Reviewed 24 Jun 2008 by Marina Harvey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed every part of our holiday. The food was exceptional and the hotel could not be faulted in any way. We had two fantastic days out with Peter Jones a local bird expert who showed us all the wonderful birds and wildlife in the area.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There are no shops in the local area so make sure you have water with you when you go off walking!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We did not use a car and enjoyed the wonderful walks in the area, used local bars and restaurants.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant, fantastic.
Reviewed 29 Sep 2007 by Annette Kelly
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Well we only spent a few days in Cartajima, but there were quite a few highlights. After seeing the many traditional Andalucian rugs that adorn the hotel, we got to buy a fabulous one from a couple who also live in Cartajima - this was a lovely experience. On our last day we went to the Alhambra in Granada, and there are no words to describe how fabulous this is. We also really enjoyed meeting other guests at the hotel around breakfast, dinner or after-dinner drinks. Di, the owner, really makes an effort to ensure everyone has the best possible time, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere is truly enjoyable. We had dinner one evening in the Moorish courtyard, and it was just fantastic - Di's tapas are really tasty!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want to see the Alhambra, make sure you pre-book your tickets online a few days in advance. The same-day tickets for sale on site sold out soon after midday, and the hundreds of people queuing to get in were turned away. If you can, go and check out the Pileta's Cave, near Benaojan - its prehistoric cave paintings are simply amazing.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Our holiday did benefit local people when we went to eat out in the village. I wish there were more shops in Cartajima, even though I understand the difficulties they would face to stay in business in such a small place. The pharmacist was really helpful when we went to get some medicine for our one-year-old son.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a great time. This hotel is a gem - so lovely, relaxed and friendly, with beautiful furnishings and fantastic service. We also really appreciated the Andalucians' incredible warmth to our one-year-old son.
This short holiday was just a taster - we will have to go back to Spain and Andalucia, as there is so much more to see and do.
Reviewed 26 Jan 2006 by Aine Allen
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Many things:
i) Masses of early spring orchids and dancing lambs along the base of Los Riscos.
ii) The view of Pujerra -lighted like a star - from the balcony at night.
iii) The purples and browns and greens of the competing seasonal colours, viewed on hills as you walk from Parauta to Aqualeara.
iv) The generous, enthusiastic guide to the villages and to Ronda, richly embellished with fascinating insights to the history - provided by Denny.
v) The generosity of all our hosts with their advice for us to maximise our experience of the place.
vi) The friendliness and hospitality of Antonio at Torrichelli's in Juzcar.
vii) Many more .....
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
i) Be clear about your contract: what is the cost and what exactly is included.
ii) Know that (if you arrive late in the day) it will cost a lot to get to/from the airport at Malaga to Cartajima - as much, if not more, than the cost of your flights!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we gave custom to shops and restaurants. We walked everywhere; we did not hire a car.
4. Any other comments?
Five of us went to Cartajima with the intention of doing the walks between the villages of the Alto Genal. Two of us stayed with Diana at this accommodation and three stayed somewhere else. We had a terrific time: the scenery is beautiful, the paths between the villages provide for an interesting mix of challenging and relaxing hill-walking, and the villages themselves are so full of character. We were pleasantly surprised by the cooperation between the different holiday providers in Cartajima and the way they communicate with one another so as to make the whole holiday experience a good one for visitors to the area.
We were a little surprised with the anomaly between the advertised accommodation conditions and what we actually experienced: the cost in this accommodation was quite high but two of us had chosen it, despite that, for the comfort and the extras - we did enjoy the comfort; but we were a little disappointed to not have the pleasure of Tapas in the evenings. These are small things and did not dampen our enthusiasm about the holiday. Since the area is so beautiful and the people running the holidays are so warm and welcoming and helpful, we would like to think that visitors would not be reluctant to return.
Overall, this was a revelation for us all, that there is such a beautiful unspoilt place; that the people who have moved in there, to provide the holidays, have such regard and respect for the place and its people - that they share their love of the place so enthusiastically.
Read the operator's response here:
When calculating rates for 2006 I decided I wanted an all-inclusive price with no hidden extras so I included the 7% tax. I have apologised to my guest for this misleading contradiction and only wish she had told me so that I could have put it right at the time.
The issue of the tapas was my fault. My guests had plans for dinner every evening with the three other ladies in their party who were staying elsewhere. It felt awkward to inquire why they weren't staying here for the tapas (which are tantamount to a meal rather than just appetisers)! But I realise my mistake now and they have accepted my offer of dinner when they return.
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