Hotel Molino Del Arco

A beautifully converted 18th-century mill in the Andalucian town of Ronda, with a welcome drink and breakfast

There's nothing that spells 'holiday' like the warm scent of the Mediterranean countryside - the rustle of age-old olive groves and the picturesque, rolling vineyards combine with the sounds of singing cicadas to lull you away into total relaxation. Immerse yourself with a stay at Molino del Arco, a four-star hotel exquisitely set in an 18th-century olive oil mill nestled within rural Ronda.<br><br>After a bountiful buffet breakfast, relax by the mesmerising blue outdoor pool, or slip away to the serene, shaded pond for a peaceful morning. There are 10,000 square metres of gardens to explore, all created under the watchful eye of architect Miguel Fisac. Lose yourself among the fruit trees, lavender bushes and lush aloes that pepper the grounds, before dinner at Molino de Arco's onsite restaurant.<br><br>Armed with a packed lunch from the hotel, spend a day exploring the surrounding area and discover the three national parks nearby - Sierra de las Nieves, Grazalema and Alcornocales. Visit Spain's oldest bullring, marvel at the El Tajo gorge and gaze at the impressive 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge - skillfully carved out of the rocky gorge to span the 100-metre chasm below.