If you are looking for a slice of paradise in one of the best conserved and most spectacular biodiversity reserves in Europe, then this is it!

El Tambor del Llano, a very special, small hotel, set in an extensive estate of dense cork oak forests with numerous species of fauna and flora, takes its name from one of Garcia Lorca’s poems, literally meaning the sound of horses galloping over the plain, like the beating of a drum.

In a magical spot, it is a splendid natural balcony looking out towards the sierras. Peaceful and secluded, yet only four kilometres to the picturesque village of Grazalema and a forty -minute drive to Ronda, this old farm building was converted into the stylish, rustic, minimalist and functional hotel that it is.

A family concern, still running a working farm with horses and sheep and an ecological vegetable patch, the professional, attentive and knowledgeable team onsite, will ensure you get the best out of your stay.

With a fantastic natural swimming pool, all sorts of activities are on offer here, from horse-riding, to bird-watching, to marked walking routes within the estate, to yoga classes and massages and at certain times of the year, stargazing. The choice is yours!

The inner man is well looked after too with the estate’s own lamb featuring firmly on the dinner menu.

 

Accommodation

The hotel has ten double rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, on the ground and first floors.

All rooms have air conditioning and WIFI.

Double Rooms:

Rooms 2 and 3: On the ground floor with own patio and direct access to the garden. View of woods. Pets allowed in these rooms.

Rooms 7 and 8: On the first floor with balcony. View of woods.

King size double beds or two singles.

Superior Double Rooms:

Rooms 5 and 10: On the first floor. More spacious. They have a sofa. View of woods or the valley. King size double bed or two singles.

Comfort Double Rooms:

Rooms 1 and 4: On the  ground floor with own patio and direct access to the garden. They have a sofa. View of woods. Pets allowed in these rooms.

Rooms 6 and 9: On the first floor. They have a sofa. Balcony and extra window. View of woods.

King size double bed or two singles.

Hotel Features

Natural swimming pool

Five marked walking routes within the estate

Their own stables and horse-riding

Garden

Terrace

Sitting rooms, two with fireplaces.

Honesty bar

Restaurant

Astronomy sessions

Yoga classes

Massages

Temporary art exhibitions

Owners can organise different outdoor activities within the estate and beyond

Restaurant

Breakfast is served from 8.30 – 10.30 am in the hotel’s dining room. Fresh orange juice, tea and coffee, cereals, fruit, yogurt, toast and jam and local honey as well as eggs and bacon or Iberian ham if required.

A set dinner (three courses) is available from 8.30 pm (order in advance before 2.00 pm the same day). There is a special menu including the estate’s own organic lamb or sea bass from Cadiz. The cooking is traditional with innovative touches, using quality ingredients from the owners’ farm and ecological vegetable patch and other local sources.

Picnic lunches can be prepared for you if required.

Champagne, fruit or chocolates in the room can be provided as can cakes for special occasions.

Hotel Facilities

WiFi all areas

Sports and Wellbeing

Swimming Pool (outdoor, all year)

Room facilities (all rooms)

Heating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Walk-in shower

Dining

Resaurant / dining room for guests only
Honesty bar for clients only
Packed lunch service

Accessibility

Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobility

Parking

On-site parking (free)
Electric vehicle charging station

Pets

No pets allowed
Pets allowed by prior arrangement - please consult

Grazalema, Andalucia

Nestling in a valley, towered over by the giant rock, Penon Grande, in the stunningly beautiful Sierra de Grazalema natural park (declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO), with its rugged mountains, deep gorges and lush forests, Grazalema is quite rightly named one of Spain’s prettiest villages. 

Dating back to prehistoric times, occupied by the Romans (it even has an intact Roman road leading to its centre) and Arabs (Berbers) and Christians, it’s a village of churches and fountains (eleven in all!), narrow cobbled streets, bright flower filled balconies and spectacular views. 

At one time the hub of the textile industry in the area, it still prides itself on its woollen blankets and shawls made at the local textile factory and displayed at the textile museum in the village. 

Well known for its excellent goat’s cheese “queso cabra Payoyo” and for its mountain cuisine of tasty, slow cooked stews and game dishes, you certainly won’t feel cold or go hungry here! 

A paradise for walkers and nature lovers and bird watchers (210 bird species have been registered here), it inevitably sees its fair share of visitors, but once night falls, the peace and quiet is magical.