Guest Testimonials

Reviews from 2011

Amazing and Unforgettable Stay in Spain - We stayed at Mike's house for two weeks this summer. We had a large group (27 total)-- consisting of babies, children, adults and grandparents. Everyone felt completely comfortable, with plenty of space to hang out with each other or get away to be alone to read or rest. The main house and casita are spacious, but we spent most of our time outside enjoying all the different sitting areas and views. We circulated between time at the pool- which is enormous, dinner in the courtyard with the outdoor kitchen, in the side yard where Mike and Emma have a playhouse, hammocks, and "rock wall" for the kids to enjoy, and in the backyard where the ping pong tables are. There are beautiful old trees to climb, and hammocks scattered in different areas of the property.
We wanted the children to see more of Spain, but they did not want to leave the Finca. Mike found us a great baby sitter, so that the adults could do some day trips. You don't have to worry about packing entertainment for the kids- Mike provides more than enough toys, games, books, scooters, bikes etc for all to enjoy. Mike also provided gates for stairways since we had toddlers in our group.
There are several really nice towns to visit- Loja, Antequera, Iznajar, and Rute are just a few of them. Larger cities, like Granada and Malaga are an hour away. Sevilla was a two hour drive. Ths is the perfect place to come, especially if you have small children or older adults. It is safe, private, and comfortable. You can tour many beautiful, interesting parts of Spain, but then come home to cook and swim and enjoy each other in an amazingly beautiful setting.
Mary and family, South Carolina USA, June 2011

What more could you ask for from a holiday?An amazing experience! Beautiful house in a moorish style makes you feel like you are in Morocco. Breathtaking views of the mountains from terraces, especially good when viewed from the hammocks with a book and a cool drink. Children running round like a little tribe in the safety of the grounds,not to mention lounging by the great pool watching the children have the time of their lives and as the evening draws in watching swifts swoop down over the pool. Evening meals and dancing in the courtyard under a tree full of finches that returned every evening, watching the many shooting stars and the milky way in skys free from light pollution. All cherished memories, would highly recommend this property, its like a village all to yourself, I miss it still.
Kerrie, London, August 2011

A wonderful holiday - thank you! We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. We had three generations (including a 4 year old and nearly 2 year old, parents and grandparents). Although there were only six of us, this villa would also be great for a big group - there is plenty of living space (inside and out) to accommodate everyone. The rooms were clean and smart, with plenty of useful equipment - not to mention loads of indoor and outdoor toys to amuse our children. They really enjoyed exploring outside and playing in the pool. The pool is stunning, as is the view from the villa over the valley below.
Mike and Emma were very good hosts, welcoming us and making sure we had everything we needed. They also gave us some really useful suggestions about places to visit during our stay, their local knowledge was much appreciated. I would definitely recommend this for a holiday.
Justine, Sussex UK, June 2011

Fantastic family holiday-better than we imagined! Our family of 17 (aged 3-80) spent a week here in august. Mike and Emma were very helpful before we arrived answering queries about rooms; access; steps etc. The directions to the place were easy to follow and the house was clean and welcoming.

The amazing pool was enjoyed by all of us - races; competitions; just enough space for relaxing on chairs in the shade and we didn't have to worry about making too much noise. There were plenty of alternative activities to the pool. Our boys enjoyed the pool-table; t-tennis; train-set and extensive children's library. One of us could lounge in the hammocks whilst watching the 3yr old playing shops etc in the shade. The scooters were used a lot. Our Oaps found cool rooms and shady places in the midday heat.

We loved the stars; had no problem from mosquitoes; swam in the dark; had plenty of room to relax outside in the evenings. Everyone was happy with their bedrooms and bathrooms. We had a bbq; 4 of us used the casita kitchen; 10 of us used the main one - it was spacious and had all the equipment we needed. The courtyard had ample space to eat in and chat in the shade. We loved the views; isolation; watching the swallows and goats. As Mike was in UK his friend Stefan was on hand to sort out anything and was kind enough to show us round Iznajar nearby. Some of us went to Cordoba; some to a National Park; some to the shops; others to the goat farm. It was a great holiday - thank you Mike and Emma!
John and Ruth, Yorkshire UK August 2011.

