Almond Hill House, Andalucía, Spain — Hotel in Órgiva

We have just returned from a too short week at Almond Hill House – WOW!

We zigzagged along such good roads, hugging the mountain side, with amazing views. Down through the little village of Órgiva, and up to Almond Hill House, hidden away looking down over the village, all surrounded by mountains and wide skies.

Receiving such a warm and friendly welcome from Kay and Becky, we felt right at home. Every detail and comfort of the guest house and our rooms had been considered. With delightful flare; embracing a style fitting a mountainside, 200 year old farmhouse. Our hosts wanted everything to be perfect for us and welcomed any feedback we could give them – ‘Perfect!’

What a haven of peacefulness. Arriving to the melodic clanking of bells as the goat herder and his dogs, coaxed the goats on their way through the olive grove, beyond the garden and pool, in the evening light. There was a posy of garden picked flowers in our rooms, and Kay’s homemade apricot jam, and their own olive oil, pressed nearby, to enjoy during our stay, in the kitchen.

We relaxed! Food shopped, ate out and enjoyed music in Órgiva. We swam in ‘our’ sun-warmed pool – refreshingly gorgeous, after walking in the orchard, grass hoppers leaping before us. We picked and ate ripe figs from the tree; the large, shining, avocados were not going to ripen in a week, so we left them hanging for the next guests to enjoy. The olives were to be harvested the next week, then the oranges would follow, picture perfect on the trees.

The house is perfectly situated for a tranquil escape and yet within easy access to all there is to explore in the area. This is definitely a place to return to, for relaxation, so much more to explore, and seasons to experience...

Thank you Kay and...

We finally reached the house on Almond Hill after a 6-hour drive from Madrid airport, on a warm and sunny summer's day. We arrived just before sunset, at the magic hour. Being surrounded by so much grandeur, blue skies and earthy colours allowed us to recharge our batteries immediately. The grounds of the property are quite large, well presented and separated between the owners' area and the rental area. The aesthetic is a mix of local colours and the lush tastes of Becky and Kay, both of whom are creative, which is no surprise. The beds are comfortable, the bedding soft, the towels of good quality and, of course, the attention to detail and continuity of design throughout the villa.

The pool is fenced and the water was as clean as the blue sky overhead. The constant chirping of the local cicadas turned into dreamy and meditative melodies and lullabies during the day, I have to be honest I've never heard them so loud before and I've travelled to places where they can be heard.

The orchard was full of lemons, figs, avocados and olive trees, such a luxury to be able to eat what you've harvested, I envied it. It was a luxury indeed to savour the fruits of one's own labor, a simple pleasure that I long for in my own life. All the produce has an authentic taste and my children couldn’t get enough of the lemonade and olive oil on offer every day.

Becky and Kay have a profound understanding of their business, ensuring that every experience is maximised to its fullest potential. We look forward to returning and sharing more memorable...

We stayed in this wonderful location for six days and it was truly delightful. Kay and Becky could not have been more welcoming and directed us to our home for the week called Wisteria. This was a spacious room with views across the surrounding mountains and olive groves from two directions. There was a large and very comfortable bed, plenty of hanging and drawer space and a bathroom with a walk in shower with plenty of hot water. We had our own private terrace with shade from, yes you've guessed, a Wisteria. The communal living and kitchen space, shared with the rest of our party, is spacious and very well equipped with everything we could possibly need. The pool area is fenced for safety and surrounded by comfortable recliners with plenty of shade for those times when the sun is just too hot. The grounds are extensive with a large garden and seating area on the terrace, a covered barbecue area (with barbecue!) and beyond that Kay and Becky have an olive grove and orchard. We picked figs, oranges and pomegranates to have with lunch. The entire experience of staying in this fabulous place is one of peace, tranquility and quiet. There is also the town of Orgiva nearby (10 minutes in the car) for the market, shops, restaurants and bars. All in all, a stay at Almond Hill House is a lovely experience set in one of the most beautiful parts of Spain. Book it...