Land of Plenty – Andalucia

Here’s the thing. Andalucia is big. So big that it’s got a little bit of everything.

From the majestic 3000 metre peaks of the Sierra Nevada that sweep their way down to a sparkling Mediterranean coastline, to the culture laden cities of Seville and Granada – there will certainly be something that makes Andalucia a holiday destination to remember.

You won’t be the first to experience its appeal, however. The Tartessians, Phoenicians, Carthagineans, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all got there before you. And it’s a good thing they did because Andalucia is literally dripping with architectural jewels courtesy of its previous uninvited guests. The Moorish influence is apparent across the region – not just in the well-known spots such as Granada, but off the beaten track you are likely to stumble across some remnant of Spain’s multicultural past.

And therein lies the key to making the most of Andalucia. To truly experience this land of plenty you need to get off the beaten track. It’s one thing to stay in the safety of a beachfront complex, but it’s another thing altogether to base yourself in the real Andalucia. To experience the authentic flavour of centuries of multicultural culinary mixing, to understand the culture that shaped artists such as Picasso and Velazquez, to taste the wine that us foreigners never get our hands on – you need to look a little further than the glossy holiday brochures.

Fortunately, finding a unique, one-off place to stay in the heart of Andalucia couldn’t be easier nowadays. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hideaway with goats in the garden, an olive farm with local ‘Costa’ wine on tap, or an apartment within the walls of a historic city – there will be something out there to suit your needs. Once you’ve found the spot, then Andalucia will do the rest.


Top three one off places in Andalucia:

Dar Hajra: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=282




One of Andalucia’s most spectacular rental properties, sculpted around a rocky crag in a forest of the Grazalema park. The views are inspirational, the infinity pool amazing, and the house has been decorated with great style. You’ll find no more romantic a hideaway: this is a place to let your spirit soar.


Palacete de Cazulas - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=317


This exquisite Andalucian country mansion is the perfect place for large family and friends holidays. This jewel of a property dates back to 1492 and is set deep in the heart of the Spanish hinterland in a private, quiet and peaceful setting. With luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens, this is no ordinary holiday rental!


La Molina del Olivar - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=192

Beautiful 13th century restored olive Millhouse, situated in a peaceful secluded setting nestling among olive groves, with spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and unspoilt countryside. Lovingly restored to retain its unique character and rustic charm,but with all mod cons and a fantastic pool to relax by.

Cyprus - more than meets the eye

Cyprus. The name itself conjures up images of long sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, hills dotted with olive groves and traditional white washed villages. Sadly, more recently it also conjures up images of overcrowded, ugly tourist resorts with cheap restaurants catering to mismatched international tastes….

The problem with Cyprus is that it’s no longer a well-kept secret. This small island receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and, quite simply - it’s got to put them all somewhere. Resorts and complexes abound – catering for family and group holidays from all over Europe. Deals are good and numbers increasing – aided of course by the growing number of low cost airlines and flight options.

For many, the island is becoming a home away from home. Apart from the improved weather and the beautiful scenery, the resorts, by their very nature, seemingly absorb the local culture and create a watered down, international version of it. There’s something lacking in authentic charm.

Fortunately there is a way around it. Increasingly large numbers of visitors are opting for the ‘real’ Cyprus holiday experience and as these discerning travellers are increasing in number, so too are their options. Finding an individual, one-off property to stay in is straightforward nowadays as islanders and foreign property owners realise the growing demand. More and more properties are becoming available to rent and at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you want to stay in a traditional stone house in a local village or a secluded luxury villa in an olive grove – the options are now at your disposal. You just have to decide which in unique way you’re going to discover the real charms of Cyprus.

For some ideas check out these links:

http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=276
Tymarhane - a villa in the mountains, with a horizon infinity pool.

http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=290
Michele's House - a village house with sea views from the terrace

http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=297
Myrto - a stone villa oozing with Cypriot charm

http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=172
Sylvia's View - a secluded and rural property with panoramic mountain and ocean views

Late Availability – Wine, Hot Spas & National Parks

One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications.

Vino Cottage is set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia, sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and has availability throughout July and for one week in August. Set within its own vineyard, there are 80 bottles of wine sitting in the cellar of the house waiting to be shared with anyone who books to go this summer.

