Orange-Coloured Soul

Orange-Coloured Soul: Andalusia

High in the hills above the Costa del Sol is where you'll find the postcard-perfect village of Frigiliana. Here, flower boxes adorn the white-washed houses, and ceramic shops, local cafes and Andalusian eateries flank the cobblestone streets. In this picturesque setting, you can easily spend the day strolling through town and admiring the scenery. But when you do fancy a change of pace, Nerja's sandy beaches, Málaga's buzzing nightlife and Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda's mountainous hiking trails are all within easy reach.

Just 7km away from Frigiliana's historic centre, this charming apartment is the perfect spot to kick back and relax, Spanish-style. We love all the traditional features inside, from the vaulted timber ceilings to the red-brick fireplace. Lazy days by the private pool are a given – there's nothing better than floating beneath cloudless blue skies to the backdrop of the rolling countryside. After a dip or two, dry off on the lounge chairs with a book in hand – perhaps the fresh air, peaceful atmosphere and glorious sunshine will even inspire you to doze off. As the sun begins to set, fire up the barbecue and dine alfresco on tapas and other nibbles, finishing the evening with a glass of local vino under the stars.

Home truths:
*If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair for free on request
*This is a rural spot, so we suggest renting a car – there's parking on-site
*The pool is small (4m by 4m), so it's better suited for quick dips rather than swimming laps
*There isn't a desk here, but the dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Groups of people aged 30 years old or younger aren't allowed here
*The nearest supermarket is in Frigiliana, about 6.5km away