Hacienda de San Rafael

The 18th-century Hacienda de San Rafael lies within a former olive estate in the beautiful Andalusian countryside, halfway between Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry bodegas and dancing horses.

Rooms are centered around a pretty bougainvillea-filled courtyard and open out onto a veranda where guests can enjoy breakfast. There are also three suites set within the peaceful gardens. High ceilings ensure plenty of space and light, and each room is individually designed with carefully selected antiques, fabrics and artefacts.

The hotel lies within five acres of gardens and features three outdoor swimming pools and a tennis court. Whenever possible, dining is al fresco and there are two outdoor bars where you can enjoy a drink and appreciate the colorful flowers and the warmth of the Andalusian sun. The focus is on honest Mediterranean food with fresh fish brought in from the Atlantic, meat from locally reared Iberian pigs and vegetables from their own organic garden.

With its wealth of history and culture, Seville is less than an hour’s drive away, as is Jerez de la Frontera with its palm-lined squares and Moorish architecture. To the east is the Sierra de Cadiz and its cluster of hilltop settlements known as ‘los pueblo blanco’ which translates as ‘the white villages’ due to the annual whitewashing of the houses. You’re also within easy each of the Costa de la Luz and Doñana National Park, a wetland reserve perfect for bird watching.