We loved the peaceful setting, the unobtrusive but high-quality service, the excellent bedroom. More praise in 2002 for this exceptional luxury villa, expensive but good value. A re-creation of a tiny Moorish village, it stands peacefully amid olive groves and almond orchards, in a huge estate on an Andalusian hilltop between Granada and Seville. White-walled villas are reached by winding , paths and flowery courtyards. There are colonnades, marble floors, terracotta tiles. The villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), all different, are decorated in local style, and have mahogany furniture. `Ours had a circular lobby, with , stone bench and cushioned seating, big bedroom, screened area with meal table and writing desk, large bathroom with huge bath, separate shower and loo. Double doors led on to a small patio. Two restaurants: La Finca (haute cuisine) and El Cortijo, liked this year for its very good traditional Spanish cooking and friendly service. In summer, there is an outdoor grill/bar, and flamenco performances take place. Outstanding Bali villa breakfast buffet: fresh orange juice, eggs cooked to order. One couple thought the fitness club needed updating, but `the pool, sauna and steam room were good'. There is a large outdoor swimming pool with a fountain, and a chapel. Weddings and concerts are held.

An old isolated mountain building, once a flour mill, which has been restored and extended as a villatipico rural. Splendidly restful and pretty, it lies at the end of an unmade track full of potholes, in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos south-west of Madrid. Around is a small lawn and wooded farmland, with mountain views and lots of birds. It won't suit everyone, warned one visitor though he thought it had great charm. Some of the work is obviously DIY; there are small villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), little soundproofing, creaky floorboards. Simple meals are `served with great care' on a rough terrace under a pergola of vines. Little English is spoken but there were many smiles. Not easy to find (see below).