Hotel Finca Naranja
Ronda
When, about 7 years ago, the Dutch architect Conchita Kien decided to exchange Bali for Andalusia after 20 years, her only thought at the time was to create a dream spot where she could spend more time with her children. This eventually resulted in Finca Naranja where we visited her and we soon agreed that this dream spot has indeed become reality!
In the last few years, a lot of work has gone into transforming an old country house into a picture of perfection and also into building 3 cottages and 1 apartment, naturally completely designed to Conchita's ideas and style. This means that they have a rustic, Spanish feel on the outside and a modern, truly contemporary feel on the inside. With plenty of natural light, clean lines and the use of beautiful materials.
Finca Naranja is a spot where, after all the crazy running around at home, you cannot only spend time with each other but also spend plenty of quality time with your children, who are very welcome here. Enjoyable long lunches with the whole family under the huge ancient fig tree, after which the kids jump in the pool while you stretch out on the lounger for a nice Spanish fiesta. And just before you doze off, you realise that you could get really used to this kind of life...
Finca Naranja may be small-scale but that does certainly not apply to the service. Every day, you are treated to a fresh breakfast, served in your suite with plenty of fruit and hot rolls. Your suite is also cleaned spotless every day and convivialist Conchita is always at hand to answer any of your questions.
A wonderfully relaxing spot where the daily pace is considerably slower than what you are used to and it starts as soon as you get there. With a warm welcome of a huge bouquet of flowers and a bottle of chilled cava which are already waiting for you at your arrival. And all of this combined with the wide vistas from your terrace... When shall we go?
Cons:
• To visit a restaurant, you have to take a trip into Ronda
Pros:
• Original concept, rustic combined with modern luxury
• Lovely relaxed atmosphere
• Great attention to decor, furnishings and service
• Very suitable to both families and couples
• Every suite has a small kitchenette
Hotel Finca Naranja
surrounding area
Ronda
Ronda has one of the most spectacular settings in all of Southern Spain. Due to this town’s unassailable location, it was one of the last standing Moorish bastions, which only fell in 1485, when it was conquered by the Christians. The town is split in two by a spectacular gorge, with the southern part being the classic Moorish pueblo blanco with cobblestone streets, small fences in front of the windows and whitewashed walls all around. The new town on the other side of the gorge contains the Plaza de Toros (bull ring), the cradle of bullfighting; it was built in 1785 and is one of Spain’s oldest. The bridge that connects the two parts of Ronda, the Puente Nuevo, spans the 100-metre-deep gorge and has become Ronda’s most famous feature, drawing in millions of visitors every year.
Apart from the Plaza de Toros, the Palacio Mondragón is another important sight; this is a palace decorated with original Moorish mosaics and plastering.
About 15 km outside Ronda you will find caves, the Cueva de la Pileta (near Benaoján), with prehistoric paintings.
Active
There are also many options for hearty walks in the surrounding Sierras.
Cultural
Ronda is a great base for a tour past the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), such as Zahara de la Sierra, which sits at the foot of the ruins of a castle, and which was recently proclaimed a national monument. Other splendid white villages are Grazalema, Setenil, Jimena de la Frontera, Gaucín. In these white villages you will be able to get a taste of Spanish country life as it has been for centuries.
Family
Close to Estepona (68 km; 1h 5min) you will find the safari park Selwo Aventura, with about 200 different animal species. Some animals can be seen from a 4x4 safari bus, or you can go on an adventurous walk over the park’s wire bridges (from the higher part of the park down to the bottom).
Nature
Tours by car past the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), on routes that take you through stunning scenery: mountains up to 1600m high, plateaus, valleys and gorges, rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs, forests and orchards.
You can also go for a walk or a hike in the surrounding nature reserves of Sierra de Grazalema, Los Alcornocales and Sierra de las Nieves.
Next to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) the following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Ardales (50km; 55min):
The Embalses de Guadalteba-Guadalhorce are known as Andalucía’s lake district. The embalses are 2 reservoirs, which are surrounded by stunning mountainous and wooded countryside. This is a popular recreation area, with picnic sites and plenty of places where you can go for a swim. And moreover, a great place for walks.
Nearby (in the direction of Alóra) you will also find the Garganta del Chorro, a breathtaking, narrow gorge carved out by the Río Guadalhorce. This gorge is famous for the spectacular path of concrete wire bridges clinging onto the rock face, but unfortunately the path has been closed because it is no longer entirely safe.
Costa del Sol (50km; 1h):
A day at the beach is also an option. The Costa del Sol, with all its beaches, stretches out at only a 1 hour drive from Ronda. The finest beaches are the ones at Marbella, including Babaloo Beach (Puerto Banus) and Victor’s Beach (Marbella).
Marbella (62km; 1h10min):
Marbella’s old town is definitely worth a visit. One of the highlights of your visit will be having a nice outdoor dinner on the Plaza de los Naranjos, the main square, lined with orange trees. After dinner you can stroll through Marbella’s narrow streets and past its many squares.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Seville (130km; 2h):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.
Córdoba (170km; 2h40min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Granada (190km; 2h30min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!