10 independent reviews for Andalucia villa near Malaga, Spain
Reviews for Andalucia villa near Malaga, Spain
Charlotte Kinnaird review 24 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tranquillity and the wonderful pool with the most incredible view.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You’ll need a car, it’s rural but has all mod cons with lots of room so great place to be able to relax and slow down.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The owners are in a local olive oil co operative and are clearly part of the local community. There’s a real focus on low energy and water use to reduce environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a blissful break from busy work lives. The sunrises and sunsets in the Andalusian mountains were so good for the soul. And the night skies were incredible. We even saw meteor showers! The villa is very roomy with lots of space both indoors and out. And the pool and the views from it are heavenly. The owners were lovely and helpful.sophie sarkodie review 21 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great location, so quiet and relaxing, but not too far from restaurants and towns.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
No need to bring books!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people and small businesses, especially after the pandemic.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was so relaxing, and the hosts were so lovely and helpful.Vicky Bussey review 27 Aug 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
As soon as we arrived at the villa, the beauty of the place and the surrounding countryside took our breath away. The sense of seclusion and peace was just wonderful. Then heading up to the private pool, which offers even more spectacular views all around as well as of course offering the welcome chance to bask in the sun and cool off in the water; bliss! We were more than content to spend the bulk of our week's stay relaxing up at the pool, enjoying the scenery, the weather and the water.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is essential that your party contain at least one confident driver. This was our first time driving outside of the UK, and driving on the other side of the road proved nerve-wracking enough even before we reached the winding mountain-side roads that lead up to the villa itself. Once there, even the closest shops and restaurants are only accessible by about a 15 minute drive, whilst the beach town Torre del Mar is about 30 minutes, and Malaga itself is about an hour. These are literally all the places we went during our stay, as we were more than happy to mostly stay at the villa, but if you're more keen to go exploring and sightseeing, be prepared to drive a lot; to the best of our knowledge public transport is pretty much non-existent nearby.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We mostly shopped and ate locally. The villa itself seemed very energy efficient; the owners had left instructions reminding us to avoid over-use of water due to being based in a drought region. There are also solar panels on the roof, so the villa clearly gets at least some of its energy from renewable sources. We were also informed that due to the remote location, the Spanish government put restrictions on electricity consumption, so we were cautioned not to have too many electrical devices in use at any one time. This wasn't a problem for us at all.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Coming here was easily the best choice we have ever made for a family holiday. We're a family of four, and as our children are getting older than can be a bit harder to please (other parents will surely relate!), but they absolutely loved the villa, and cherished being able to play in the pool all day every day. For the times back at the villa, the strong wi-fi connection ensured the kids were always content! The villa also has an astonishing abundance of books on a wide variety of subjects, as well as a substantial music and DVD library and a decent selection of board games, so there's no shortage of things to do. We're also animal lovers, so the occasional visits from the owner's cat were very welcome, and seeing various lizards crawling by outside was always a thrill. We had originally booked to visit the villa back in August 2020, but thanks to Covid-19 we were forced to delay, but the owners Shane and Bea were extremely helpful and considerate and let us push it back 12 months at no extra cost. On our first day we took a slightly hairy wrong turn on our way there and got a bit lost on a precarious dirt track: Shane happened to call us at that moment (noticing we were late in arriving), and was good enough to drive down and meet us to guide us directly to the villa. During our stay Shane and Bea were always available via Whatsapp to give us any handy hints and assistance; while their cottage is on the villa grounds, we only saw them on occasion, they were never in any way intrusive and they were always very warm and friendly. We'd waited a long time to take this holiday, and particularly after the insanity of 2020-2021, the wait was more than worth it. Truly, the villa is the loveliest place we have ever stayed, and looking through the guest book it didn't come as much surprise that some people have chosen to come back multiple times. We're very tempted to do the same, but regardless of whether we return it was an extremely special holiday which we will never forget.Douglas Ackroyd review 22 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The situation and set up and facilities of the villa.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None just enjoy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes indeed. The owners are committed to engery reduction and recycling in particular.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Janine Fall review 7 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The quiet, the view!!!, the spectacular pool and the amazing spaces to relax in (wrap around patio, balcony, view points by pool, inside space, large kitchen etc.).2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you follow the directions (!) or you will be sorry (we doubles the journey time), make sure you do a big shop on the way in, there is a Lidl and a great shopping centre 30ish mind away, basically it is very remote so not easy to “pop out”. Also it’s on a narrow dirt track so I would get a decent hire car - ours struggled with the drive! Also if you want to visit the Alhambra at Granada book way ahead as we drove there and could get in!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We tried to eat in local remote restraurants, we were careful about water usage and electricity and supported the owners in renting the villa (which is their house out of season). We also only bought what we needed ie local produce and tried to reduce waste. We also drank tap water - not completely advisable due to lime but we didn’t want to buy plastic bottles and were absolutely fine (including children) and taste was fine.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It is off the beaten track. Good 30 mins min to beach / best beach is more like 50 mins. If you can handle the remoteness and are content to take it easy this is the place for you. Way always from the lively resorts and feels more like real spain with real locals.Sarah Lazare review 4 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Views of mountains from the pool and seeing lots of geckos!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Car is essential3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people - we visited lots of local villages and spent money at restaurants, visitor attractions and shops .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Jenny Hepburn review 16 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was memorable driving up towards the mountains and along a track to Villa Amapola which is situated amidst countryside with fabulous views in all directions. The house is wonderful, beautifully appointed with a huge kitchen. The terraces are very relaxing with shade and sun as desired. There are pots of plants in profusion and attractive shrubs and trees. There is a huge variety of colourful wild flowers beside the villa. We loved our daily visit to the pool.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take advice from the owners! We enjoyed meals at recommended restaurants and otherwise self catered with meat from the excellent local butcher. The baker's shop has delicious bread and pastries. The villa is perfect for relaxing but there are many possible excursions by car.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we spent money in local shops and restaurants. There is a compost bin available and recycling facilities locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A perfect location for a relaxing holiday in a lovely villa with a stunning location.Tracy Field review 8 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The snake in the swimming pool! Most memorable was the beautiful view from the house, the comfortable furnishings, the brilliant book & dvd collection and the wood fires, all of which made us feel so at home and quite glad of the rain for giving us an excuse to cosy up together and read.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take slippers for the tiled floors if you get cold feet.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Good recycling. We shopped at the local shops and we were welcomed at the local olive harvest fiesta.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. 5/5Laura Greenman review 22 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The amazing view of the mountains and the different places to enjoy the sunshine depending on the time of day. We also loved the house and the amazing collection of books to flick through. Had an amazing time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The amazing location is the best part of this holiday. Getting a higher category of hire car to take on the road and hills is something I can recommend. It was something we appreciated.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We really felt that we got to know this area of southern Spain thanks to our hosts especially by buying local produce. The surrounding gardens encouraged wildlife and water and energy was conserved.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really great time. We'd love to go back.David Mervik review 22 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Apart from the first time we set eyes on La Amapola, it has to be sitting outside with a gin & tonic in the evening sun, as the silky voice of Chet Baker poured out of the kitchen speakers. It just doesn't get much better than that! We were also intrigued by the chain outside the kitchen door. A few of the local bees seemed to love sleeping on it every evening. Nice to see that they feel welcome somewhere!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you arrive with enough shopping for at least a few days. Shane & Bea provide a nice welcome basket, but with such a lovely villa and surroundings, it's good to be able to leave when you want to. Also, you really don't need to bring any books. Shane & Bea have a fantastic collection throughout the villa, and we could have easily taken a month off and worked our way through it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The welcome basket had all sorts of local produce in it, and in addition, Shane & Bea kept a compost barrel and encouraged visitors to conserve water as much as possible. The 'Activities' section of their website promotes the services of local people too, and although we didn't get round to making use of them, it's nice to see that they are helping to promote their local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
You couldn't ask for a more idyllic location, or more welcoming hosts. Shane met us at the villa when we arrived and gave us a quick run through the basics, while Bea would always let us know when she was around to water the plants (twice during the week), a much appreciated sign of the type of consideration they show towards their guests. Other than that, you simply wouldn't know there was anyone there but yourselves. The villa itself felt really homely, which makes a big difference, and helps you relax much quicker. You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into what people might find useful - DVDs, board games, books, music, utensils - it all feels designed to welcome you in. The only slightly negative thing we experienced was an annoying number of flies up at the pool, which at certain times of the day made it difficult to be there. It may have been due to the time of year, or to the nearby farm, but it is certainly no reflection on the efforts made by Shane & Bea to make our stay a lovely one. I would, however, recommend mosquito nets over the beds, as it makes for a nice relaxing sleep, should any of those little pests find a way in! All in all, I have no hesitation in recommending La Amapola for anyone wanting a breather, surrounded by beauty, in a real home away from home. With a gorgeous private pool to boot!Accommodation Reviews
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