Hotel Cortijo del Marqués

The idea of the country house hotel might not be as familiar in Spain as it is in England or France, but Cortijo del Marqués is proof that there’s nothing preventing them from operating at the highest level. This Andalusian country manor offers an escape that’s practically unique; half an hour outside of Granada, it’s quiet, surrounded by olive groves, full of ancient charm thanks to its beautifully preserved stone architecture.

It’s been kept up to date, but not quite redesigned, and while its comforts have been modernized, its atmosphere hasn’t. You can see occasional signs of the work of a contemporary designer in the interiors, but it’s unobtrusive, and only serves to accentuate the luxury — bathrooms, in particular, are one area where modern hospitality unambiguously has the advantage.

With just fifteen rooms it’s still small enough to feel like a private residence, each one different, some located in the old house, others the granary or stables. Its facilities are similarly modest, amounting to little more than an outdoor pool lined with loungers and a restaurant where a three-course dinner is created from locally sourced ingredients and produce. Cortijo del Marqués is a low-key, high-end escape, and one of southern Spain’s best-kept secrets.