Europe: Onsite Review—Travels in Andalusia

Recommend Standard Image TemplateTravels in AndalusiaBy Barbara ScofidioThe southernmost region of Spain, bordering on the Mediterranean and Atlantic, has been shaped by seven centuries of Muslim rule, dating back to AD 711 when North African forces conquered the Iberian Peninsula. In fact, the distance between Africa and Spain at the closest point is only seven miles. This influence can still be found today in Andalusia’s art, architecture and of course, its food. The Moors influenced many of the plants that thrive here today, from the bitter orange trees that line the streets (used to make marmalade) to lemons, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, figs and dates. Many local dishes are prepared with saffron, cinnamon and cumin, hallmarks of Moroccan cuisine. The climate, with long, hot summers and mildly cool winters, is also ideal for agriculture, a driver of the local economy. The region is also known for its olives, with the presence of olives dating to the Phoenician and Roman eras. All these factors lead to Andalusia becoming a popular choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in a combination of history and gastronomy. STREET SCENEMarbellaA recent visit, hosted by Turespaña—the institution responsible for promoting Spain as a tourist destination—explored both aspects of the region, starting on Day 1 with, of course, its olive oil. A tasting at D’Oliva Marbella, located in Marbella’s Old Town, featured six different premium virgin olive oils from different parts of Spain, soaked up with freshly baked bread and accompanied by a fine red wine. The session is as educational as it is fun, and leaves travelers with a much deeper knowledge of this liquid gold. Marbella is home to the elegant, five-star Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melia, one of the Costa del Sol’s most famous beach resorts, built in 1964. The waterfront property, steps from the city-center, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean, and its mountain-view rooms look out over the Sierra Blanca range. The vibe is one of a sophisticated city resort, with a dramatic lobby area and outside dining among the greenery, until you step out into the back to find rows of sunbathers lining the spectacular pool and fountain—and, just beyond, the beach. As with all Gran Melia properties, the Red Level offers an even more elevated experience, with access to a private lounge serving beverages and snacks during the day and the distilled version in the evenings.Sancti PetriOur next stop was a resort area on the Atlantic known as Sancti Petri, home to the beachfront Palacio de Sancti Petri Gran Melia, set in a former neo-Mudejar palace. Here, some of the rooms literally sit on what many say is Spain’s most beautiful beach, Playa de la Barrosa. The focus is on R&R, dining on fresh-caught local fish and crisp Spanish white wine at the Michelin-starred Alevante, and golfing at the adjacent Novo Sancti Petri Golf Course, on the Costa de la Luz. A must-do day trip just a half-hour drive away is Vejer de la Frontera, one of several hillside whitewashed villages in the area. These ancient villages are home to convents, churches and charming artisan and souvenir shops. Private homes line their entrances with flowerpots overflowing with bright flowers and dripping with bougainvillea. The hillside villages are not for the faint of heart—be ready for a long climb up the mountainside on narrow cobblestone streets for the pleasure of a picturesque view of the rolling farmland below.BIRDSEYE VIEW HOTELSevilleNo visit to the region is complete without a stay in Seville, the capital of Andalusia and its biggest city, with a metropolitan population of about 1.5 million. At its famous cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world—our trip organizers arranged for a private viewing of its altar, a soaring masterpiece with gilded relief panels depicting the Old Testament. Downtown Seville is home to the Hotel Colon Gran Melia, which is about to undergo a stunning renovation of its guestrooms. Its location in the heart of Seville’s most popular shopping district is also steps away from the cathedral and another must-see historical site, Giralda Tower. CONCERT HALLGranadaAbout three hours east, Granada is home to the Alhambra, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to this sprawling complex, set just above the city, requires one or two days to truly experience all of its palaces and gardens. As a bonus, early in summer, the International Festival of Music and Dance of Granada is one of the most sought-after events in Spain. We were able to enjoy a classical music performance by the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada in the Palace of Charles V inside the Alhambra as the sun set over the ruins. Another unique aspect of Granada is its location below the Sierra Nevada mountain range and ski resort. The top floor Level lounge of the stylish and just-renovated Melia Granada offers stunning panoramic views of the range, just a 45-minute drive away. For those clients whose bucket list includes the rare chance to ski and swim in the ocean in the same day, this is the spot, with a number of the Costa Tropical’s Mediterranean beaches also located about an hour away. In a small village set in the mountains midway between Granada and Malaga, the family-run Caviar de Riofrio supplies caviar to many Michelin-starred restaurants and is well-known among the celebrity chef set. Its claim to fame is that it’s the first certified organic caviar in the world. The area’s natural conditions with year-round water at a stable temperature from a natural spring located nearby are ideal for raising the sturgeon from which the caviar eggs are laid. Visitors can enjoy a caviar tasting with champagne, or even better, an immersive tour where they can dive in a sturgeon pool with the biologists, followed by a caviar tasting.JAMONMalaga Malaga, which now has a direct flight to Newark Airport on United, is a vibrant seaside city with a covered central area lined with shops and cafes. At night, the city is alive with outdoor cafes packed with young vacationers and ex-pats mingling with the locals. Foodies could spend weeks exploring the city’s many tapas bars and seafood restaurants, and our group had the chance to sample one of the finest, Los Patios De Beatas, a combination wine store, wine bar and restaurant. Owner and well-known sommelier Julian Sanjuan led a pairing of Jamón Ibérico, the local ham, in a charming room lined with racks of wine. A perfect ending to an unforgettable week. Contact InformationGran Melia: melia.com/en/brands/luxury/granmeliaTourism Board of Andalusia: andalucia.org/en/homeTourism Board of Costa del Sol: visitcostadelsol.comTurespaña: spain.info/en

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