of garlic and local olive oil), pork fillet stuffed with locally
grown almonds accompanied by a selection of fresh vegetables, local cheeses
and a petit pot de chocolat with fresh berries.
Each
of our five double rooms is a carefully designed sanctuary with:
sitting
area
balcony
bathroom
complete with hairdryer and bathrobe
minibar
AC and
heating
About
Cartajima:
Sixteen
kilometers from the ancient settlement of Ronda is Cartajima. With a population
of just 120 it is one of the tiniest of Andalucia's famed "pueblos blancos",
the white hillside towns. This quiet village lies amongst lush chestnut
trees and spectacular mountain scenery. It offers marvelous walks for the
energetic, a convenient centre for cultural expeditions for the enthusiastic,
peace and quiet for the world-weary.
This
romantic part of hidden Spain is only 45 km from the bright lights of the
popular Costa del Sol, and one and a half hours from Malaga airport. The
glories of the Andalucian hinterland await the discerning traveler: magnificent
cities with their Arab mosques and Gothic cathedrals, quiet untrampled
villages where strangers are greeted with smiling curiosity, landscapes
ranging from peaceful olive groves to forbidding mountains.
About
the Alto Genal:
Tucked
in a corner of Andalucia only recently emerged from the bandito era are
the seven tiny villages of the Alto Genal, named after the river Genal
which runs through the valley. Their isolation made them a safe haven for
centuries of bandits and outlaws. Their poverty ensured that the villagers
remained largely faithful to their culture & traditions. These villages
were founded by the Moors, Islamic invaders from North Africa. There is
also evidence of earlier visitors to the area - the Romans and Greeks.
Rates
2009:
Currency
conversion:
Available
on enquiry
Reservation
can be guaranteed credit card details and the hotel will charge
one
night if cancellation is received less than 7 days before arrival.
Payment
by credit card - Mastercard or Visa - travellers cheques or cash on day
of departure.
