Casa La Celada

"Casa La Celeda is a VERY well presented B&B, the decor and furnishings are of a high standard. The breakfast was very nice with most options available. Amanda is a trained cook and will host dinner parties for groups of 4 or more. There is a wonderful roof terrace with a hot tub, the views are stunning. Value for money , well you wont get better , and Amanda and her son are spendid host's. It is in a very good position as it is an equal 1 hour drive from Granada, Malaga and Cordoba. You wont be dissapointed."
STEPHEN HEASMAN, London

"Synchronicity is a wonderful thing! One day I am home tapping on my computer looking for new friends in Spain – the next I am transported into the most lavish scenery… Amanda is one of those people who has the effect of making you feel as if you have known her for years in an instant. She is a social chameleon who could make a King or pauper feel at ease. It does help we have a few things in common too, something I was very excited about, such as a fascination in all things spiritual & a love of all things natural & authentic - as opposed to today’s shallow God’s of commerciality and opportunism. (We have both had a taste of a different lifestyle and realised it was hollow & there had to be another way). She was living the dream. It had not come easy either, (and nor should it!) lots of hard work, much networking (isn’t the internet a wonderful thing for that) and little by little the winning over of the naturally suspicious locals - who in the end, of course were also succumbed by her sheer enthusiasm and charm. Me, I am a coward! I since moved to Spain to a part that resembles Blackpool and gradually try to learn the Spanish ways (mostly from the English which is a ridiculous plan as I am now finding out); which is why I have even more admiration for a woman who as a hard-working single mom, finds the most tranquil of havens in a place far from the bustle of noisy cities, throws herself at the areas mercy and gets back to a gentle, authentic life that most of us Brit’s can only read about. The drive up to the village was breathtaking. Rolling hills, lakes and countryside that present the sort of stunning imagery you would expect to find in National Geographica Magazine. Such beauty hardly seems real. As you pass the various traditional villages and their Spanish inhabitants, you can sense the calm or “tranquilla” as they call it. It is in the groups of old men, sat with their flat caps on benches discussing nothing more harrowing than local politics or the price of a donkey, in tones that at first, to the untrained ear seem exciteable. It is with the youngsters who have no need of reality TV, binge drinking and violence who hang around in small clusters and naively plot their escape to the larger cities. It is with the cows in the fields, much larger than our own, who can hardly be bothered to chew or walk. And at night, when the skies are much darker, without the manmade light pollution, it is in the rhythmic sound of the Cigarra’s and other insects that shrill out the percussion of the land. Amanda’s home / guest house is a special blend of homely yet stylish. This historical building has been given an interior that blends rustic charm, with a touch of luxury. It gives the impression of being regal but at the same time inviting. I stayed in a room that had a four poster bed and felt very much at home. The locals who have overcome their natural suspicion of foreigners (mostly I am certain due to Amanda’s own natural approach) are welcoming and quickly show a smile if even a few Spanish words are attempted, for remember this is not Brit ex-pat land – Benidorm or some other colonised location, this is deep, true authentic rural Spain. There are many things locally to be admired; views of old buildings & ruins, quaint unspoilt villages, restaurants with true Spanish dishes, bursting with locally grown and naturally organic vegetables (and not a Tescos for miles!). I enjoyed a local market which presented an opportunity to mix with many different characters selling homemade jams & jewellery. Their was a perceptible yet gentle excitement & energy around the stalls that made the experience refreshing & uplifting - unlike UK shopping, there was no need to shop till you drop or flex your plastic like a lunatic to enjoy such a simple, colourful, stimulating pleasure. I was in heaven the whole holiday. Two words for my stay: OTHER WORLDLY… "
charlie daniels, Benalmadena

"Great place to stay, the hot tub with the best view ever. village life on the doorstep, olive trees and rolling hills.A great base for the Alhambra, Seville and Cordoba."
ed, uk

"What a fabulous time our family had when we visited Casa La Celada in October last year. The weather was fantastic, and we sunbathed on the roof terrace on Nov 1st! The views are amazing. It is wonderful to get away to somewhere so utterly unspoilt, yet be pampered by great surroundings and a lovely home..... This, it has to be said, is a very special place to stay. And our host's knowledge of places to visit near and far was so helpful. We had an excellent time in Cordoba which was just over an hour's drive away. Try it, you'll like it!"
nicola, london, england

"I have spent too many nights, in too many hotels over too many years to "look forward" to another week away from home. That said, I had heard a lot about the beutiful town of Iznájar and this part of the Province of Córdoba in Andalucia so I thought 3/4 days there would be at least a break on a long journey. How wrong I was! From the warm welcome when I arrived late at night after a long trek across country to the final farewell, this was a holiday in paradise. I needed to chill after 5/6 months of 15/16 hour days 7 days per week, Oh boy, did I chill out! Everything is immaculate, everything is spotless and nothing is too much trouble to the owner. On the roof there is a magical hot-tub and from the roof there is view to die for. To be honest I did little exploring, I was happy to relax and was delighted to find that I got hi-speed wireless internet, free telephone calls within Europe (!) and regular conversations with the best-behaved, funniest 8 year-old I have ever met. He made my stay! If the master suite is available, take it. The few extra euros are well worth it and don't forget to drop into the bar next door - it's out of the 1970s - and a million miles away from the KissMeKwik hats on the coast just over an hour away. You will need a car and this is not the place if you want binge-drinking, bingo or karaoke. However, if you want time to yourself or with your partner I would rate this as my FAVOURITE in Spain. That says a lot from somebody who recently spent 265 nights in one year in hotels. Enjoy! Steve "
Steve Hall, Torrevieja. Alicante, Spain

"We visited Casa-la-celada in May 2008, and found this an ideal setting to rewind. A relaxed enviroment, similar to 'home to home' with the owner welcoming us at breakfast time. A great base to visit the surrounding towns or cities, or drive though the olive groves, or relax in the hot tub and sunbath.The owner was able to advise or adapt our stay to suit us. A great retreat!"
Susan, girona, spain