Amazing farmhouse in amazing rural andalucian setting. 5 stars A large group of us went to the Farmhouse, including 3 children aged 2, 3 and 4. The adults in the party were all in their mid-late 30's.
The property is well isolated, so there is absolutely no problem with intrusion from others.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the various veranda's and balconies ensure that you get the maximum benefit of the outstanding views.
The accommodation is very clean, well furnished and very versitile, with ability to lock adjoining doors and ensure privacy where necessary. The options however also exist for doors to be opened so that families can have access into oneanother's rooms.
All the facilities you would expect from high end accommodation are there.
The farmhouse has a real rustic feel, which means that children can play openly without the fear they may break or damage something. It also meant the group could properly relax without worrying about the odd spill of wine or beer.
The outside space is huge and again versitile with seperate balconies, various eating areas and a fantastic pool (it is huge).
The pool was more than clean and was warm at the end of May, even though it is not heated.
The pool area is very secure with a high lockable gate so there are no concerns regarding children being unsupervised around the grounds.
Overall the property was first class and we will undoubtedly return again.
Mike and Emma the owners were very helpful, ensuring we were well looked after on our arrival and throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them and there was a genuinely warm family feel to the property, which was augmented by the hospitality of Mike and Emma, who would occasionally pop up to see us.
10 out of 10 in all areas. I cannot say enough positive words.
Craig & Ruth, Wiltshire UK, July 2011

Fantastic situation After the drive up from the village, the views that open up after a short descent to El Almendrillo are breathtaking. For miles and miles across a wide valley, there is no more than a scattering of houses until the hills rise again on the far horizon.
The finca is attractive and feels welcoming, with the courtyard and its long yellow table, trailing vine and other plants. The inside is beautifully decorated (to my taste, i.e., mostly white / uncluttered, but with splashes of colour or features such as exposed beams) and well equipped. The casita is a little more modern in style and the main farmhouse more traditional.
It useful to have an outdoor kitchen in the courtyard - and quite fun - and lovely to eat there together as a large family in the evening and to remain outside as the sun goes down.
There are many terraces and other places to sit, in and out of the sun, both of which being required at different times!
The pool is excellent - I have rented many properties such as this one but have not found one as large as this. It has wonderful views and a useful shaded area at one end, as well as sunbeds and a shower on hand. Swimming alone, first thing in the morning, watching the hills across the valley lighting up was a real treat for me!
The facilities are comprehensive: table tennis, pool, bikes, TVs etc. - more than enough to keep a large family party of all ages well-occupied for a week.
We seem to have participated in the trend for multi-generational birthday celebrations at El Almendrillo - my mother's 80th being the reason for our family gathering in Andalucia. I would have no hesitation in recommending this house for a similar group of people
Mark & family, London UK, July 2011.

Reviews from 2010

"What a pleasure it was, when arranging a family holiday (for a group of thirteen), to spend our time at El Almendrillo. Our family embraced three generations. We were initially attracted by the wonderful, user friendly website. First impressions were immediately reinforced by the very helpful e-mail communications which ensued. When we arrived at El Almendrillo we enjoyed the stunning scenery and the really warm welcome that we received from the owners, Mike and Emma...The accommodation was ideal for our group. There was plenty of space and privacy for everybody, while still sharing the same large house. In addition to the generous indoor space, the several outdoor sitting areas lent themselves towards leisurely meals al fresco. For the more active, the large swimming pool (within its own enclosed compound) was always immaculately clean and had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The outdoor facilities provided plenty of fun for all ages... For those who wished to leave El Almendrillo (which we did very reluctantly), the availability of mountain bikes provided an opportunity to explore the adjoining olive groves. The nearby goat farm gave a chance for the younger family members to get to know the goats in their natural environment. The very welcoming riding stables nearby allowed both the young and old to go horse riding. We obtained very useful advice about getting in local catering which was second to none – such a pleasure when a restful night (away from the kitchen) was required! El Almendrillo is a very well equipped house and an ideal venue which all contributed towards easy living. As a holiday location, it has so much to offer and it proved to be a perfect choice." Bryan & Anne, Dublin June 2010

Spanish atmosphere and perfect comfort - Five familys (a total of 22 small and big persons) made this comfortable and charming farmhouse our own during a trembling hot week in July 2010. Some of us are quite experienced when it comes to renting summerhouses in Europe (8 years in Italy, France and Portugal) and our evaluation showed that Almendrillo was one of the best places we have guested !...For the adults cooking good food and having long late dinners are important - Almendrillo made it possible since there are three good kitchens. We used one kitchen only as breakfast kitchen and the two others for our big lunches and dinners. Every night we choosed a new spot and and a new atmosphere for our dinner - intimacy on the courtyard, magnificence on the front terrace or the closeness to the stars and the moon on the upper terrace. Not even a week has passed since we came back to Sweden, but I already long back to Almendrillo!" Anna, Sweden, July 2010.

