Ronda Mountain Resort

Alexandre Dumas, Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and many other artists have described, in their works or writings, the strong sensations provoked by their discovery of the town of Ronda, in Spain. Weighty with a complex history rich in numerous influences, the town and its well-preserved surroundings are also highly picturesque. Here, things are like nowhere else; everything is strangely poetic, dreamlike, almost supernatural. A few kilometres from the historic centre, in countryside far from crowds and urban bustle, Rasero Retreat is a peaceful and serene place to retreat, an ideal pied-à-terre for this part of the Marbella hinterland.

During your stay, a housekeeper and property manager are on hand to ensure your comfort. Once you enter the gated property, you’ll feel like you’re in your own private boutique hotel, complete with an infinity pool and hot tub, soothing water features, a children’s play area, and a gym, sauna and hammam to suit both motivated guests and those who just want to relax. Spend the day exploring by bicycle or lounging on the terrace by the pool, then try out Spanish cuisine on the barbecue or in the wood-fired oven. Settle into the home theater with a glass from the wine cellar or a cocktail from the bar.

The stunning interiors of Rasero Retreat blend traditional architecture with modern furnishings, creating sophisticated yet comfortable spaces where the whole family can relax. Patterned tile floors, beamed ceilings, dark wood trim and a stately fireplace show off the villa’s heritage, while a leather sectional, glass-topped coffee and dining tables and wicker-backed dining chairs feel contemporary and inviting. The fully equipped kitchen is particularly welcoming, thanks to a large farmhouse-style breakfast table.

Six beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with a king size bed, add to the feeling of being on holiday at a private resort. There are four bedrooms with access to shared bathrooms and two with en-suite bathrooms, one of which has its own lounge area and one of which has access to the sauna.

While you could spend your stay at the villa, simply watching the light move across the landscape, it’s well worth exploring the region. Spend a day marveling at the scenery in one of the two nearby national parks or visit the city of Ronda to see the old city and the dramatic ravine or enjoy a honeymoon-worthy dinner with spectacular hilltop views. Take a day trip to Seville for incredible architecture and equally memorable flamenco performances, to oceanfront Malaga for its museums or to Marbella and the beaches of the Costa del Sol if you’re in need of sand and sun or a round of golf.