Less than 4km away is the Terme 3000 Thermal Spa, which features 23 indoor and outdoor naturally heated pools, including children's pools and water slides. Within 30 minutes drive are four other thermal spas. The cottage makes an excellent base for exploring this undiscovered corner of Slovenia, and also for trips into Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Budapest, Vienna and Zagreb are all less than 3 hours drive.

One week in July or August costs £400. The house is available any week in July and for the week starting Saturday 16th August.

For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Tabitha Symonds on Tabitha@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.

Notes for editors:

See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228 for more details of the property.

Ryanair flies daily from London Stansted to Graz airport (approx 1 ¼ hours from property), Maribor in Slovenia (1-1.5 hours), Balaton in Hungary (1-1.5 hours).
Easyjet flies to Ljubljana (2.5 hours).

My favourite Spanish property

Finca el Tornero de Abajo

This Spanish finca is a recent addition to http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ and is not only utterly gorgeous, but amazing value as well.






Set in a National Park, this is a stunning property, modelled on an old Spanish ‘cortijo’. Being only a kilometre from Aracena, it is within easy walking distance of the town, yet wonderfully secluded, tucked in around the side of a hill, giving breathtaking views over the Aracena reservoir and away to the far off peaks of the Badajoz province. Just as perfect for 2-4 people, as it is for 6-8.






The house is built on an L-shaped design with towering wooden-beamed ceilings that keep the house cool. In one leg, the huge well-appointed kitchen leads through a wide arch into a beautiful sitting room, off which three French windows open out onto a large balcony. In the south facing leg, along a passage, are the spacious bedrooms, kept cool during the day by the dappled shade of chestnut trees. There are two ensuite bedrooms, one with its own balcony, and two with a shared bathroom / shower. The beds in three of the rooms can be either doubles or two singles. Downstairs there is a large playroom / dormitory with a pool table and DVD player and television screen. There are four sofa beds, two double and two single, and a shower room leading off. On the north side of the house, there is a laundry and a self contained apartment with a ‘Scottish’ double bed, kitchen, seating area and shower room.

Price starts at £700 for one week (bargain when shared between 6-8 people). Find out more by visiting http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=291

Late Availability and Discounted deals in June from One Off Places

One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications.

Col Di Lavacchio, an organic farm in Northern Tuscany nestling on a ridge below the dramatic peak of Pania Del Croce still has weeks available from 7-21 June in both the two bedroom stable and the seven bedroom farmhouse . The owners are offering a 20% discount for bookings on either property. With sensational views of the Appenines, Lavacchio offers comfortable holiday accommodation in the old farmhouse and converted stable, a stunning pool, a hot spa pool and space to roam amongst the terraces and chestnut groves.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=264 & http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=266

A 20% late booking discount is also being offered for June bookings at The Waterhouse, a newly built eco, oak framed timber pole house in Dumfries & Galloway. A stream runs under the deck and feeds a large pond – your immediate surrounds are private and peaceful and further afield you are surrounded by undulating countryside, woodland and coastal walks.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=223

Quinta da Tapada in Northern Portugal is a beautifully restored stone farmhouse, set in the countryside but only a 15 minute drive from the historic towns of Braga and Guimaraes. The ground floor of the farmhouse is available to let (3 bedrooms) and there is still availability from 2-13 June which is being offered at a discounted price.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=182

Also in Northern Portugal is Lagar cottage, the former wine-making shed of a nineteenth century farmhouse set in the beautiful Minho area. Any week from 1st – 21st June is available, at a 10% discount on the normal price.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=178

One Off Places was set up in 2007 – the owners have a keen interest in travel and are always on the look out for the perfect one off place. Tabitha Symonds, director of One Off Places says: “historically, we have found that the properties we seek are being swamped by the mass market apartments in resorts and thousands of properties which all look the same as the one next door. Between us we have travelled extensively and have stayed in hundreds of unique properties worldwide – now we want to try and make these places more accessible to the discerning holidaymaker.”

For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Tabitha Symonds on Tabitha@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.

Notes:

Col di Lavacchio Prices:
Old Stable (sleeps 4) - £336 for one week. Saving £84.
Farmhouse (sleeps 14) - £1700 for one week. Saving £425.

The Waterhouse Prices:
£472 for one week (based on two adults) – saving £118
Weekday break (4 nights) and Weekend break (3 nights) also available for at reduced prices.

Quinta da Tapada Prices:
£350 for one week – saving £50

Lagar Cottage Prices:
€360 for one week (approx £285) – saving €40