Hotel Cortijo Soto Real
Spain: Andalusia: Utrera
Formerly the private palace of a prince, the five-star Hotel Cortijo Soto Real is situated on a 1,000 acre estate surrounded by rolling hills in the Andalusian countryside. The beautiful combination of traditional Andalusian and Moorish design can be seen throughout the hotel's décor in its warm colors, tile work, arches, and furnishings.

This hotel has 24 accommodations ranging from doubles to junior suites, all of which are large and contain comforts such as Jacuzzi tubs, separate showers with multiple massage shower heads, Loewe amenities, satellite TV, and high-speed Internet. For guests seeking complete exclusivity, the hotel has a three-bedroom villa, Plaza de Toros, that includes a private swimming pool, indoor patio, outdoor terrace, and personal butler service.

Al-Adalus and Bistro del Jardin are the hotel's two restaurants that serve both typical Andalusian and international cuisine. There are several patios and terraces throughout the hotel where guests can enjoy aperitifs or cocktails. The brand new spa offers a selection of massages and body treatments and houses an indoor pool, fitness room, sauna, Turkish bath, and Jacuzzi. There is also an outdoor pool with fantastic countryside views available for use during warm weather months. For guests interested in hosting special events, the hotel has a wonderfully designed meeting facility along with several lounges and outdoor areas that can be fashioned to meet any sort of event need.

Activities on the hotel's premises include guided horseback riding tours (the hotel has its own stables), tennis, mountain biking, 4-wheeled all terrain vehicle riding, and clay partridge shooting. Visits to Seville and Jerez de la Frontera are within easy driving distance. The numerous typical Andalusian "white towns" of Arcos, Algar, Bornos, Espera, Villamartin, and Prado del Rey are also nearby. The service at Hotel Cortijo Soto Real is exceptional, and the staff goes to great lengths to make stays memorable. This hotel is a wonderful upscale retreat that can be enjoyed year-round due to southern Spain's temperate climate. It is also exceptionally located for discovering the Andalusian countryside!