"I had dreamed of celebrating my 60th birthday with a gathering of my family in a truly Spanish courtyard under the blue Andalucian sky and El Almendrillo provided everything I could have wished.There were fourteen of us ranging in age from 8 months to 90 years and the range of accommodation provided by the Farmhouse and the Casita was excellent. The swimming pool is absolutely splendid – acknowledged by all to be the best private pool we have known – safely situated with closable gate so we could relax when in the house and the little girls could run around to their heart’s content. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were enjoyed all together in the courtyard or on the terrace but there are also lots of lovely areas for people to be on their own and just to absorb the peace of the breathtaking views. We enjoyed a very good meal in Antonio’s Bar from which the fitter walked home in the evening light. We only wished we could have stayed longer." Celia, UK, May 2010

"Our holiday at Almendrillo was fantastic, truly one of the best holidays I and my friends have ever had. I and three other families rented the house in August for 2 weeks. Nothing prepared us for the stunning beauty of the farmhouse and its location - perched on the side of a hill, overlooking miles upon miles of olive groves...If you want peace - but not boredom, if you want to have fun with your friends - but not be on top of one another, if you want to spend hours by a huge swimming pool, if you want to hear your kids reading to one another perched in a massive Spanish oak tree, if you want to visit a Flamenco shop or eat great tapas in Malaga at the drop of a hat or visit the Alhambra on a morning’s excursion or if you simply want to wake up early and watch a group of swallows on the move not five feet away from you... then you are in the right place. At the end of the day, this is what life is all about. It simply doesn’t get any better than this." Helen , Brooklyn New York, August 2010.

"I can't recommend Almendrillo enough.. it's a fantastic set up, and was ideal for our group of 17, with loads of space, and different areas for relaxing, as well as a beautiful courtyard for big meals. Other places we've been to as a group have been a bit cramped, but the sheer size of the villa, and all the terraces, lounges, taken with its relative seclusion, make it perfect for big groups like ours. There is no shortage of bedrooms / bathrooms / kitchens / living areas - I don't think we knew all of them by the end of our week...I would recommend this place without any reservation for a big group of friends wanting a relaxed holiday.This is by far the best villa we've been to, and the only one I would be happy to come back to year after year... An unforgettable week." Niten, Bristol UK, July 2010

"We have had a fantastic week at Almendrillo with our children and grandchildren - 19 persons alltogether. The Finca is perfect for a big family and a lot of fun for the kids. All our expectations were fullfilled!" Poul, Copenhagen Denmark, July 2010

Reviews from 2009

"Thank you for the amazing retreat for our family holiday, we haven't ever seen so many members of the family so relaxed and happy at any one time before. The location and ambiance of the Finca is so relaxing, completely away from it all surrounded by lovely countryside which is fantastic for walking. With so many seating areas, balconies and hidden corners it was easy for everyone to find peace and quiet on their own if needed, or enjoy spending time with the whole family around one of your huge tables eating, drinking and talking until the early hours. All the children (and adults!) have come home wanting to stay forever and we all agree that it would be a special place to come back and enjoy again and again. We all especially loved the huge pool which is big enough to swim a few lengths and have all the kids splashing around. We also enjoyed the pool table and football table on which we hosted a family football tournament. The views speak for themselves but have to be seen to be believed, especially in the evening - we've never seen so many stars in the night sky. We must also thank Elena for her wonderful menu for our wedding celebration, her food would be at home in any of the best restaurants in London, New York or Hong Kong. Finally, we would like to thank you for the for all the effort you have put in to making the Finca such a special place to stay." Lisa & Nick, Swindon 2009

