Villa Alhambra Spain

In the heart of historic Andalusia with unparalleled views of the mountains and most notably the World UNESCO Alhambra Palace, Villa Alhambra offers the perfect combination of romance and privacy for seven lucky guests.
With so much period charm inside and out, and built in a somewhat ‘cortijo’ cottage style, it really is an utterly unique Andalusian property for those seeking a more traditional home. Outside is a real gem, and you’ll be wowed by the entrance. Cobbled stone steps lead the way through pretty well loved 17th century gardens and terraces all cocooned in flowering shrubs, fragrant fruit trees and pretty fountains sprinkled over various levels.
Separate from the house, more steps lead to a charming pool terrace, which affords amazing views over the leafy tree and rooftops all the way towards the Palace, where it is hard to resist lounging the hours away in blissful peace and quiet. The pool is a constant temptation, however when you can summon the energy external steps from the house bring you up to a pretty rooftop outdoor terrace, where you can dine outside and soak up more of the incredible vistas. Combining the views with cooling dips and alfresco meals, outside has to be one of the best ways to spend days here.
The lovingly maintained interiors are traditional and homely, as the owner has restored and added a mix of intricate dark and light wood furniture, artwork – some of which is spiritual – along with plenty of curios and antiques. Cue the quirky sitting room, located on the upper level of the house. Centred on a charming little fireplace paired with comfy brown leather sofas, armchairs and two coffee tables all making it particularly cosy for evenings spent indoors curled up watching a film, reading or sociable catch ups. Doors from here ascend into the dining room which is dominated by an intricately carved rafted ceiling, along with a welcoming antique table for dining, and a further spot for putting your feet up on the footstool and just chilling out. A charming farmhouse style kitchen accentuated with pretty Andalusian wall and floor tiles is a delight and features all the modern day amenities you could need for rustling up anything from a light snack to a hearty meal, with plenty of space for all the chefs to get involved!
On this floor, you’ll also discover one of the spacious double bedrooms and bathrooms. The remaining three bedrooms – two twin and one double – and bathrooms all sit on the lower level. Bedroom furnishings are all eye-catching, which include local fabrics, antiques, and an eclectic selection of artwork in keeping with the rest of the house. All bedrooms are complimented by charming wood shuttered windows to allow the Spanish light in and a fresh breeze to keep things cool. Rounding things off on this floor is a further cosy “snug” living room accentuated with a feature fireplace and doubles as a quiet cosy reading room, as well as a space for those who wish to play board games or listen to music in tranquillity – the pistachio greens and soft yellow cushions add a calming note.
This charming home offers sweet quirks as well as original comforts and real authenticity; there’s scope for groups and families as well as the privacy of quiet reading nooks, morning coffee on the rooftop terrace as Albaicin comes to life, and evening drinks as the sun softens over the Alhambra.Villa Alhambra enjoys one of the finest locations in the old historic centre of the Albaicin quarter – Granada’s oldest Arab district and UNESCO listed – and affords magnificent views slap bang opposite the breath-taking, hilltop Alhambra from where the house takes its name. A stay at Villa Alhambra lets you absorb all the sights and sounds of pure Andalusia.
A serene and peaceful place, it’s ideal for a quiet escape where you can listen to the trees rustling and the birds singing, and be within easy distance to the cobbled streets and alleyways crowded with Moorish villas, colourful tiles and jasmine-scented courtyards full of charm and atmosphere. Days can be spend wandering the streets of the old Albaicin quarter. Reflecting the city’s Moorish traditions, you’ll discover exotic tearooms and restaurants serving delicious tagine and couscous dishes. Everywhere else, tapas bars take precedence, with sunny pavement tables primed for tasty titbits like quails’ eggs, cured ham, manchego cheese accompanied by cold Spanish beer, sherry or wine. Many of the traditional restaurants offer Spanish favourites like gazpacho, flamenco eggs or La tortilla del Sacromonte (a type of omelette made with sweetbreads and ham). Early evening is the cue to enjoy the popular sweet treat of chocolate con churros, delicious doughnut sticks dipped in hot chocolate.
Also, at night-time experience a taste of real Spanish Flamenco at one of Albaicin’s atmospheric tablao’s, wowing at Andalusia’s spectacular traditional dance form, where dancers passionately sway and sashay to the sounds of castanets and strumming guitars.Soak up some of the region’s richest history too. The Church of San Nicolás is well worth the steep hike through streets of Albaicin to marvel the view of the Alhambra and the Generalife with the Sierra Nevada backdrop.
Staying at Villa Alhambra really is a dream. As well as the charming local area, you will be greeted morning, noon and night by the magnificent views of Granada’s most famed and World UNESCO heritage sites and one of the wonders of the Arab World – The Alhambra Palace. You can seriously spend hours just gazing, taking photos or even painting the view of this marvel. It’s incredible. And visiting; you have to visit too! Granada isn’t complete without a visit or two to the Alhambra; the 13th century Arab palace complex with its ornate chambers, gardens and fountains, to its fine cathedral, including the stunning summer palace Generalife. It’s a popular sight and truly marvellous, so book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
There are endless ways to fill your days, whether you’re out to relax, soak up some of Spain’s richest history or simply live it up. Granada is one of Spain’s most visited cities, so it’s crammed full of tourist shops of every description. In the Caldererias area, you’ll find a bazaar-like maze of streets crammed with Moorish-style stalls groaning with inlaid wooden boxes, iron lanterns and leather goods, whilst elsewhere there’s a huge variety of Andalusian shops selling castanets, glazed tiles and hand-painted ceramics. For modern-day shopping, make a beeline for the boutiques and department stores clustered around the cathedral and Puerta Real. It’s no surprise the city is bursting with mosques, Arab fortresses and Gothic churches to discover too. The city also has a bustling market scene. The best known is the Mercado San Augustin. Visit here and browse the stalls selling fresh produce and tasty snacks, and best still, you’re just a short stroll from the cathedral.
Granada is loaded with eateries, so it’s foodie heaven. A great and popular shopping spot with locals is Mercadillo de Plaza Larga – a market held every Saturday. It’s perfect for picking up fresh fruit and vegetables that you can take back to your villa cook up delicious feasts. Nightlife in Granada starts late, so maybe start things gradually by snacking at the many outdoor tapas bars. Later, there’s an incredible choice of electrifying flamenco shows, jazz clubs and music bars to enjoy or if you’re feeling more adventurous, follow the crowds to the atmospheric Sacromonte district for the legendary zambra, where local gypsies dance in cavernous clubs to castanets and strumming guitars. Around 11 o’clock, Granada’s nightclubs leap into action if you fancy strutting your stuff or for something different, head for the soothing hammam baths in Calle Santa Ana to relax in the warm waters, Arab style!
Whether you tapas-safari your way round the compact, easy-to-explore city centre, or spend time discovering the hidden caves of Albaicin, a Granada holiday is sure to leave you hungry for more.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Please contact our Excellence Luxury Villas concierge team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!