Magical. A delightful, atmospheric place. Fresh praise this year for the Forn family's restaurant-with-rooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms) in a rambling 200-year-old farmhouse, stone walled and much beamed. It stands in a beautiful village with wonderful scenery and walks from the door, in the Pyrenean resort area of the Cerdana, about two hours drive from Barcelona. A superb setting at the head of a valley. The meals were , delicious, service was attentive; local specialities of rabbit and kid were particularly well done.' The wine list is admired too, `including Vega Sicilia for those with a high income. Breakfasts are good, and infinitely varied. The comfortable bedrooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms), of various sizes face a meadow and stream. A suite is new this year. A track leads up the , mountain to lakes.

On a hill above an unspoilt old village inland from Marbella, Bruce Freestone and John Norris have lovingly restored this white-walled Moorish castle (Best Western). The decor may be a bit quirky for some, but it pleases others. We loved the atmosphere. Our room had a four-poster bed and fantastic views from its terrace; the bathroom had a vast spa bath and a blue-tiled ceiling decorated with moons and stars. The Moorish-style bar has flickering lanterns and low tables. Visitors admire the wonderful staff, and the `first-class food on a three-course set menu (no choice), eg, castellana soup (ham, eggs, asparagus, garlic); warm pickled rabbit; creme caramel. Breakfast had perfectly cooked eggs and-bacon as well as the usual buffet. You can walk out into olive groves and through carpets of wild, flowers in spring. There is an enchanting rooftop terrace, a swimming pool and a fountain in the garden. The village is rowdy during the Feria around 16 August, and traffic noise can rise from the village bypass, but windows are double glazed.