Villa Ana Bella, Nerja, Andalucia

When we picture a relaxing Andalucian escape, the stunning Villa Ana Bella instantly comes to mind. Burrowed in the dense hills of the Rio Seco area on the outskirts of Nerja, the views across the diverse landscape will take your breath away. You’ll do a double take at Villa Ana Bella, designed to show off the beautiful scenery by being built into the hillside. Stare out over soaring mountains, verdant vineyards, vibrant mango, and avocado groves, and stacked white-painted villages – all backed by the sparkly Mediterranean Sea on the horizon. Just a short drive away is the whitewashed town of Nerja, lined with golden-sand beaches and rocky coves. Wander down its popular cobbled stone streets to find traditional tapas bars, international restaurants, and a low-key nightlife scene. For a slice of culture, the beautiful village of Frigiliana is picture-worthy in its own right, with quaint white-painted houses stacked on its steep sloping streets. There’s even something for adventure-seekers – hike up the hill towering over the town for an unbelievable view over the historic streets and never-ending mountainscape.

It's not all about the views, Villa Ana Bella is a gem in itself, with peach-stone exteriors and terracotta red roofs that reflect a traditional Spanish home. There’s a surprise waiting inside, with a chic and contemporary interior design that adds a slice of modern luxe to this authentic-style villa. The open-plan living area is spacious and elegantly designed, with a calming earthy-toned colour scheme that contrasts with the vivid purple sofa, minimalist décor, trendy lighting features, and a sleek dining table. Wrapped by large windows and sliding glass doors, the living space comes to life with swathes of natural light seeping in. Glossy black cabinets and slick worktops make the kitchen bold and bright, with high-end stainless-steel appliances that will please any budding chef. If you want to make the most of the Mediterranean heat, the dining table on the terrace is the cosiest spot for dinner. There are three bedrooms, with one double and two twin bedrooms that can comfortably sleep up to six.

The outdoors will instantly transport you to paradise, wrapped in the never-ending backdrop of the rolling rural landscape and distant sea views. With its own summer kitchen, we can imagine cooking dinner will be a predominantly outdoor affair - with a brick-built barbeque and sheltered stove area. Cool off from the heat in the ten-meter swimming pool, with a shallower corner for young kids that is encircled with fun stepping stones. When you’re not dipping your toes in the water, lie under the shaded veranda and enjoy some reprieve from the sun, or top up the tan on a poolside lounger and admire the sublime vistas.