The Beach House - Bolonia

The garden connects to the beach, but people staying in the other accommodations all pass through it, so it doesn't feel private. The two sunbeds were broken, though the owner replaced one on the second day. The owner's dog has free run of the garden, with its food and water bowls next to the bungalow. I felt the price was too high. The online photos mix this place with pictures of the other accommodations, and I should have researched it more carefully. The owner did say we didn't have to stay, but by then it was rather late in the day. This "bungalow" is basically shipping containers, covered with bits of wood and partly plastered inside. The kitchen, dining area, and seating area share one large space, with the bathroom fitted into it and the bedroom attached. There's no TV, WiFi, air-conditioning, or sea view. The bathroom was clean and tidy. The bedroom, a small shipping container with no window, is small, but the bed was comfortable and the linen clean and fresh. The kitchen has the essentials, and the woodburning stove is a lovely addition to the seating area. There are four properties of different sizes set around a garden with beach access. Some may have sea views, but this "bungalow" doesn't. Bolonia is fabulous, and this might suit you if you just want to surf and sleep and have someone sleeping on the sofa.

Bolonia's beach is beautiful, and the complex is in a very good spot behind it. That's why I gave it 2 stars. The chalet was musty, with old, worn furniture, and the bathroom was disgusting, with broken bathtub flooring. There were ants everywhere, even in the bed. For the price, I expected much more, especially since you can get a suite at a 4-star hotel in the area for the same amount. This seems more suited to campers and people who like garden cabins and are willing to pay a high price.

Right beside the beach are the ruins of Baelo Claudia, a Roman city dating back to the 1st century AD. Bolonia Beach is in the Strait Natural Park, which has helped keep it nearly pristine. It has fine white sand and clear Atlantic waters, and is one of the last unspoiled beaches in southern Spain. One of its main attractions is the impressive dune, over 30 meters high. The beach is in the municipality of Tarifa, in the province of Cádiz.

The upstairs room was spacious and cool, with sea views, and the place was peaceful. Larita was very hospitable and provided excellent service, always available when needed. I was glad I could bring my dog and cat to the Chateaux house. The outdoor area is very neglected, with dry grass and poorly kept common spaces. It really doesn't fit the place, and it's a shame they don't maintain it. The kitchen is short on utensils, though I was told that would be fixed.