Like a landed estate of aristocratic bearing, the Dehesa Montenmedio extends over 500 hectares of coastal forest on Spain’s southern Atlantic coast.

The stretch of coastal road that follows the gentle curves of the Atlantic coast from the surfer’s paradise of Tarifa to the pretty white village of Vejer de la Frontera passes through some of the finest scenery in Spain. Just before Vejer, that little jewel with the heart of a mountain village yet just two kilometres removed from the sea, you will see a discreet sign to Dehesa Montenmedio.

Beyond that there is no hint of what is to follow, for this estate lies ensconced within the verdant embrace of umbrella pine, cork oaks, wild olive trees and centenary pine. Within this parkland with its protected natural status you will also find an 18-hole golf course flanked by growths of pine and by lakes that are much more than mere water features. (more…)

James Bond, eat your heart out!

Arriving at the unique setting of the Venice Film Festival is glamorous enough, but imagine how heads would turn if you made your way across the famous Venetian canals in this mysterious beast?

The Lancia Powerboat is just that – a gorgeous beast of a vessel that contains all the raw beauty of Italian styling and the pedigree of the Lancia marque wrapped up in one hell of a package. (more…)

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Morocco and wait for the inevitable assault on the senses; in the southern light colour is more vivid, flavours stronger and the world around you delightfully exotic. Forget about the tourists, luxury resort hotels and chic riads owned by the likes of Richard Branson – out here you can feel every bit the intrepid explorer. (more…)

In a sea of faces, Andalusians provide a fascinating diversity of looks and origins that bear living testimony to the region’s turbulent past as a much-invaded corner of Europe. Since the earliest times, conquerors, refugees, soldiers, mercenaries, merchants and adventurers have been adding to the rich and diverse mix of ingredients from which the Andalusians have been moulded.

The concept of racial purity, even if such a thing was ever desirable, has long since been discarded as unrealistic. As Europeans we live on a continent which, in spite of a broader sense of cultural identity and concept of racial affinity, consists of a myriad of nations and regions, each with their own traditions and mythology about their origins. Given this diversity within our own continent, and the fact that we border two large landmasses, it is only logical to assume that all but the most isolated and remote communities could not withstand being swept into the great tidal wave of migrations that have occurred since the earliest of times.
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If you want to get away from it all for a few days, surrounded by the peace and beauty of nature yet not cut off from the world; if you enjoy a rustic setting but style and comfort are important to you too, then you may want to try the Fountainhead Hotel near Riogordo, in the mountains behind Málaga. Chances are you’ll visit again…
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