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estled below the pretty whitewashed Andalusian hilltop village of Casares in the rugged Sierra Bermeja and between the buzzingMediterranean playgrounds of Marbella, Puerto Banus and Sotogrande it is a very pleasant surprise to enter the gates of the Finca Cortesin estate. Lying a scant 5 minutes detour from the main coastal road the lucky visitor will be set on the right path to holiday bliss by the distinctly laid back luxury of the surroundings.

At the heart of the estate and surrounded by the world famous championship golf course (now home to the Volvo Matchplay Classic) lies a small but immaculately designed 5 star deluxe hotel of just 67 suites and an adjoining but discreet development of villas, four of which are owned by the hotel and would make the perfect option for families or groups of friends looking for a little more independence. Also, 2011 rates for these four-bedroom villas offer excellent value for money and families will love the clever room layouts.

The main hotel buildings offer a tantalising maze of elegant public rooms, restaurants, stateof the art spa and sumptuous suites that pull their inspired designs and faultless finishing from Spanish colonial, Andalusian, Portuguese andMoorish traditions. Abeautiful courtyard

with fruit trees and a central fountain is approached through aMoroccan loungewhose vaulted and painted wooden ceiling is bordered by intricatemoorish tracery. Ornate panelled doors acquired from monasteries and other oldbuildings leadoff the two-storey courtyard into spacious junior suites, whilst in another part of the building of more contemporary design larger suites prevail including some fine roof top suiteswith their own private plunge pools.

Too often in Spain one is disappointed by the excesses of development, which iswhy the hotel at Finca Cortesin has already attracted such praise in such a short time as a prestige boutique property. Guests will quickly relax in the ambient atmosphere. The facilities are superb for non-golfers including both an indoor and two outdoor pools, the 2,200m 2 spa, a dedicated Kids club and various restaurants offering a range of gourmet delights that includes innovative tastingmenus by the acclaimed Dutch chef, Schilo van Coevorden.

The lure of the Mediterranean itself has not been forgotten as a new beach club will open this summer allowing guests the opportunity to relax on an exclusive strip of nearby beachfront completewith restaurant and luxury recliners including two-person cabanas.

Finca Cortesin Hotel Spa & Golf offers a relaxing

and stylish refuge in Southern Spain