What neighbours? The beauty of Casa La Siesta is that the nearest town – the pretty white hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera – is a four-mile drive away down rough country roads.
And thank goodness. Aside from a small collection of wind turbines to the north and a few farm buildings in the distance, the views from Casa La Siesta are of trees on the surrounding hillside and ochre fields stretching off into the distant horizon. Guests can unwind to nature’s soundtrack of clucking hens, which roam freely outside the house gates, and the wind in the trees.
Visitors wishing to escape the confines of the Casa will find plenty to occupy themselves. The dreamy Costa de la Luz (the Coast of Light) is just six miles away, offering ample eating, drinking and watersport opportunities. The stretch of coastline between Tarifa and Cadiz is also known for surfing. Veterans and beginners are all welcome, and staff can arrange equipment hire or classes. Plus, Casa La Siesta provides free bikes for guests to explore the countryside and nearby coast, and golf and horseriding excursions can be arranged.
The look
Combining a classic hacienda with cool, contemporary styling, the sandstone building that constitutes the main house sits in landscaped gardens packed with olive, lemon and palm trees, and lavender and jasmine bushes.
Much of the furniture throughout the property is reclaimed, with wooden doors, beams, tiles and fixtures bearing the hallmarks of a much-loved history. Aside from butterscotch stucco walls, the interiors are clean, minimal and neutral. Food is served in an outdoor courtyard, which is full of plants and trees and tastefully lit of an evening, when the surrounding countryside and star-filled skies amp up the romance factor.
The vibe
Friendly and hands-off. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home during their stay and, while the excellent team are happy to help with any questions, there’s also a tacit understanding that most guests are there to make the most of the peaceful environment that has been carefully cultivated.
Bed and bath
Rooms are large and airy, with wooden beams, parquet floors and shutters that guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. Bedroom doors open onto private patios, complete with table and chairs – perfect for sipping a pre-dinner aperitif. A freestanding roll-top bath, his and hers basins, and a large and powerful walk-in rainfall shower complete the room, which is perfect for a couple but lacks privacy if your relationship is a platonic one.
Food and drink
It's no exaggeration to describe the food as spectacular. There’s an emphasis on local produce, an abundant supply of locally sourced seafood, and a vegetable and herb garden onsite. A multiple-course breakfast including Greek yoghurt, honey and oats, fresh fruit, toast, eggs, avocado and cake set us up for a day of lounging poolside; a three-course lunch delivered the best gazpacho I’ve ever eaten, complete with a small dish of finely chopped onion and cucumber as a garnish.
Menus change daily, but one evening meal consisted of jamon iberico and local fish, finished with a rich ganache slice accompanied by lavender-infused ice cream.
Casa La Siesta is also home to a small wine cellar full of Spanish bottles, many of which are sourced from family-run local vineyards. Based in the heartland of sherry country, the house also offers a selection of the area’s finest examples. Guests can help themselves to the honesty bar, which offers wine, beer and spirits 24 hours a day.
Pools, spas and public areas
A 17m pool surrounded by olive trees and fragrant bushes provides the perfect opportunity to cool off when the mercury rises. During the cooler winter months, the pool is heated. Those after more privacy will find plenty of hiding places throughout the house grounds, including Spanish daybeds and sunbathing and covered areas in which to read, relax or enjoy a bite to eat.
Inside, a central room functions as the main indoor hub, lined by shelves of books about Spain, food, architecture and travel. A white and airy hut with muslin curtains is used for massages, although these are also available in-room.
