I feel a bit late to the party here as so many people I know have stayed at - and totally loved! - Almohalla 51, which this year was voted Best B&B in Spain by Trip Advisor. So I was thrilled to be invited to spend a night there during my recent Andalucía getaway. I had just spent two nights in nearby Antequera and was planning to take the bus over to Archidona (a short 20 minute ride) but then I randomly met two other Almohalla 51 guests while having lunch at Arte de Cozina in Antequera and they offered to give me a lift. Already this short stayover was starting to feel a bit magical.
Almohalla 51 is a charming boutique guesthouse owned and run by former Londoners Myles Rainsford and David Matthews. Made up of two abandoned homes that were basically in ruins, it has been lovingly restored and the five rooms (two standard, three deluxe), along with the various common rooms and terraces, are filled with so many "oh wow, look at that!" moments that I finally had to stop taking photos of everything. You'll just have to go and see for yourself.
Myles warmly greeted me when I arrived, showed me to my (GORGEOUS) room and then invited me to a glass of wine in the cosy book nook common room. His partner David was away that weekend, but Myles said not to worry because he was nicer anyhow. Ha. We chatted about the history of the guesthouse and it became clear why it felt so special and intimate as it is clearly a well-loved place, which is not something that can be faked even by the best interior designers. So it came as no surprise to learn that the entire place had been not only designed, but often physically transformed, by Myles and David themselves. So much attention to detail, adding modern comforts (loved the bathroom!) while respecting the tradition and, well, the soul of the buildings.
That evening Myles took me out on a "tapeo" and we hit what are probably THE two places to eat in Archidona. First stop was Bar Central, which had also come highly recommended by friends. We sat at the bar and basically left it to Salvi the barman to decide what we should eat - he chose well. Then we wandered over to Arxiduna, in Plaza Ochivada, Spain's only octagonal square. We ordered drinks on the terrace and food also appeared - amazing lovely tapas that come with drinks! - but I was still stuffed from not only Salvi's choices but also that lunch at Arte de Cozina, so I decided then and there I would have to come back the next day for lunch.
Next morning while Myles prepared breakfast for the other guests (fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, eggs cooked to order, molletes, etc), I opted to take myself out for churros and industrial strength coffee at nearby Cafe Bar La Churrería, which I loved. Later on Myles arranged for a taxi to take me up to the stunning hilltop Sanctuary of La Virgen de Gracia and Moorish castle. Well worth a visit for the amazing views, and also walkable (about 45 minutes). Then after a wander through town, and that lunch I'd promised myself at Arxiduna, it was time to head back to Antequera and catch my train hom.
I can see why everyone I know (and plenty of others) have raved about Almohalla 51, yet at the same time not wanting everybody to know about it. It has a very unique and personal style that makes you feel immediately at home. The various common rooms invite chat between guests, but there are also enough of them, including the terraces, so everyone can relax in their own private world if they prefer. Honestly, my only complaint is that my stay was much too short and left me wanting more. Like, I'd have loved to spend a couple of hours reading by the pool or in that cute little cushioned reading nook in my room... next time!