Hotel Las Casas de la Judería ★★★★

The hotel’s concept is unique and ingenious – it is a collection of picturesque houses in the old judería, Jewish quarter. With the smell of orange blossom, the sound of water, and the village atmosphere as you wander its streets… It is easy to forget that you are in Seville at all! Not that you should ignore the rest of the city altogether – the ‘frying pan of Andalusia’ is a town of varied, typically Spanish charms which are deserving of being explored.

Beautiful, fascinating, quintessentially Andalusian and… hot! Anyone who has been to Seville will tell you that one of the overriding sensations, is the heat. During summer, and even spring and autumn, you are guaranteed to spend your time basking under, or sheltering from, the kind of heat that we can only dream of at home. Yet when the heat wears you down, you are never too far from the hotel to take refuge. Stepping in through the front door, you feel miles away from the city centre. The cool marble in the rooms and passageways, the shade of the trees, the gentle breeze between courtyards, and the soft trickling sounds of water, make the hotel a refreshing oasis. Not to mention the rooftop swimming pool in summer, offering a chance to cool off while taking in incredible views.

Rise early, to enjoy the delicious breakfast in the Hall of Mirrors Restaurant and to beat the crowds – and sweltering heat – to Seville’s main attractions. Warm, but with a delectable element of freshness in the air, the mornings provide ideal sightseeing conditions. The cathedral, hailed as the largest in the world, is spectacularly grand inside and out. This is the resting place of Christopher Columbus, and you will need to channel his spirit of exploration to discover all that Seville has to offer. Moorish minarets and the magnificent architecture and gardens of the famous Alcazar Palace await, as does the ancient bull ring, and the impressive Plaza de España.

The city centre is a maze of winding medieval streets, full of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Wandering around and stumbling upon charming churches and peaceful plazas is just as rewarding as admiring the splendour of the most famous sights. Allow yourself to get lost in the narrow alleys and topsy-turvy sprawl of buildings, it is the best was to discover the little quirks and clever touches hidden around every corner.

After all my wanderings, I had worked up a good appetite, however there was time first for a quick trip to the spa. Resplendent with fine mosaics and images of mythical beasts adorning the walls, it is a modern take on ancient Roman baths. Afterwards, however, I turned my attention fully to food (as they say in Spain, ‘al hombre se le conquista por el estómago’ – a man is ruled by his stomach). There is a choice of dining options, so I mulled it over with an aperitif in the piano bar. Choice made, I headed to the Emporion Restaurant to enjoy some exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated ambiance, surrounded by wood panelling and gold leaf.

Full, satisfied and reflecting on a lovely day in the Andalusian capital, I make my way back to my room. Each room is unique, filled with fine antique furnishings and typical Andalusian décor and charm. The beds were sumptuously comfortable, perfect for a revitalising night’s sleep. With tapas, flamenco, shady gardens, fresh oranges and grand palaces still to be discovered, I always had a reason to get out of bed – which was just as well, because I could have stayed there forever!