Staff Reporter
WITH the shimmering hills of the protected Sierra Crestellina reflecting in the deep end and a glass of cold bubbly in hand in the shallow end, life doesn’t get much better.
Surrounded by some of the best views in Christendom and with a phalanx of vultures swooping low over my head.
Now, unsurprisingly, DDG Retreat, near Casares, has been recognised as having one of the Top 30 best infinity pools in Andalucia.
It is just another award this amazing spot has won, alongside its status as one of Spain’s most perfect honeymoon escapes and best ‘adults only’ hotels.
Romance is the key element of its DNA, which is why it has been chosen no less than four times as being the place to propose to your girlfriend.
Lauded by The Telegraph, Conde Nast and the Sunday Times for it privacy and huge amount of space, each of its suites/casitas feels like a private hotel on its own.
All of them have their own plunge pool and hot tub, not to mention a bigger shared infinity pool and other communal areas.
To add to the romantic experience for couples booking this summer, the retreat has booked up with excellent local restaurant Sarmiento, with a bespoke romantic night out/dinner package.
The wonderfully authentic eatery on the edge of evocative Casares guarantees one of the best tables in the house with stunning views, plus a complimentary glass of cava before being served dinner.
Everything is organised from the moment you book your weekend escape with DDG Retreat.
And for local couples based in Andalucia or nearby Gibraltar the owners have created a special last minute offer for late July and early August stays. Get in touch for more information.
You should also consider a surprise for your partner with a special spa experience and some pampering in the wooden cabin in the home grown pine forest.
There some excellent organic skin care treatments, as well as hot stone, craneo head massages and reflexology.
In addition consider the special breakfast of cava, and with rose petals spread on the table.
High in the stunning Sierra Crestellina – not far from celebrated five-star hotel Finca Cortesin – and you can be guaranteed peace and quiet in this four hectare estate.
There are no screaming kids or motorbikes and the clever design of the hotel means you will feel as if you are on your own.
The expat owners bought the ancient estate two decades ago and have transformed it into a stunning hideout for their antiques and artefacts – and even plants – picked up on their many global adventures.
The architecture is enhanced by tropical gardens so guests are surrounded by the aroma of nature, be it pine, lemongrass or orange blossom.
The owners wanted to create something rare and unique in Europe, not just a small hotel room with a balcony, but an exclusive residence… and it needed to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.
“We endeavour to give something back,” explains the owner. “We use our own well for water and we plant many new trees each year. And the pool has an ozone cleaning system instead of chlorine.
“We love sharing our beautiful natural setting with our guests – with the birds singing and the chirping of cicadas and the rare vultures flying overhead, the wealth of butterflies, the profusion of flowers.”
But this is no sparse eco-retreat either.
Scattered around the estate you will find a tennis court, as well as communal areas, where you can borrow CDs and DVDs.
You choose from a series of stylish casitas or the super-suites (each with their own hot tub or plunge pool).
Each have marble floors, chandeliers and even have air conditioning for very hot days or chilly nights.
When it comes to food and drink you can hole up and be catered for by the team, with a decent mix of dishes and meals.
Or you can take the Olive Press’ advice and head down the hill to one of the many excellent restaurants clustered in and around nearby Casares village.
The very best of these is the innovative and hip Sarmiento, right in the village.
So get yourself sorted, give the retreat a ring and sort out your most romantic retreat of the year.
Visit https://ddgretreat.com/gallery/ for more information and special offers. Quote ‘the Olive Press’ for an extra special rate
