Midnight Feast

What's better than a penthouse apartment with sweeping views of Andalusian hillsides? How about one with a huge wraparound balcony complete with its own swimming pool? We thought so.

Situated in the town of Alhaurín el Grande, this address packs an awful lot into what isn't exactly a vast amount of space. As well as the aforementioned heated pool with a pair of loungers next door and an outdoor shower for afterwards, there's also a well-equipped gym ready and waiting for alfresco workouts, plus a pair of barbecues for refuelling afterwards. To top it all off, you can take a snooze in the hammock and keep little ones entertained with the tiny bicycles and games provided.

When faced with an outdoor space this extraordinary, it's perhaps sensible that the designer has kept the interior on the simple side. That's not to say it's disappointing, however – there's a sophistication to the bare wooden floors, chandeliers and chic furnishings. The corner kitchen is plenty large enough for home cooking, too.

Of course, you can always head out to one of the restaurants scattered across the local streets. Fuengirola's sandy beach is only 20km away when the weather calls for swimming and sunbathing, while the region is celebrated for its golf courses and hiking routes, too.

Home truths:
*The apartment sits on the third floor of a building with no elevator and there's a spiral staircase to reach the swimming pool as well
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request
*There's no private parking available
*Guests will be given a personal welcome upon arrival
*The host doesn't accept bookings from groups of young people aged under eighteen