Meerlust - Las Ballenas

You follow a dusty track through fragrant pine forests (catching sea glimpses) to a building fringed with bougainvillea, frangipani and crunchy gravel paths. Two suites, one upstairs sleeping two and one downstairs for maximum four (with a sofa bed), have Art Deco walnut furniture, Havana art, feather beds, linen curtains and photo art; bathrooms sport antique mirrors and opaque glass bricks.

You’re surrounded by nature with stunning views to the sea and Cape Trafalgar’s lighthouse. Kitchens have all you need for holiday cooking, including a dishwasher – take meals on your own private terrace or wander through verdant gardens to the pool for a refreshing dip.

Colette leaves you plenty of basics plus homemade marmalade and a bottle of wine. Find books and WiFi throughout in case you’re inside, but otherwise this is an outdoorsy sort of place for those who love nature, the sea and peaceful Andalusian countryside. Ease yourselves into a slower way of life.