Finca Las Encinas

Staying with Clive and Maki is an absolutely wonderful experience. I went with my family when I was young and recently had the chance to return. They are such wonderful hosts, the rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the whole stay was very relaxing. The dinner and breakfast were nothing short of phenomenal (maybe the best ever?) and the ingredients are super fresh. Iznájar, nearby, is a cute little town with lovely views of the lake. If you're looking for a cozy and relaxing stay in the countryside of Andalucía, I could not recommend it more.

Maki and Clive are welcoming, kind and attentive hosts. The suite is lovely, with everything we needed from hairdryer to underfloor heating. The peace and quiet were a tonic. We loved the charm and design details throughout. We loved chatting over delicious breakfasts alongside a log fire. We loved the stunning views and the proximity to Cordoba. We loved meeting the 2 cats and Jan the dog. And we loved Clive’s sensational 3-course dinners, prepared with the highest skill and freshest local ingredients. Incredible value and absolutely wonderful - don’t hesitate to book this magical place.

Our second visit here and another fabulous stay. The hospitality of Maki & Clive is superb. The food Clive prepares is outstanding & delicious. The whole ambience of the place is so relaxing and those views truly beautiful, of course we will all be back again.

It is a bit difficult to know where to begin.. We had some Google problems locating the property, but once there, the welcome from Maki and Clive was very effusive and we settled in quickly to enjoy the lovely facilities over a five night relaxing stay. The only other guest was an American(Ron)whose company we both enjoyed. With Clive having had a long international career as a Chef, we particularly appreciated the consistent quality of the nightly varied three-course dinners. Easily, the best food we have enjoyed over two months of travel. If back in the Region we would stay again.

We had a wonderful stay at the incredible Finca Las Encinas in Andalucía. Our hosts Maki and Clive were so gracious and knowledgeable about the area. The gourmet food was delicious. We had Clive cook for us the first night and then had a cooking class from Clive the second night. Such a fun experience. It was so amazing to wake up and have our delicious breakfast while sitting on the patio overlooking the rolling hills of olive trees. Can’t wait to go back again.

As soon as I had seen the rooms, I knew this was a special place to stay, such care is taken for their decoration. I particularly liked the ones with balconies. It must be lovely to just to sit there, and forget about the world for a while. The terrace where dinners are served is lovely as well. Above all I was impressed by the collection of all those little knick-knacks and that cheese plant!

Charm and character , stunning pool , wonderful food , fantastic hosts . An overwhelming feeling of escape to tranquility comfort and indulgence

Don't take Sawday's word for it, take ours - this is a special place. This was our second stay with Maki and Clive who are the perfect hosts and Clive's wonderful food will not leave you hungry. This Finca is a dreamy getaway with a truly magical and peaceful quality and we can't wait to visit again.

The area and views are just lovely. Maki and Clive are a delightful pairing and Clive's culinary expertise is well worth the visit. We completed a section of the Via Verde de Acite when we visited (do book ahead through bike friends) and also visited the historicaltowns/villages of Priego de Cordoba, Izinijar and Zuheros.

We (my husband & 14yr old son)had 4 nights with Maki & Clive, it was a truly fabulous stay. The house is gorgeous with plants everywhere and beautiful pool and those views, well hard to leave looking across to the hills of olive orchards. They are both amazing hosts, nothing too much trouble and very welcoming and Clive’s food simply outstanding. We ate like kings and I thoroughly recommend having the 3 course dinner each night. Quail, Chicken, Hake, Seabass all done using local or their own produce. Roasted peaches, citrus, cherry and a caramel desert. Then those starters clams, prawns ..

We had a very pleasant stay at this lovely authentic Andalucian house. Everything was very clean and well maintained. Maki and Clive were very helpful and attentive. Set in lovely grounds, perfect for a relaxing break. We hope to visit again and would certainly give a good recommendation.

I went for 4 days 3 nights and my only regret was not staying longer. Very comfortable, clean, and aesthetic. The food was divine and the cooking course with Clive was so fun! Maki and Clive made me feel at home, gave me great advice on day trips and sent me home with olive oil, oranges and bay leaves. I’ll be back again!

We spent five wonderful days with Maki and Clive, which we will remember for a long time. From the very first moment we felt very comfortable at the Finca las Encinas. The surrounding is wonderfully quiet, the house and the pool invite you to relax, the whole atmosphere is very warm and hospitable. The food Clive makes is simply great. Enjoying these dinners on the terrace with a view of the Andalusian hills enriched our holiday and made us very happy. We are already planning to come back. Thanks to Maki and Clive, you are great host.

An excellent spot for just relaxing or as a central base for touring most of the landmark cities of Andalucia. Rooms are basic and rustic, clean and comfortable. The pool is very welcome in the heat with great views of the inevitable Olive trees of the area. Maki and Clive are friendly and welcoming with plenty of advice on how to enjoy the sights and flavours of this part of Spain. Talking of flavours, Clive is a superb chef and the evening meals are a delight of fresh, local fare. I have an interest in cooking and just wish I could have stayed for one of Clive's popular cookery courses.

A wonderful holiday, perfect for us. Attractive finca, delightful setting, the real Spain for us. We'd been to Córdoba, Granada and Seville in the past and wanted to visit small towns and villages nearby, which were delightful. Clive and Maki are a remarkable couple and Cei makes it extra special. Clive's cooking is superb, gourmet without gourmet prices, using fresh local produce with the Spanish touch. Maki is artistic and creative in the rooms, lent us maps and advised on parking etc. We enjoyed their company on the terrace on a range of topics as evening fell. A very special holiday

A wonderful base for exploring Andalusia. Maki was very helpful in maximising our explorations and as for Clive's cooking it has established a benchmark of excellence. We highly recommend Los Fincas, one of the best ever. The week we had was perfect and the pool was great at the end of a day's explorations.

Great holiday learning to cook with Clive, soaking up some culture and relaxing by the pool and in the hammocks. My teenage son loved it too! We both came home with lots of new skills as well as great recipes! Clive and Maki are great hosts and we can't wait to go back!