Sunvil adds unspoilt Spain to its destinations

Sunvil adds unspoilt Spain to its destinations

A range of charming properties and itineraries showcase a hidden side of Spain, starting with Andalucía

Spain is being added to the range of destinations featured by Sunvil, the specialist tour operator.  Launching 4 May 2017, the new fly-drive and short breaks programme (initially web-only) will start with a charming collection of 27 characterful properties and four intriguing itineraries in Andalucía, shortly moving also into Extremadura and Castilla y León. 

The properties have all been identified and personally visited by either Sunvil’s Chairman, Noel Josephides, Country Manager, Rosanna Melaragni or another member of the team.  The new itineraries will give travellers the chance to see a side of Spain far from the mainstream, experiencing new and diverse facets of one of Europe’s largest and most varied countries.  Spain boasts a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; it comes third in the world listings, with a total of 45 World Heritage Sites – seven in Andalucía alone.

Says Noel Josephides, “Sunvil used to feature Spain some 12 or 13 years ago and we’ve long wanted to return; now is the right time to do so.  There is so much to be discovered in Spain and many travellers today are looking for a holiday that offers an authentic insight into a destination, with high-quality accommodation and great local back-up on the ground when required.  The calibre of the small hotels, Fincas and Paradors that we have selected is really strong; they are in stunning locations, feature great interiors and, most importantly, offer genuine, heartfelt service. 

“We intend to expand our portfolio in the coming months by venturing into Extremadura and Castilla y León, but our criteria will remain constant – to offer great accommodation and experiences that showcase the best of Spain’s regions.”

Accommodation in the new programme to Andalucía varies from the stunning Parador de Jaén, which boasts panoramic views of the city of Jaén and impressive traditional interiors, to the small, stylish coastal hotel of La Brena Hotel located in the unspoilt village of Los Caños de Meca on the Costa de la Luz.  City lovers will enjoy the sophistication of Vincci La Rabida, set in a tranquil calle just five minutes from Seville’s Gothic cathedral, while a completely rural experience can be enjoyed at the Finca Buenvino, a rambling farmhouse surrounded by wonderful landscapes, with the most relaxing ambiance.  Cookery courses are available there, walking routes galore can be explored and the highest-quality jamon tastings can also be arranged.

Short breaks to Andalucía start at £444 per person based on two sharing, including three nights’ B&B accommodation in Seville and return flights (London).  Longer fly-drive options lead in at £746 per person based on two sharing, including seven nights’ B&B accommodation in Ronda, car hire and flights (London). 

The new, very flexible, Andalusian itineraries are as follows and all feature the pick of small hotels from Sunvil’s new programme:

Fortified Spain – The Frontera Towns
This seven-night itinerary takes in the Province of Cadiz, where ‘frontier’ towns grew up as a response to the Moorish occupation. First stop is Arcos de la Frontera, which has been declared a national monument in recognition of its exceptional architecture and location.  Then it’s on to Vejer de la Frontera, a town which underwent five centuries of Moorish rule. From here the spectacular beaches of the Costa de la Luz are within easy reach. Final stop is Jerez de la Frontera, where travellers can enjoy flamenco, visit some of the sherry bodegas and be pummelled in the Hamman (Moorish baths).  Price from £723 pp (two sharing), including return flights (London), car hire and seven nights’ characterful B&B accommodation. 

Pueblos Blancos – White Villages and Towns of Málaga and Cadiz
Varying in size, the Pueblos Blancos are made up of pretty, whitewashed houses – many adorned with brightly-coloured flowers – set amidst cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and, in most cases, featuring fabulous countryside views.  This seven-night self-drive itinerary features small hotels in gorgeous locations – Ronda, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra and Arcos de la Frontera.  Price from £749 pp (two sharing), including return flights (London), car hire and seven nights’ hand-picked B&B accommodation.

Tarifa, Los Caños de Meca and Cadiz – The Costa de la Luz
The Costa de la Luz is an area of spectacular beaches and hidden coves, history and tradition, beauty and sheer ruggedness. The eight-night itinerary starts with a stay at the Hurricane Hotel near Tarifa, a Moorish-inspired property opposite one of the best surfing and windsurfing beaches in Europe, before moving on to Los Caños de Meca, now a small resort, which was once the scene of the Battle of Trafalgar.  The trip ends in Cadiz, generally considered to be the oldest continuously-inhabited settlement in Europe, which has an ancient centre perfect for exploration on foot.  Price from £1,029 pp (two sharing), including return flights, car hire and eight nights’ carefully-selected B&B accommodation.

Granada and Jaén – Contrasting Andalusian Capitals
The Andalusian Province of Granada is a region of contrasts – from stunning cities to snow-topped mountains, plus a Mediterranean coastline.  This itinerary gives travellers the chance to visit the celebrated Alhambra Palace and the different neighbourhoods within the city of Granada, before heading to the lesser-known Province of Jaén. North of Granada, Jaén is Spain’s biggest olive oil producer, which is evident in the many hundreds of thousands of carefully-cultivated silver-grey leaved trees that make up the landscape.  Also full of history, Jaén has the best-preserved Moorish baths in Spain; nearby are the World Heritage cities of Úbeda and Baeza, which were renovated during the Renaissance and feature a wide array of historical buildings.  This seven-night itinerary starts at £814 pp (two sharing) and includes return flights (London), car hire, entrance to the Alhambra Palace and seven nights’ personally-selected B&B accommodation.

To book a tailor-made, short break or fly-drive itinerary to Andalucía, southern Spain, or to talk to an expert, call the Sunvil team on 020 8758 4722 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk.