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THE FOUNTAINHEAD
Review by Michelle Chaplow
Tranquil rural idyll in stunning hilltop location with superb food
Why should I stay there?
Do you dream of being transported to a relaxing, peaceful place in sun-drenched southern Spain, where the only noises are birdsong and the occasional chimes from church bells?
Have you ever dreamed of going to a beautiful hotel in the middle of nowhere, where you can spend all day doing nothing except relax, soak up the view, and enjoy the finest wines and home-made cuisine? At this calm, natural, yet sophisticated retreat, each individually designed suite has its own terrace with mountain view and plunge pool, secluded from the outside world. The cuisine is outstanding, with an emphasis on regional produce; the spa treatments sublime; your breakfast is delivered to your suite each morning - al fresco in summer, and in your own indoor dining area during the winter months; the epitome of indulgence and privacy. Why should you stay at the Fountainhead? Quite simply, to get away from it all.
Where is it?
You would never stumble upon this place by chance. Although it's only 35 minutes' drive from Malaga airport (AGP) (transfers can be arranged), you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in the hills north-east of Malaga, La Axarquia (tricky to pronounce for non-Spaniards - ash-ar-KEE-ah; the name has Moorish origins) is an area known for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery - dramatic hills and mountains with scattered white villages, and a subtropical climate, ideal for vineyards, almond and olive groves; fruit such as mangoes also thrive in this area.
The Fountainhead is situated near the white village of Rio Gordo - as you follow the map they provide up into the hills, a right-hand turn takes you along a meandering track. Driving along the remote hillside road, notice the little hand-painted wooden road signs on the occasional bend encouraging you to "Keep going", until you arrive at this mountain retreat hotel.
Who is it ideal for?
Those who are content with their own company - you can indulge in yoga, spa treatments, and first-rate cuisine using locally-sourced produce. Their brochure has no words, only pictures - it's a place to read, fall in love, take a refreshing dip, write a novel, or stroll along their Peace Walk. Book a spa treatment and maybe occasionally take an excursion; many guests never leave at all. This is a place for the independent traveller in search of delightful hidden locations where they can rest and unwind.
What's it like?
We arrived at sundown, to the sound of tricking water coming from the walled entrance garden. At first glance, architecturally, the place has a touch of the desert houses in Mexico and southern California.
The hotel retreat consists of just four low-rise suites, with panoramic views to the spectacular scenery of Axarquia. In the 56,000m2 grounds you'll find a herb garden, restaurant, domed bathhouse, gym, yoga room, extensive un-manicured wild gardens, and a peace walk.
In the delightful gift shop with art gallery you can find a range of locally-made and Andalucian-inspired items: paintings, handicrafts, homemade body lotions, shampoos and face-masks with an eco emphasis, cookbooks, jewellery and hand-painted silk scarves.
What are the rooms like?
The four self-contained suites are set into the terraced hillside, offering spectacular views, but don't overlook each other, thereby providing complete privacy and making them more like individual bungalows. Each suite has its own private entrance and terrace, plunge pool, bedroom, lounge and kitchenette, bathroom with Jacuzzi, and private patio with dining area, enjoying a spectacular panoramic view.
The suites are individually designed, with everything you need from bottles of freshly-squeezed juice to binoculars for watching the local wildlife.
The Arizona suite has décor in neutral tones, highlighted with fresh shades of blues and green; it also has a second bedroom for children, which can be used as a dressing room.
The green and lilac Indian Suite, with colonial-style wooden furniture, has an additional rooftop terrace, as well as an outdoor curtained daybed.
The Sultan Suite is Islamic-themed, with rich colours, mosaic tiles and Arabic prints; its plunge pool is shallow and can be fenced off, making it perfect for families. It also has an annexe, ideal as an office or to accommodate an extra guest (one adult or two children).
The Oriental Suite has a bold red and black colour theme, with a deep plunge pool on the terrace.
What should I eat there?
Every day the chef, creates a dinner menu featuring her chosen dish for each course, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The food is exceptional - the Chef used to run her own successful restaurant in southern England and has written two cookbooks. Let the chef know of any dietary preferences, intolerances or allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy-free), and allow yourself to be surprised by the uniquely designed tasting menu - you won´t be disappointed.
Some of the delicious home-made dishes you might enjoy include: chilled almond soup with a hint of garlic and apple puree; fresh tuna with soy, red onions and plums, aubergine tempura, sesame and wine; baked sea bream with garden leaves and smoked pepper puree; and for dessert, lemon sabayon, apple and almond strudel, or date and orange tart.
What should I see and do in the area?
This is a place where you can really unwind, relax and let the gentle mountain breeze waft over you as you lie on your sun-soaked private terrace.
If you want to explore the surrounding area, Rio Gordo is the nearest white village, with a small supermarket, museum of popular customs, cashpoint and pharmacy. Velez-Málaga is the nearest town, with banks and larger shops.
Further afield, you are close to Granada province - some guests venture to the Alhambra; alternatively Cordoba or Antequera, with all the churches nearby, and of course the fabulous city of Malaga.
Insider knowledge
Non-residents are welcome to dine at the hotel - eventually they hope to extend the number of guest rooms, but always retaining that boho charm.
The Peace Walk
With spectacular views to the mountains of Malaga, hidden away in the Axarquia, take a stroll along their "peace walk". Starting at a Chinese arch, you walk along a deserted track surrounded by nature, spotting the little white fincas miles away on the mountains at the other side of the valley. Wild flowers in the spring, almond blossom in January and February, olives in the winter, cacti all year around.
On the walk you literally pass through the yoga salon entering via through a huge round window, and out the other side via a circular open doorway with only bamboo curtains. A little further you'll find he reward, a huge hammock, more than ample for two.
The gift shop & Gallery
In their cute and colourful shop, you can buy art work and Fountainhead spa products, all made by hand. Many of the ingredients are sourced from the estate, such as his and her soaps with pure olive oil, clays, marjoram and juniper.
Pure orange blossom facial tones and they even offer some of the food products for sale - salted organic almonds, extra virgin olive oil, homemade marmalade, mountain honey. If you can´t take the products home in your suitcase, the team at the Fountainhead will ship them home for you.
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Contact details
The Fountainhead
Riogordo
(Malaga)
Spain
www.fountainheadspain.com