This review was made in April 2010 and they stayed in October 2009. Also I must emphasize that this review refers to our cooking holiday not the regular accommodation at Finca al-manzil but I strongly object to every criticism .The pool was not out of order at all, why would they say that? Please see photos of pool which were in fact taken last October. A small fridge?? A normal large fridge with plenty of ice and space for guests to store their own choice of drinks......I went out of my way to provide the daughter with different natural juices in place of the wine which is provided for meals. Now one thing I simply can't understand is the comment about little natural light in the bedrooms, they have french windows out on to the porch AND a big window facing the mountain as well, all made of seasoned chestnut wood with solid shutters, lovely. Uncomfortable and inadequate seating on porch? A choice of 4 relaxing reclined chairs with cushions AND a comfy sofa with cushions (see photos) + the huge sitting room with sofas and arm chairs AND another terrrace at the back with 4 easy chairs. Lighting is all eco friendly so starts dim but is bright after few seconds, the porch lights are not bright on purpose for a good atmosphere but on request I provided this client with a super modern anglepoise lamp so that she could read at night on the porch. Lights in bedrooms are perfectly adequate for reading, have never had a complaint. She does not mention anything about the excursions we make as part of the cooking course which everyone loves but she and daughter were really not interested in the cultural side of things which is an important back up to the cooking, especially the Iberic cuisine. As to the cooking, it is supposed to be an introduction to Moroccan, Middle Eastern and Iberic cuisine which I am enthusiastic about and have pleny of personal experience, it is not an intensive course, it's supposed to be fun and experimental, I have adapted and experimented with many of the recipes to achieve interesting and delicious results with simplified methods, impossible to find these recipes in a book!!! I was shocked when the daughter said she didn't like garlic!!!! Considering we get through kilos of it for all these cuisines, neither did she mention the many ingredients and utensils that she was not familiar with which I have gone to considerable trouble to acquire. What a pity that these clients did not enjoy the cooking week despite admitting that the food was excellent.....surely the proof of the pudding is in the eating!!
This is the first negative comment I have ever received about the cooking weeks, usually people love the finca, the cooking and our excursions, we have fun............obviously not in this case but I will not change my approach to relaxed cooking , enjoyable lunches and dinners and fascinating tours of our 3 local world heritage towns, an enjoyable combination according to all my other charming clients.