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| El Castillo de Monda - Monda / Malaga |
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El Castillo de Monda, which crowns the hill overlooking the village of Monda, owes it name and nature to its historical evolution. The fortress, with a history going back to the phoenicians and romans was rebuilt by the Hamudies (the bringers of Islam to Spain) and reached its zenith in C11. As we see it today, the Castillo shows it s architectural heritage (ancient towers, remains of outer walls) and maintains the magnificent views which Andalucian moorish castles tend to have. In 1996 after a period of rebuilding and adaptation El Castillo began its new life as a hotel.
One enters the Castillo through an archway into a patio which then leads through a heavy wooden front door into the reception vestibule. Straight away the visitor is transported into a different world by the historic feel of this moorish castle, a feeling reinforced as one goes up to the upper floors.
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The communal areas continue to delight- The bar / cafeteria is decorated with a host of delicate moorish touches, whilst the large windows give views of the majestic sierras. The resident's lounge is a peaceful, tranquil spot to read a book of enjoy a quiet chat with friends over a glass or two. Then you go out into the garden down to the swimming pool, which lies outside the castle walls, overlooking the village of Monda- a good vantage point for spotting birds of prey.
The garden is filled with the scent of numerous flowering and aromatic plants. The gentle sound of running water accompanies you as you wander down to a little pool filled with goldfish and water lilies. It is a special delight at dusk, when the garden is gently illuminated.
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The restaurant occupies another beautiful room. High ceilinged, with huge wooden, arched beams and stained glass upper windows, we are transported to other times. Wall hangings of Spanish provincial coats of arms, bold candle holders and mediaeval style chairs complete the noble picture. The food is special too: based on local products and recipes wherever possible. An unforgettable meal could start with: white garlic soup with grapes; or piquillo pepper and king prawn salad; marinated salmon; aubergine mousse with spinach cream, or artichokes with serrano ham. To follow? Swordfish with a caper meurniere perhaps; supreme of salmon in red wine; or perhaps an entrecot steak well peppered; or to the exquisite pink roast duckling in a delicately sweet and sour sauce. Rounded off with a dessert of perhaps a fruit & cream filled with slice with hot chocolate sauce; a zingy apple compote or a simple ice cream, yoghourt mousse or strawberry parfait.
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The Castillo, open all year round, has 28 rooms all with outward facing windows or balconies. The decoration of the hotel makes great use of classical elements- old wooden beams, floors of marble or terracotta tiles or a combination of both, antique furniture, four poster beds (deluxe rooms). The bathrooms are notable too with marble lion heads, gorgeous "nazari" tiles on the walls and even on the ceilings (deluxe rooms).
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