"We spent 2 weeks at Almendrillo in June this year and we had what I can only call “The Holiday of a Lifetime!” There were 16 in our group, 10 adults and 6 kids (15-4). It was absolutely perfect for us. The house is really big with well furnished spacious rooms and a real homely feel. The courtyard was perfect for family meals in the evening. The pool is big and safe, we spent many an hour chilling out watching the kids enjoy the pool. The view from the house is second to none..miles and miles of olive trees, hills and the occasional farmhouse. I had the pleasure of horse riding over that terrain and it was amazing. We went for walks through the hills also with a rewarding dip to finish! There was loads to do for everyone between bikes, table tennis, climbing trees and excellent day trips. Granada, the Torcal, Cordoba, Antequera..all well worth a visit. We didn’t bother with the coast as the pool was so good. I would thoroughly recommend the house for a few families or a large group of friends. It was an absolute privilege to spend time there!" Aine, Dublin 2009

"Thank you for all your help in making this a very special holiday for our family. At the Finca you could ask for nothing more, the farmhouse is full of character and the views truly breath taking.The kids had hours of endless fun in the huge swimming pool while we just sat back and took in the view. The meal we had cooked by Elena for my parents 50th anniversary was superb this made it a very special evening for them.If you want to chill out and relax there is no better place.We would love to go back." Debbie & Craig, Edinburgh 2009

"Is it irrational to hope that three generations of a family, 18 people in all, can go on holiday together for a fortnight and survive? We didn't just flourish in El Almendrillo, we had an unforgettable, vintage time, which will live long in all our memories. From El Almendrillo there is no habitation to be seen anywhere except a picturesque ruin in the valley a pleasant walk away. This 150 year old Finca was not just beautiful but serene in its landscape. The idle elders of the family could spend the whole day with a glass of Rioja imbibing the corduroy lines of olives and hills topped with windmills, where the ghost of Rosinante must still munch corn. There are several keen walkers among us, who got up most mornings at 6.00a.m, drove the hour and a half to the Sierras and experienced walks to rival the Alps. Less driven souls could just amble our from the Finca up the ridge behind the house and see for miles across the lake at Iznajar and East to the Sierras. Some of us joined the multitudes in Cordoba and Granada and were predictably astonished, the Finca lies between them both. For the grandchildren El Almendrillo is a paradise, it has quite the best pool we have ever rented. The village is about half a mile downhill from the Finca but there lies a herd of goats and a charming goatherd who lets small children watch the milking and the cheese making. In the evening we gathered under a large holm oak tree, with brown naked children in its branches and sang all our childhood songs in the nightjars. The lunatics carried their beds out on to the balconies and slept under the stars and watched the moon chase away Cassiopeia over our heads. Indelible memories of El Almendrillo." Jane Ryan, Dublin 2009

Earlier reviews

"We had such a fantastic day and week. All our friends and family were knocked out by the Finca and surroundings and are spreading the word." Caroline 2008.

"'Many thanks. Have some wonderful memories from our holiday and we were all so impressed with the villa and setting. We would definitely consider returning if you are still renting it out in the future." Elin 2008

"'We have more regrets to have quit your farmhouse very very nice…This is a very very delicious trip. You are more sympathics. I conserve your adress for an another time…I say you BRAVO and THANKS YOU." Fabienne 2008

"'We had a great week and the farmhouse was fantastic, such amazing views and superb pool, which I am sure the many photos will not be able to capture completely. Thanks for all you did to make our stay easy and comfortable." Margaret 2008

"It was an incredible time for us there and we'll remember the finca and all of you forever." Sharon 2007

"'We recall the great days we had in your lovely finca. It is really a beautiful place with the great view and everything!" Sissel 2007

"The interiors are beautiful and the facilities excellent. We had a fantastic time. Thank you." Richard 2007

"Just letting you know we had a fantastic holiday at El Almendrillo. Such a great place with rooms for everyone to wander off in in the midday sun and so well placed for visits around Andalucia…Thanks again and I'll pass on info for Almendrillo if anyone friends are looking for a fab place for a holiday." Anne 2007

"Once again, a big thank you for all your efforts in helping to organise our party. We had a fabulous time, as did all our guests. We hope to come back again soon." Adam 2006 40th birthday party

"Just wanted to say thank you. We had a great couple of weeks. So far all I've got out of the kids is the holiday was 'totally wicked!' High praise indeed!" Karen K. 2006

"I just wanted to say we had a fabulous week at the Finca. The accommodation was perfect, the countryside beautiful. We used your Moro cookbooks and had some fabulous meals - will need to try out the London restaurant now. We all agreed we would love to go back if we ever have the chance again!" Karen J. 2006