Convento La Magdalena Hotel

We were lucky to be upgraded to a large, lovely suite, and almost everything was perfect. It’s a beautiful luxury castle in a peaceful natural setting, with a golf resort, gardens, pool, and restaurant. The restaurant food was good, the view outside was lovely, and breakfast showed real attention to quality. The staff were friendly. The only thing I missed was somewhere in the bar to get a drink with a small bite to eat.

The views over olive groves, hills, and rocky mountains are wonderful, and the location makes a great base for relaxing and exploring Andalusia. The staff are pleasant and helpful, and breakfast is excellent. The hotel has plenty of character, from the original courtyard and stairways to the cellars, and the bedrooms feel comfortable and distinctive too. It isn’t pretentious or stuffy. Maybe not what you expect from a typical 5* hotel, but its character, setting, views, and atmosphere make the luxury rating feel deserved.

We were moved here during covid after booking another hotel from the same chain in Antequera. It’s a 15-minute drive outside town, but the quiet, beautiful mountain setting and long history made it worthwhile. In the evening we enjoyed wandering through the buildings, which felt like stepping into the past or visiting a museum. Classical music played throughout and made the place feel even more relaxing. The spa was closed, but we still had a great time in the pool and jacuzzi. Breakfast was good, and ground-floor rooms open onto gardens where fruit and vegetables are growing. It was a pleasant change, and we’d definitely recommend it.

A special, cosy old monastery with its own small museum and chapel. The rooms are fantastic, especially upstairs, and the garden looks out toward the great Thorcal mountain range, which you can also see from the breakfast and dining areas. The spa is great, with a sauna and indoor pool, though I did miss having a fitness room. It’s a superb place if you like being tucked away in nature. The food is less impressive for the price, but breakfast is great and varied. We go there often. It has a truly unique character. Recommended.