El Cortijo La Prensa

Reviewed by Michael Soffe


A SECRET LIES WITHIN...............

Recently opened in May of 2008 this is the latest luxury boutique Hotel to appear on the scene in a rural location, tucked away amongst the olive groves on the edge of the Subetica National Park. It takes a bit of finding along some winding and narrow roads, but on arrival you realise the journey has been well worth it. Located centrally between Cordoba and Granada (both just over an hour by car), It is an ideal Hotel to combine a few days of gentle rest by the lovely pool with a couple of days sightseeing to these wonderful cities and the best Moorish architecture Spain has to offer. Alan and David, the English owners, bought the 200 year old “Cortijo” as pretty much a ruin some five years ago. Most was razed to the ground, but thanks to careful planning and a sympathetic architect El Cortijo La Prensa has been restored it to its former glory with a very “Andaluz” feel to it.

Set on a 7 acre estate, and located between two small rivers (dry for much of the year) the location is peaceful and you are surrounded by nature. Walking trails abound and bird watchers will have a field day. A gated entrance leads you into the Cortijo up a rose-lined path. The reception awaits you – lined with copies of Picasso’s prints from his Guernica period. You will be greeted by another David (also English), who manages the Hotel with his smiling assistant, Manuel (The lovely Hotel dog is also sure to be in attendance!!). Throughout your stay the staffl advise on things to do and places to visit. Reception leads you to a comfortable salon with an open fireplace (lovely in winter, although the whole Hotel benefits from underfloor heating) and an open-plan restaurant (used mostly for dinner as meals are taken outside whenever weather permits). The salon is well stocked with reading material.

As with all traditional “Cortijos”, the heart and soul is the patio courtyard. This one is surrounded by three buildings which have been cleverly joined together. The fourth side is walled and a gate leads you to the gardens beyond. Comfortable rattan chairs and sofas and a bar make this an ideal place to escape the searing summer sun, or enjoy a cocktail with other guests. All interior areas of the Hotel are No Smoking except for the bar area off the courtyard. Ashtrays are provided for smokers in the gardens and terraces.

The gardens will need time to mature, but already, plants are burgeoning and the roses were lovely when I was there in mid-May. The first terrace (outside of the walled patio) is raised and has lovely views over the gardens and beyond and is used for dining and drinks. From the raised terrace, continue on through the garden to another walled terrace and a sparkling fresh water swimming pool. It is not heated as yet, but there are plans for this coming winter (we will of course, keep you informed!). Beyond the pool lies yet another , “secret” walled terrace, with a heated Jacuzzi as its centerpiece. This is an area for nude sunbathing, so do not be surprised if you see a “body beautiful” exposed in all its glory!! It is discreetly hidden and signposted. The Hotel does take children since the beginning of 2009 and would be more suited to older children or teenagers who don´t mind the peace and quiet (and the numbers are also controlled by the limited number of extra beds available for the bedrooms).

The 13 bedrooms are located in the three buildings around the central courtyard. All but two have terraces or balconies large enough to sit out on and enjoy the sunshine. The two Standard Double bedrooms that do not have terraces or balconies are directly off the internal patio courtyard. My favourites are the Superior Doubles with large terraces or balconies overlooking the gardens. All the rooms are of a very large size and all have seating areas. Some of the Superior Doubles with terraces have four poster beds (all adorned with finest Egyptian cotton linen, of course!). One Superior Double with terrace on the ground floor of the olive mill is completely wheelchair accessible and has a totally adapted wet room for those with mobility issues. A charming terrace is an added bonus. All areas of the grounds and pool are accessible via gently sloping paths. All bedrooms are fully equipped with satellite TV, CD player, DVD (a selection of CDs and DVDs is available in reception), minibar, safe, aircon and underfloor heating and, unusually for Spain, tea and coffee making facilities. Shower rooms are luxurious with bathrobes, quality toiletries and hairdryers. Please note that all bedrooms except the Nelson Suite have large walk in showers and no baths. All rooms have good sized Double Bed (there are no twin rooms in the Hotel although a couple of extra beds and a cot are available but must be confirmed at the time of booking). Wi Fi is also available. Please note that mobile phone reception is very poor in the area at present and you may have to walk a few hundred metres to the top of a hill to get a signal (my advice would be to turn it off and relax anyway!!) You can always be contacted by the Hotels own phone number.

For something very special (and an ideal honeymoon choice) the enormous “Nelson” Suite with its sumptuous salon and open fireplace on the first floor of the main house is ideal. It consists of a separate bedroom and full bathroom with hydro-massage bath. There is also a space for a small kitchenette and fridge (although this was pending delivery when I was there). Also on this floor is the Balcony Junior Suite with a four poster bed on a raised floor area complete with shower room and a dressing room. It also has a small terrace.

There is a further lovely Penthouse Suite with a four-poster bed, salon, shower room and a wonderful large, private roof terrace, (it is up two flights of stairs with no lift, but the staff will of course help with luggage)

A nice "touch" is the fresh flowers and fruit in every room.

Other facilities include a small gymnasium. Massages and beauty treatments are available on request and should be booked in advance. Horse riding is available nearby as is sailing on a local reservoir.

Buffet Breakfasts are served at your leisure in the main dining room or on the terrace and the Hotel does offer a small menu for lunch every day. Dinner is A La Carte. The Head Chef is a local Spaniard who gained his reputation at a well known nearby eaterie. The Menu changes regularly and local products are sourced whenever possible. Lunch and dinner are by reservation only so please let the receptionist know if you would like to eat in. There is a well stocked wine list. The restaurant is open to the public on Wednesday through till Sunday. The restaurant is officially closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday but Hotel guests are still catered for on these nights with a smaller menu of the day being prepared by the sous Chef and staff.


An ideal Hotel for those who want an intimate luxury retreat “away from it all” with good facilities. Great location for day trips to Cordoba and Granada.