If you’re looking for a hen do villa and your list of non-negotiables goes a little something like this – guaranteed sunshine, swimming pool (not the inflatable kind), enough beds so that no one’s sleeping on the sofa, and luxury vibes at very reasonable value – then I’m about to save you hours of scrolling.
I got married in the summer, and while marrying my wonderful husband surrounded by our friends and family was somewhat of a highlight, so was the weekend I spent a few weeks prior with my best friends, totally switching off from the responsibilities and worries of the real world. We spent three glorious, sun-soaked days simply enjoying each other’s company, at an out-of-this-world villa in the Andalusian mountains.
Villa Adaline is a secluded hilltop retreat in Andalusia, Malaga, which sleeps 10 guests in five bedrooms. The star of the show – and my main reason for booking the villa – is the huge heated swimming pool, which sits in the middle of a sprawling stone courtyard dotted with daybeds, parasols, hammocks and sun-dappled seating areas. The area is framed by towering pine and palm trees, with bright pink bougainvillaea and golden lantana lining the white-painted paths. It’s easy to spend entire days and evenings here, surrounded by spectacular scenery which stretches from the neighbouring mountains and valleys all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
My bridal party packed a suitcase full of pool floats, games and decorations, and the next-level amenities at the villa kept us entertained (for those rare moments when we weren’t playing silly games, yapping in the pool or sipping enough white wine to keep the local winery in business for the next millennia). There’s also table tennis, an al fresco pizza oven and barbecue, and even a sauna room attached to the annexe (which also has its own bedroom and en suite, perfect for that friend who likes their privacy on holiday – or who snores).
Inside, the vibe is bohemian chic with plenty of natural, earthy textures – think exposed wooden beams, terracotta tiles and stone surfaces. While the kitchen and living areas are spacious and fully equipped with modern amenities, there's nothing stuffy or ostentatious about the interiors – we felt cosy, relaxed and at home right away.
I’d never booked a holiday with Oliver’s Travels before this trip, but I knew they were many jet-setters’ go-to for luxury holiday rentals across the world. Their expansive portfolio boasts over 5,000 hand-picked properties with an emphasis on quirky, one-of-a-kind places to stay, from castles in Tuscany to beach huts in the Caribbean. For me, what really set them apart from other platforms I’ve used in the past is the concierge service, which allowed us to arrange extras prior to our arrival, such as a grocery delivery and a private chef for the evening.
It’s worth noting that the villa is around 70km from Malaga airport, and as you ascend into the mountains, the roads can become narrow and difficult to navigate, particularly at night. I’d definitely recommend using the transfer service operated by the villa’s incredibly helpful owner, Alan, or renting a car at Malaga airport. We did neither of these things, instead hopping in a taxi at the airport, and ended up getting lost somewhere in the Andalusian mountains at 11pm which, if anything, made a very memorable start to the hen do which we still laugh about now (well, some of us). Renting a car is also pretty essential if you want to explore the surrounding area, too (Alan recommends visiting the beautiful beaches of Nerja, around 40km away).
But I won’t lie, we didn’t leave the villa the whole weekend, except for calling a taxi when we needed to pick up extra groceries (read: more wine). And honestly? I have zero regrets. Normally I'm very adventurous when travelling somewhere new – I'm down for any activities and don't like staying in the hotel too long – but as all brides know, planning a wedding is stressful and time-consuming. All I needed was a few days with my best friends to do, well, not very much at all. Besides, we had everything we needed for a glorious girls’ weekend right there in the villa. It’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave, even just for a short while.
Prices start from £2,183 for a four-night stay or from £3,817 for a seven-night stay for 10 people, working out at approximately £55 per person, per night.
easyJet flights from London Gatwick to Malaga start at £20.99.
Find out more at oliverstravels.com.
