Barceló Hotel La Bobadilla

 

La Bobadilla Hotel has stunning surroundings
Barceló La Bobadilla Hotel has stunning surroundings

Barceló Hotel La Bobadilla

This five-star hotel, near Loja in Granada province, is world-famous; it has been described as a cross between a parador and a pueblo blanco. Placido Domingo, Tom Cruise and King Juan Carlos of Spain have all stayed here.

Andalucia.com have stayed this hotel

A whole village in itself, La Bobadilla was converted from a classic finca designed by Granadiño architect Jesus del Valle, and extended so cleverly that it all looks original; in fact, it opened in 1986. The beautiful, isolated country estate has white houses with red-tiled rooves nestling in a tree-covered landscape, with extensive grounds featuring lush green lawns and woodland, including olive groves (they make their own oil).

The luxury accommodation is all different, which is part of La Bobadilla's uniqueness and charm: 70 rooms in various houses and towers, all with views to the surrounding countryside, linked by pathways and Moorish courtyards with fountains. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and all are very well-appointed in terms of space: they range in size from 35m2 to 145m2, with six different types of suite. Each room has its own private terrace, balcony, or garden; the smallest rooms have a balcony and terrace, while the suites have garden, balcony and/or terrace; some also have fireplaces. Décor is traditional without being stuffy: stone floors with rugs, wooden furniture, pale fabrics. Many rooms have original features such as beamed ceilings.

 

One of the luxury bedrooms in La Bobadilla Hotel
One of the luxury bedrooms in La Bobadilla Hotel

The complex has a private Mudejar-style chapel - La Bobadilla is a popular wedding venue- and an unusual mechanical organ.

Two restaurants, El Cortijo, which serves traditional regional Spanish cuisine with a contemporary touch, and the highly-regarded La Finca, which is serves creative fusion cuisine. In summer, the outdoor Mirador bar-restaurant looks over the swimming pool. El Cortijo bar is in a colonnade overlooking a traditional plant-filled patio.

What is there to do?

La Bobadilla has one of the widest and most varied offerings of activities in Andalucia.

For relaxation and exercise, there's a spa with various treatments using algae, milk and grapes; try the counter-current pool, or indulge yourself with a scent shower with colour therapy, hydrojet treatment and footbath; couples will enjoy the private hydromassage suite for two. As well as the gym, there is a 1500m2 outdoor pool with shaded loungers sitting on cool grass, surrounded by palm trees, as well as a children's pool.

 

Jacuzzi bath La Bobadilla Hotel

The hotel's sports facilities available to guests around the 1,000-acre estate include cycling, hiking, tennis and petanque. Activities which can be arranged (for a fee) range from balloon flights and falconry shows, to quad-biking and horse-riding (the hotel has its own stables); for field sports enthusiasts, there's archery, clay-pigeon shooting and small game hunting (in season).

They also offer olive oil, wine and caviar tastings.

In terms of family facilities, as well as the kids' pool, children have a playground, games room, and DVD library; there's an English-speaking babysitting service, and pets are welcome. From June to September there is a kids' club.

The hotel is part of the Barcelo group, and has recently (2008-2011) won awards from Tatler, Conde Nast Traveller and Johansens, and is part of the Leading Hotels of the World group.

 

Sun terrace overlooking the pool La Bobadilla
Sun terrace overlooking the pool La Bobadilla

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How do I get there?

La Bobadilla is located in an ideally strategic position, in the very heart of Andalucia, between Malaga, Granada, Seville and Cordoba.

The hotel is close to the E-902/N 341 Malaga-Granada road (Exit 1 for Salinas, then A333 towards Iznajar) and the A92 Granada-Sevilla road (Exit 175).

There is a heliport for those who prefer to arrive by helicopter.