The Palacio Blanco talks about any stay here as one of “Affordable Luxury” and that’s just about the right. In our opinion, though, we can add that a stay here will take in one of the most pleasant experiences in terms of interacting with the owners, Nick and Leslie.

This fully restored 18th century palace comes with 8 en-suite rooms, all of which are top notch in terms of quality. There’s a fine mix of modern design with culture and history and a truly personal welcome. Rooms combine the contemporary with a simple, practical touch and come with most of the facilities you can think of, such as Wi-Fi, Flat Screen TV’s and even I-pod docks. This on top of large sensuous beds, and luxury shower rooms and even Waffle Cotton Dressing Gowns. This being Velez- Malaga, the heart of Andalusia country means that a building of such stature and history must include a peaceful central courtyard with a fountain and all. All 8 rooms, in fact, are set around it, which just further adds to the peaceful feeling as the water trickles down, hypnotize guests with its genteel gurgle in the process. Still, if you want more worldly pleasures, then don’t forget the superb root top swimming pool, which also doubles as a spa and sunbathing terrace. The views of Velez and beyond are stunning and take in castle and mountains from afar.

The whole place also feels authentic. Velez-Malaga, whilst a lovely town, is quintessentially Spanish, without a surplus of tourists. There are man “real” bars and restaurants, so to speak, and great beaches some ten minutes away by car. There are many other “White Towns” to explore in this area, so anybody looking to discover this fabulous area of southern Spain will have many things to do and see.

One can easily stay here for more than a few days, no problem.