Los Jandalos Jerez & Spa ★★★★

Knowing the things that Jerez was famous for, I knew I was going to like it here even before I’d arrived. 

Wandering through the city’s narrow alleyways, past magnificent churches, small palm filled parks and pretty plazas, surrounded by colourful architecture in ochre yellows and terracottas, it certainly was as quaint and as captivating as I’d imagined.

It was here in the city’s best shopping area, located close to the famous bodegas (old sherry cellars) and in between the famous Plaza de Toros (bullring) and the Avenue Alvaro Domecq, that I found my hotel.

A tall mustard yellow and sunset orange building, typical of the style here and fronted by a small tree-shaded plaza, it contained all the Andalusian charm you could ask for.  Inside too I found bundles of southern Spanish allure in the royal red walls, marble floors and sparkly chandeliers.

Each room was uniquely decorated in typical Andalusian colours such as yellow, blue, green or terracotta. Mine was a cosy, yet calming, jade green room with water-like reflections on the ceiling, a big double bed, wooden writing desk, arm chair and separate sofa bed.

After the long journey, I was hot and tired and could think of nothing better than a revitalising session in the hotel’s hydrotherapy centre and spa to start my holiday in style.

The elegant spa had large modern stained glass windows, watery blue coloured walls and reflective blue glass ceiling – it was the ideal environment to put me in the right frame of mind. I made my way through the bubbling salt pools of various temperatures and finished it up with a sauna and steam bath.

After a beginning the next day in the light and colourful breakfast room, I set about planning how I would spend my day, getting to know everything that makes Andalusia so unique. I was just a 20-minute walk away from the city’s main sights, so I began at the magnificent cathedral and then made my way to the Archeological Museum of Jerez to find out all about its history.

I spent the afternoon walking down narrow cobbled streets, stopping to sip glasses of traditional sherry on route at the bodegas, before arriving at the Moorish Gardens of the Alcazar and continuing my Moorish experience at the Arab Baths.

My day ended with definitely the highlight of my mini break – a show at the Fundacion Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre to see the famous dancing horses of Jerez, followed by a spread of traditional tapas dishes back the hotel’s stylish dining room.