Hotel Castillo de Monda is a lovely castle hotel just inland from Marbella and about 40 minutes from Malaga airport. Perched above Monda town and surrounded by mountains it has some lovely views. Recently refurbished and under new management it has loads of character while offering all the services and touches required.

Wind up the driveway to the impressive, flower-filled entry gate, through a pretty cobbled patio to the reception area.

I particularly love the Moroccan-style ancient floor tiles and hefty old wooden door in the roomy reception area.

There are twenty-five rooms in total and our room on floor five had a four poster bed, double jacuzzi bath and shower, more gorgeous tiles. lovely views, tea and coffee making facilities and a large bottle of mineral water. I liked the fact there weren’t small, take away/throw away toiletries but large hand pump easy to use products.

On the top floor is the bar, restaurant, gorgeous patio and swimming pool all with, as you can imagine, lovely views. I really enjoyed the salt pool with mountain views and the restaurant al fresco too. We had one of the best meals we’ve ever had in twenty years of living in Spain.

See the Hotel Castillo de Monda website, the best way to book.