The people of Spain in general and Andalucia in particular have a wonderful ability to combine sacred with secular. A classic example is the romeria, essentially a picnic in honour of a favourite saint or religious personage. Cartajima celebrated their romeria…
We just discovered a walk near Ronda that we have overlooked for too long. Called in Spanish Tajo del Abanico or the Fan Gorge, it is just on the outskirts of Ronda and is an amazing walking experience. There is…
Salmorejo is a Spanish dish that you may have encountered. And it probably looked like this: Like gazpacho but much much thicker as you can see. And irristible as you can tell! Thick and creamy and served very cold as…
A guest – an exceedingly well-travelled one I hasten to add – has just awarded us the Best Hotel Picnic in the World Award. Unfortunately no prize money is involved nor cup or medal but for me the accolade is…
We unashamedly claim (some of) the best hotel views in Andalucia. So inspirational are they that guests eagerly seize the drawing pads we leave in our rooms. When I replaced them recently, I realised they had left some gems and…
Alan Robertson, wrote this fabulous rhyming ditty in 2005 whilst staying at Los Castaños. His wife was occupied with her watercolouring and he was inspired to write poetry! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Up in the…
I recently returned from a short trip to my native land to visit my Elderly Aunt, who lives in Stratford upon Avon. Exciting as it is to travel even to familiar places and marvellous as it was listening to my…
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, IKEA has done a Good Thing! To celebrate their Malaga store’s five year anniversary, IKEA promised 25,000 euros to the village that received the most votes. We won!! The 25,000 euros has to be spent…
Years ago, in a tatty bar in the grotty end of a small Andalucian town, I had for the first time a unique and memorable tapa – Chorizo al Infierno. Google translates this delectable and dramatic dish as “sausage to…
Season´s Greetings to friends of Los Castaños all over the world! Two lasting Christmas traditions were born In 1843. The first Christmas Card was created at the behest of the first director of London´s V & A. It had all…