Spanish countryside Stay in Ronda

Molino del Arco – A peaceful getaway near Ronda

The calmness of the countryside is what draws my husband and I to find hidden gems when planning our routes, on holidays. We came across this countryside manner in Andalucía that is an old restored 18th century mill. We drove from Seville to stay here for 2 nights before heading back to the city of Granada. We booked the suite because of the rooftop terrace that overlooks the gardens of the manner, which made it the perfect pre-drink spot just before sunset and dinner time. It was the perfect warm place to read our books if didn’t want to be at poolside. We ate dinner at the hotel in the evenings and during the day we explored towns nearby, such as Ronda. Molino del Arco makes a great little getaway from the city if you are looking for a little relaxation on your next Spanish holiday.

Step into the enchanting countryside of Andalucía, where the heart of Spain beats to the rhythm of vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This region, located in the southern part of the country, unfolds like a canvas of diverse beauty — from rolling olive groves and citrus orchards to rustic white villages nestled against the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges. Andalucía's countryside is a tapestry woven with the threads of Moorish history, flamenco traditions, and the warm embrace of Spanish hospitality. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of rural life, where every sun-soaked hillside and winding country road tells a story of heritage and natural splendor

Andalucia Villa Tip

Perched in between mandarin and almond tree groves, this villa invites you to slow life in the countryside of Andalusia

Welcome to the picturesque countryside of Andalusia, Spain – a region where time seems to slow down, and the landscape unfolds in a breathtaking tapestry of rolling hills, olive groves, and sun-kissed plains. Just an hour away from the more touristy spots, this villa is located in Comares, close to the village of Riogordo. Nestled in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia's rural charm captivates with its whitewashed villages, ancient olive orchards, and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. From the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range to the sunlit expanses of vineyards, the Andalusian countryside invites travelers to immerse themselves in a timeless, authentic experience where tradition, history, and natural beauty converge in a harmonious blend.

Our villa that we stayed in Spain is worth a mention in case anyone else wants to rent it. We rented it from a site called nice2stay and it was called villa pepita, just a 40min drive up north from Malaga. The villa has all great facilities, including a heated pool (which is amazing) and an outdoor barbecue section which is the best way to cook in the evenings. The villa is beautiful inside and outside, the only downfall is the incredibly steep drive up to the house. The location is great as there are many cute towns to visit around Andalusia, which I have talked about before- but to name a few; Granada, Antequera, Frigiliana etc. The house is perched up on hill top with no facilities around so a car is an absolute must. We loved playing pétanque and drinking Tinto de Verano in the evenings, it had a little sand court next to the house. Since the villa has a lot of outdoor verandas, it was ideal for a baby to find shade. Also my six year old nephew loved playing in the pool but could be slightly more dangerous for a young child that runs carelessly as there are some slightly deep drops. The aesthetics of the villa where beautiful, which is always important to us. No plastic chairs, rattan detailing and spacious. Here are a few images-

‘Immersion of all senses, Masseria Palombara’

‘The hidden gem shows Puglia in all its authentic beauty that is an immersion of all senses’

Puglia, wildly preserved with authenticity is a beautiful world of its own that only has opened its doors to the rest of us in the past decade or so. In May, the fields scatter with wild flowers, in June the wheat ripens, August is full of figs, September brings the start of grape harvest and October brings olives. The Italian heel is a collection of white-washed towns with narrow streets where handmade Orecchiette exists and is home to seductive luxury farmhouses. Tucked away in the countryside of Oria is a picture-esq escape, Masseria Palombara, a chic leisurely resort, where simplicity blends into humble elegance. Life is easy here, designed for unwinding where comfort meets indulgence that surrounds itself with olives, almond trees, vineyards and Southern beauty.

Sitting underneath the shaded pergola, I sip my coffee from a ceramic cup that is blue and yellow in colour and listen to the birds in the horizon. A few lizards brush by and I breath in the gentle country air and watch as the sun rays make their morning debut. The limestone tiles beneath my feet provide a cooling sensation and I take in these slow Apulian mornings, that capture your heart. Angelo, the owner of the masseria and his wonderful family aim to provide a human experience that feeds the soul. An ambiance that encourages slow and sustainable living, being connected to nature and yearn its surroundings, the way the locals do. Palombara understands the appreciation of small things and how collectively they make a cultural enriching experience.

Surrounded with Pugliese hospitality and true Mediterranean spirit, wine and food play a big role as almost everything you’ll find on the table was grown up in Palombara. Sustainable and ecological are what the Apulian mentality is all about and it’s beautiful to watch how the rich gardens provide it’s customers with a great culinary experience. Lunch is eaten at poolside if the weather provides and dinner is served in candlelight in the coziest atmosphere. The menu is small, just the way it should be and each mouthful is a dance to the taste buds. Its romantic, unpretentious and peaceful where the guests are treated like a little family, all hidden inside the walls of a luxury resort.

Visually impeccable, every corner is stimulating to the eye, it’s simple and not excessive with much attention brought to details. Flowers arrangements spill off antique wooden tables, bold grottaglie ceramics add extra punch, washed-out carpets, glass vase lined nooks and rich mandarin trees cast shades on the lime stone walls. The detailing is infectious creating a serene space to call your home on holiday. Linen clothes lay on tables and carefully picked out pots and candles rest in every spot and the imperfect perfection reflects upon every detail. Rooms are left with the spirit of the farm, but are comforting and made to rest your soul. Start the mornings with a hammam steam room, read a book by the pool, eat amazing local delicacies, visit a few towns and let the Apulian way of life spoil you.

Just the right amount of rustic beauty, where fresh fruit from the trees are served in tin pots and the linen garments on the staff match seamlessly to the interior and style of the masseria. It’s simple but full of elegant flair. Every moment is an instagramers setup and a photographers dream.

A farmers plate for lunch with freshly picked produce during sunrise. We were lucky enough to experience the vegetable picking with the farmer early morning and he showed us his garden route as the sun was rising to the sky.