Refugio De Juanar Hotel

“ I had stayed at El Refugio many years ago and remembered its tranquility, excellent cuisine and hospitality, none of which have changed. It is a little gem situated in a nature reserve forest. Ideal for walks, appreciating nature and unwinding.

Although beautifully "isolated", delightful little villages are only 20 minutes to an hour away. Our favourite was Istan. And if you really want the bright lights of Marbella are about 40 minutes away.

The hotel itself is comfortable although lacks central heating. However, upon mentioning this we were given a heater for our room. Indeed the staff are all helpfulness personified.

We shall definitely going back!

“ Top Tip: The village of Istan has a great Argentian restaurant called Entre las Sierras. Eat on the terrace and enjoy the view. If you are flying to and from Malaga, Monda is a good pitstop. Although there is a nice bar with a raised patio opposite the entrance to the public car park - great boquerones - there is a lovely little square up the hill with another bar/cafe which is great around sunset.

“ We found the hotel very welcoming if a little "tired" in the bedroom area. It was comfortable, and the magnificent log fire burning brightly in the grate in the lounge area, was a magnet for us each evening - complete with a relaxing drink from the bar.
Only negative was the 5 kilometre drive from the main road to the hotel - very tortuous, and requiring great concentration particularly in the dark! We really enjoyed the isolation of the place, and the smell of the clean fresh air. Would love to visit in the summer time to enjoy the terrace areas.

“ This hotel has seen alot of history in its past glory,which has now gone.
The interior is very clean and tidy, has a good resturant with a great wine collection.
The property is about 10 km from nearest village in lovely walking country.It's only a 1.2 km walk through the forest to views over the Med and nearby hills.
The down side is that the staff are grumpy,gardens and tennis courts are run down and the water in the swimming pool is black.

“ Top Tip: Nothing for miles but good walking country.