La Fuente de la Higuera

GAZING OUT OVER ANDALUCIA’S RUGGED SIERRAS, La Fuente de la Higuera is more about siesta than fiesta – a laidback hacienda-style haven that’s the perfect chillout for weary urbanites. It’s also Ronda’s most romantic address.

Dutch-born Pom and Tina Piek fell in love with this former 18th century olive mill set amid the craggy Ronda hills, and have turned it into a winning (and great value) boutique hideaway whose leitmotif is laidback luxe. Fringed by olive trees and set around a pool perfect for honing that tan, it’s a lush garden oasis splashed with jasmine and bougainvillea. Fronds of purple wisteria covered the garden walls when we arrived.

Classic Spanish lines mix with crisp interiors and cooling shades at La Fuente de la Higuera. Walls are hung with contemporary Dutch artwork and there's a well stocked honesty bar scattered with rattan sofas where you can pick up a chilled bottle of wine, a Haagen Daaz icecream or some holiday reading.

Icecream-cool shades

Light and spacious bedrooms – immaculate and nicely private – are all about Sierra style relaxation. Icecream-cool shades are set off by painted wood floors, cotton bedspreads, eclectic artworks and Indonesian wood furniture. Gossamer drapes, ceiling fans, rugs and wicker armchairs add a splash of the tropics.

Each room at La Fuente de la Higuera has its own private terrace or jasmine-scented garden – some with fabulous valley views across the Sierra de las Nieves, snow capped in winter. We loved our roomy suite (No 2) with its valley views and secluded terrace with loungers, though you'll probably love all of them.

Larger suites come with a separate lounge and an open fire for toasty nights in during cooler winter months. All have CD players (there’s a library of discs to dip into), though soap fans should note they are TV (and internet) free. Roomy bathrooms have cool oriental stone floors, luxury shower lotions and lots of fluffy towels.

It’s all about chill-out time here where you can be as lazy as you like in a glorious setting. The mood is sophisticated yet intimate. Cool off in the nicely sheltered pool, lie in the shade of the acacia tree or simply bliss out on your terrace.

There’s a relaxed house party vibe here, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by your nothing’s-too-much-trouble hosts. While you’re just ten minutes from Ronda and hill walks in the sierras, we wouldn’t blame you for not stirring far from your lounger. Should you be holidaying with friends, Tina and Pom also run The Lodge – a spacious villa for 14 with huge grounds and a similar vibe – nearby.

Dinner at La Higuera is home cooking at its best, and you can dine al fresco on the terrace above the pool on warm evenings, gazing out at those stunning views. Perfection indeed.

© Room for Romance