‘We really couldn’t fault it, beautiful setting, such a pretty internal courtyard and so tastefully decorated with furnishings that complements the floral. The breakfast was superb too. Perfect poached eggs presented with detail and care. Excellent hosts!’
‘We knew we were in for a treat and Ken and Jo didn’t disappoint! The shakshuka was cooked to perfection and the local molletes de Archidona were the perfect accompaniment. Enviable presentation and Ken certainly enjoyed interacting with the guests. Jo joined us later in the morning to explain the menu they had put together. Thanks to you both.’
‘It was absolutely lovely, your guests are going to be spoilt rotten. Now … I think that beautiful pool will need a review soon too …..’
(from June 2021)
This is a gorgeous little gem of a hotel tucked away in the hillside town of Archedona. Run by English couple Jo and Ken, the place could not be any more loveable. Our room was huge, with lots of traditional features. The swimming pool area has great views over the rooftops of the nearby houses and there are so many areas to chill out in the courtyard, music room and on the rooftop. The service is really warm and friendly, and every morning (over a fabulous home-cooked breakfast) Jo and Ken are full of recommendations for your day. Overall we loved this place and would highly recommend it if you are looking for somewhere to stay in this area.
I loved how clean and beautiful the hotel is, along with the strong WiFi (I was travelling solo and could work on my laptop during my trip), the warmth & generosity of the new owners (Jo & Ken) and the excellent breakfast!
Superb hosts…really nice people and couldn’t help out enough! Delicious breakfast… great location for exploring Andalusia by car and lovely location for walking distance to local, traditional restaurants and bars etc.. Total escape with amazing views, and caring attention to detail in every way…it really is a special place!
Myself and my partner stayed here for a long weekend (that we wished could have continued forever). We arrived on the Friday afternoon and were welcomed by the owners Jo and Ken who were very much the hosts with the most and from the very start put us at ease and relaxed. On the way before you even get to the hotel you drive through the lovely village which is like a little hillside oasis with some stunning architecture views and bars + restaurants! The hotel itself is deceptively spacious and beautifully rustic and well furnished and laid eye you can really see that the owners have an eye for great interior design. We stayed in room 5 and were bowled over by how beautiful it was with the exposed beams and the added bonus of a little snug type seating area. Throughout the rest of the hotel there are other amazing features like the music/reading room the breakfast terrace which is a great place to sit and enjoy the sun while having either an authentic Spanish breakfast or homemade granola. Jo and Ken couldn’t help enough with guiding us in terms of the best places to eat and visit. I can’t praise them enough they are fantastic hosts and fantastic people too I can’t remember having a such a good merry time with hosts. Another added little bonus is the pool which is up on another level but was a lifesaver in the heat. We had a few trips out to various places like Isnajar where we watched a Jazz festival, Granada where we visited the famous and stunning Alhambra as well as Rhonda which is a gorgeous town (and had been on my visit list for a while) built on top of and in some parts into a valley Almohalla 51/Archidona is in a good location for reaching all of these places – we were actually lucky enough to see a flamenco performance in the town itself as well. If you visit also make sure to call in on a restaurant called Centro where I can honestly say we tasted the best prawn pil pil I’ve ever come across! For those that fancy it as well there is a good uphill walk at the back of the hotel (about 1.75K) which is well worth doing as the pay off is an amazing monastery at the top and the most breathtaking view of the village and surrounding mountains and land. Again the biggest thanks to Jo and Ken for being amazing hosts and helping us to have such a fantastic break. They even helped us with regards advice travelling back and some recommended places where to get a test which is needed before being able to re-enter the UK. We will definitely be back again! My biggest complaint about this holiday was having to come home!
Myself and two girlfriends (aged 24 – 25) have just returned from what can only be described as the most wonderful stay at Almohalla-51, hosted by Ken and Jo. We all agreed that we have never stayed anywhere quite like it and that was wholly down to the warm and friendly ‘home away from home’ atmosphere that Ken and Jo have created. From Jo’s homemade granola and shakshuka in the morning, to Ken’s sundowner Margaritas they were the most hospitable hosts we have ever stumbled upon. They were incredibly helpful with recommending and arranging fun activities during our stay (4 nights), we barely had to lift a finger. We enjoyed the following: – A paella evening at Almohall-51, accompanied by a fiery sunset over Archidona – Olive Oil tasting at Molina del Hortelano (family-run) in Casabermeja – Wine tasting at Almohall-51, hosted by Steve who walked us through 6 (yes 6) different Spanish wine varieties – A golf lesson (£45p/h) and visit to the driving range at Camp de Golf, Antequera We also indulged in numerous delicious tapas nights and lunchtime bites – the food was all incredible so we opted to eat in more than we ate out! We are already scouting to come back for a cycling holiday, with Ken as our trusty guide. Almohalla-51 is the sort of place that makes you smile even thinking about it, its an total Andalusian delight and I am just so happy to have found it. Part of me hopes no one else does! Thank you Ken and Jo – we will be back 🙂
My husband and I stayed here for a two day break after our wedding in Seville. We were welcomed warmly by the new owners, Jo and Ken. The property is a beautifully refurbished old Spanish house, which has maintained its charm while adding bonus features, such as a pool. Jo and Ken were very helpful with suggestions for local activities, and their restaurant recommendations were spot on. Archidona is a great starting point to explore some of the many attractions Southern Andalucia has to offer. The breakfasts were just what we needed to start the day. Don’t miss the homemade granola. We will be back.
