What a privilege to discover Casa La Celada and to enjoy with friends the delightful hospitality of Amanda and her son Zack! Nothing was too much trouble. Our hostess introduced us to the customs of Christmas, New Year and Three Kings in authentic rural Spain, arranged a gourmet meal of superlative quality,(and other scrumptious meals) introduced us to the stunning scenery of local Iznajar, fascinatingly redolent with history, arranged for us to enjoy the extraordinary geological and botanical beauty of El Torcal Natural Park, and much more. We visited Cordoba and Malaga, both wistfully beautiful out of season, quiet and grand, and went on local walks, watching the olive farmers gathering their crops. Our hostess Amanda was admirably flexible in catering for the differing needs of our group: some wanted complete flop-out rest whilst others wanted activity. All were catered for with friendly, attentive unfussiness. A wonderful holiday. A time out of time.

Travelling alone with a real desire to get away from it all, I found this beautiful home in a delightful Spanish hamlet. Casa La Celada is owned and run by the lovely Amanda, who has a way of making you feel right at home, welcome, and a treasured guest. I had a suite with a large bathroom, and the use of the roof terrace with its hot tub and views of the Spanish star-show stretching into eternity.

From Casa La Celada you can drive in minutes to the local hill town of Iznajar, set on its vast reservoir, and to several market towns. Using Amanda's library of information, I travelled with two of her other guests to La Noche Blanca in Cordoba, and experienced a night of flamenco, music and real Spanish Spain!

Amanda also organised a day of pampering for me nearby, and yoga and biking trips for her other guests. There is plenty to do here, and equally plenty of scope to do absolutely nothing - and love it!

I had been worried about travelling alone, and wondered how I'd feel about being on my own for a whole week. In the end I succumbed and changed my flights home.... I stayed an extra two nights!

Look no further in your search for superb bed and breakfast accommodation within easy reach of Granada and Cordoba and under an hour’s drive from Antequera. This is it ! The whole experience is delightful.

From the moment you arrive in the small quiet village square you will want for nothing. Amanda Hamilton will have prepared your bedroom with rare, even romantic attention to detail and comfort. It will be a work of art. But then, she is a gifted artist, too – and you will be entranced by her skilful and amusing paintings. Her artistic gifts spill over into the preparation of breakfast, which (as well as the ‘staples’ ) may include superbly presented proscuitto-wrapped fresh fruit segments, goats cheese and black grapes, freshly squeezed juices, croissants and ground coffee.

The bathrooms are to be enjoyed for as long as you can. With superb baths and showers, and every conceivable toiletry, you may find it takes longer than usual before you emerge. But, why not? The place oozes relaxation. Go up to the roof balcony, and laze in the hot-tub with one of Amanda’s books, or just gaze out over olive clad hills and down to the majestic lake Iznảjar. (See photo)

Amanda is a mine of information about the many white villages and small towns that are within easy reach, and when you return from them she and her equally enchanting young son Zac will happily share a light supper and bottle of wine with you – or, if you are lucky you may have an exquisitely prepared cordon-bleu dinner to remember for the rest of time.

This is certainly one to record in your ‘must return soon’ book. It’s in ours!

In april 2009 I stayed for a long week at Amanda's guest house. Just being away for a week and do a lot of thinking and walking.
The house and rooms are just marvellous, the location stunning, a for walking a very good spot.
But to be able to get to learn the local flavours guided by Amanda & Zack is THE thing. You will not be treated as a guest, you are a friend.
And that makes that you never forget it and wants to return.

Amanda & Zack, it was great and will be great again.
Jan Mulder