Casablanca Vejer – The Secret To An Authentic Stay In Casablanca

Casablanca Vejer is a historic property in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera, one of Europe’s most beautiful villages. It’s home to six charming vacation apartments that capture the essence of Andalucian village life. Each apartment highlights timeless rustic style, yet with all the comforts of contemporary life. Guests may also enjoy the traditional ‘terma’, a private heated pool within a natural cave, as well as the ‘solarium’, a spacious rooftop terrace, perfect for sunbathing, alfresco dining, or enjoying a drink at sunset.

Few villages in Spain capture and convey the magic of Southern Spain like Vejer de la Frontera. This hilltop citadel, an ancient medina of labyrinthine streets and whitewashed houses, overlooks verdant agricultural plains, protected wetlands and the pristine beaches of the Costa de la Luz, Andalucia’s sparkling coast of light, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Andalucia is Spain’s most evocative region, brimming with the country’s quintissential creativity, music, food and culture. Vejer, a picturesque hilltop village that looks out to the sparkling Atlantic, embodies so much of the allure of Southern Spain. It’s chockful of charming architecture, and vibrant living history through the local traditions that remain a daily part of villagers’ lives.

Six sublime apartments

Let me share a secret for a memorable stay in this captivating village. Choose one of the charming holiday apartments of Casablanca, the choice for an authentic stay in Vejer de la Frontera. This historic house offers 6 comfortable apartments that open to a classic Andalucian central courtyard, flooded with light.

Each apartment has its own style as depicted by evocative names like, ‘Ajibe’, ‘Balcón’, and ‘Blanco y Negro’.

Below on the ground floor is a sensational ‘terma’, remodelled as a private heated pool, secluded within a natural cave beneath the house – it’s stunning. The surrounding rocks sculpted over time by the caress of water, now embrace you with tranquillity.

Take the stairs up to the rooftop, and one is greeting by the brilliant sunlight for which the Costa de la Luz, the coast of light is so renowned.

Soak up the sun on one of the loungers or come up during the golden hour and soak up the views of Vejer, over the rooftops and towers of this emblematic village and out towards the rolling hills of the Cadiz province countryside. There are sunbeds for lazy days in the Andalucian sun, and tables and chairs for alfresco dinners under the stars. My favourite time was dusk, as the sun began to set, and the warm evening light ignited the horizon. The air was filled with the gentle sounds of swallows and swifts diving nd darting through the air, the chimes of church bells.

Rustic charm

Our apartment was brimming with pared-back rustic charm, with an open plan living space, including a galley kitchen and dining area. The tall French windows opened to the narrow street below, allowing you to take in the gentle sounds of village life and feel the cool breeze from the shaded narrow lane. There are all the modern conveniences like air conditioning, but the space resonated with the simple beauty of Andalucian village life.

Colourful ceramics, glass vases, coffee table books, and artisan pieces add a welcoming flair to the space, while the large sofa provides a fold-out double bed for extra guests, allowing the flat to accommodate two couples or a family.

The guest room was simply furnished with a piece of art, a garment rail and most importantly a really comfortable queen size bed.

There’s everything you need in the kitchen to rustle up a tasty breakfast or snacks, but with so many dining choices, and so much going on, the chances are you’ll not be in the apartment for long.

Although the accommodation is self-catering, there is a daily housekeeping service, offering a change of towels if required and servicing of the flat including the bathroom with its large walk-in shower.

Destination Vejer

Vejer is a tempting place to eat, the epicentre of the region’s culinary scene, with everything from hole-in-the-wall bars surviving chilled glasses of sherry, to fancy fine dining restaurants that could satisfy the plate of the most demanding foodie.

It’s this collision of old and new, artisan and decadent, which makes modern-day Vejer so compelling. When I first visited more than 20 years ago, this citadel was still a secret, visited by lovers of the wild coast of Spain’s Costa de Luz, its deserted beaches and pine-clad countryside. There were just a few places to stay, like the acclaimed Califa Hotel, created by Vejer longtime resident James Stuart, which by the way is definitely worth a visit for its beautiful garden restaurant, El Jardin de Califa.

If you’re looking to experience more of the essence of authentic Andalucian Slow Food Culture, including local produce, and a fascinating insight into the local Jerez sherry wines then book one of the cooking classes at Annie B’s Spanish Kitchen.

Another great must in Vejer is a visit to the village’s remarkable Hammam Vejer, so evocative of the village’s Moorish past. These beautifully designed baths, by local interior designer Ellie Cormié, promise to be your temple of calm. Here you can experience a rejuvenating ritual taking in the cold, warm and hot baths, as well as a massage. The setting is a delight, as every element has been carefully handcrafted by artisans in Andalucia and Morocco.

One of the great joys of Vejer is to wander through the lanes, alleys and streets discovering the shops, and studios of local artisans, from goldsmiths to ceramicists and painters.

Look out for the local goldsmith, Rafael Sanchez Ponce, continuing centuries-long tradition of jewellery making from Cordoba. His studio, on the small Plaza Padre Caro, just up from the main square, is a treasure trove of artisan creations, from fine jewellery to the most exquisite home accessories. You will most definitely be tempted to take home something.

Fran Cabeza Gomez is another of the village’s talented artisans. A Fine Arts graduate, Fran is the most extraordinary artist and his boutique, called La Caja, in Calle José Castrillón, is filled with painted ceramics and artwork that capture the imagination.

The ‘pueblo blanco’ of Vejer is the essential destination in Southern Spain and Casablanca is your authentic village home.