I stayed for 2 weeks, the first as a well needed break, the second to work remotely. The hosts, Jo and Ken could not have been more helpful and friendly and as I was a solo traveller, organised all trips and even offered to take me out sightseeing with them and give me lifts. The hotel had a good balance of small spaces to work and communal places. Working remotely in such a beautiful setting meant I was able to start the day with a walk up the hill behind the Hotel, work by the pool (they had excellent Wifi) and take regular breaks for dips in the pool! And the breakfasts were amazing!
We loved our stay. A relaxing guesthouse, beautifully renovated with additional bonuses, such as a pool. Jo and Ken were wonderful hosts with lots of great recommendations for activities and places to eat. Excellent breakfasts. Don't miss the homemade granola! We enjoyed our hike around El Torcal and had fabulous tapas at Arte de tapas in Antequera, as recommended by Jo.
I spent a week as a solo traveller and would highly recommend Almohalla51! Warm and generous hosts, serene surroundings and a beautiful property! Tips. Relax by the pool, go for a daily hike to the castle behind the hotel, or rent a car and drive to nearby towns of Iznajar or Antequerra
Perfect spot to relax, in sunny and beautiful surroundings. The clean and nice room, the delicious breakfast and the hospitality made everything really good! Tips. When walking up to the monastry, you can continue across the olive gardens (although not officially a walking route), and enter easily the road in the valley (between the two hills). The road brings you to the hotel or center of Archidona, with a total walk of 4,5 km.
Ken and Jo make you very welcome into their B&B with an attentive approach but not over the top allowing you your own space. always on hand to help and guide you. We loved our breakfasts they were a lovely change. We arrived late September several good restaurants still open around the town. Plenty of things to do to for all tastes.
Almohalla 51 is a beautiful, traditional Spanish house where you will receive a warm welcome from Jo and Ken. They provide a delicious and varied breakfast with good choice. On request, Jo will also cook a three course meal with local produce which we can also highly recommend. They can recommend places to visit and it is very well located to visit Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Seville and Malaga. Ken also took my husband out for a half day mountain bike tour which he greatly enjoyed. Overall a great stay. Tips. We would highly recommend the Restaurant Arxidona in the centre of town.
Can't fault the experience. Ken and Jo are extremely welcoming and helpful and were very supportive in advice and recommendations about local attractions, services, and restaurants
We had a winter break at the Almohalla, we found it very welcoming and cosy, with its lovely wood burner to sit round and enjoy a cocktail brought to you by Jo and Ken. All the food we had was delicious, and could help yourself to tea or coffee. The rooms are beautifully furnished. The Location makes it easy to go to restaurants and bars , I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for something special in a hotel
Fantastic service and location. The open fire and breakfast was really nice. Would definitely stay again. Tips. Try a cocktail and sit by the fire! Pool area is a good size. Two local restaurants one the central are very good and affordable
We had a brilliant stay at Almohalla51. The hotel is a charming building with a relaxing atmosphere and feels welcoming. Ken and Jo are the perfect hosts. Tips. Sunset and cocktails on the terrace in the evening highly recommended. There is a great selection of board games and music. For a very special night in, try Jo’s fabulous paella.
Ken and Jo are very hospitable, serving delicious breakfasts, offering great tips for excursions and tasty cocktails at the end of the day. Beautiful pool area to relax in the afternoon with spectacular views. Tips. We had a great meal at Restaurant Central, with an authentic local vibe and friendly service
We had a lovely and very peaceful stay at Almohalla 51. The B and B is in a lovely old house, it felt very cozy inside and bright and summery outside. We loved the terrace for sunbathing, the cocktails, the breakfast, playing scrabble and dozing inside when the weather was less good, and we loved our room and slept extremely well! Jo and Ken offer excellent hospitality and we appreciated their thoughtful suggestions and attention to detail. Tips. The hoz valley walk and hike up to the sanctuary are both nice little short trips; Picasso and bar central for food.
Convincing hospitality. Very tastefully furnished down to the last detail. Breakfast and small meals lovingly and tasty. I'm totally thrilled... Small, excellent wine list
Jo & Ken were perfect hosts...welcoming & attentive. The hotel is totally peaceful, charming, full of character & very central to Archidona.
“I can’t remember a place I enjoyed quite so much…“
Read our reviews on Tripadvisor, but remember to book direct!
“Andalucia’s 20 best Hideaways” March 2019, “The 20 coolest fincas, B&Bs and hotels in Andalusia” (number 8) August 2016, “The 50 best holidays in Spain” (number 5) January 2016 – “….the atmosphere is one of rejuvenating adult calm” August 2014 – “... more like a boutique hotel” September 2013
‘A roof patio with a plunge pool, palms and spiky cacti has views over buildings that could grace a Franco Zeffirelli set’- April 2022
“Off-season in Andalucía” April 2016, “ …a great base for exploring surrounding hill towns and full of simple charm and character…” See April
The Independent, “What makes it an award-winner? Its plum location helps, in the white town of Archidona, less than an hour from both the beaches of Malaga and Granada’s Alhambra…. an easy option for a weekend or a good base for a tour of Andalucia.”
“…peaceful, sophisticated adults-only hideaway, within easy reach of Andalucía’s outstanding sights.” The Telegraph
Certificate of Excellence 2022
Recently featured in The Times and in The Telegragh, The Guardian, The Independent, Coolstays
Photos Gary Browne
https://www.thestudiounderthewall.com
T +34 952 716370 | +34 657 842 850
E: info@almohalla51.com
CATEGORIA: CASA RURAL SUPERIOR – CR/MA/00498