In the competitive world of stellar private villa accommodations, Cortijo El Carligto earns rave reviews. The location accounts for at least part of its lure: snuggled into a hilly corner of eastern Malaga with views that stretch to the Moroccan coast, the four-bedroom farmstead-turned-luxury-hideaway is perfectly located for exploring historic villages, enjoying a multitude of cultural festivals, hiking the mountainous Sierra Tejeda nature reserve or simply catching up with your rest beside the wide pool.

Just don’t sleep through mealtime. The team of three private chefs (including one Michelin-rated chef) provides exciting choices, along with the opportunity to enjoy a chef-led culinary tour of area markets and wineries, or a poolside course on preparing authentic paella. Cast aside the usual day-to-day cares as the staff arranges on-property spa treatments, prepares all meals, baby-sits, or arranges for your private Flamenco performance. The 24-hour concierge service includes an airport greeting and a pre-arrival shopping service.

Cortijo El Carligto is also a noteworthy historic destination. Until the end of 2013, any guest staying for at least a week will be treated to a private, guided half-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palace, Generalife gardens, the ancient Alcazaba fortress, the Medina and the palace of King Carlos V.

You may also like:

Golf: Swing Through Spain

Spanish Cities: Beauty And Bounty