We read about this hotel in John Butler's book "Birdwatching on Spain's Southern Coast" and decided at once that this is where we would stay on our first night to avoid the bustle of Malaga and be at the centre of the birding action.

And we were not disappointed. The hotel is about 30 minutes from the airport, as you swap the city and busy roads for the dirt tracks and calm of the forest. The hotel is an old hacienda style building with a large terrace which everyone congregates on to enjoy the sun and the tiny outdoor pool. At night, everyone loiters quietly to see the wild boar which come to gather scraps of food left out for them below the terrace.

As we had our 5 year old son with us, we booked the suite which was delightful. A large double room for us with simple furnishings, and a sleigh bed in a tower with panoramic view and windows on all sides for our son, accessed up a narrow spiral staircase. It became one of the talking points of the trip!

The food was so-so, surprising as the owners are French, but all in all, it's the experience you remember, not the food. And the birding was good too (Rock Bunting by the hotel bins, Subapline Warbler, Crested Tit, Booted Eagle etc). We will certainly return next time we go through Malaga.

The setting for this hotel could not have been more tranquil or peaceful. The rooms were delightful, furnished with antiques and the lounge area was welcoming. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful. The only down was the food - breakfast was fine, but the dinner rather uninspired. If the restaurant could up its standard this hotel would be perfect if you want to totally relax and escape the bustle of life!

Fantastic location for this hotel, set within a valley 15 miles out of Malaga.

We were disappointed that the (small) swimming pool was empty, no explanation given although Spain is experiencing its worst drought for many years.

Nice clean room, although a little on the small side. Owner was friendly but didn't say much.

And the food was poor in comparison with other places we've stayed in Spain. No imagination at all with the presentation on the plate, and they seemed to vary what you got on your plate dependent on which country you were from. Being British they seemed to think we wanted the blandest possible interpretation of each dish!

Worth a visit if you want to get away from it all, but I would try and avoid eating at the restaurant. Disappointing as Alastair Sawday had recommended the food.