Los Caños de Meca is a unique and fairly unspoilt location with six white sandy beaches, cliffs, springs, caves and an immense blue sea. It is near the Strait of Gibraltar and offers a view of the lighthouse at Cape Trafalgar and the overseas Moroccan mountains. The surrounding hillsides are covered with umbrella pines. Casas Karen offers five separate vacation homes and is just a five minutes’ walk from the beach.

The casas are built in traditional Andalusian style with Moroccan influences. Each has its own open fireplace or wood stove, and a spacious terrace with a Mexican hammock. Surrounded by broom and mimosa, some have a view of the hills and evergreen woods, others look out over the sea. You can also spend the night in the romantic choza, a straw hut typical of the region. Organic vegetables can be ordered from a nearby farm. Reiki, yoga and aromatic massages are available. There is plenty of information about the surroundings.

Casas Karen borders the Acantilado y Pinar de Barbate nature reserve, where there is a great variety of plants and wildlife. It is a bird watchers’ paradise, and excellent for horsebackriding. Nearby bars and restaurants serve wonderful fish dishes. The sea is great for sailing, diving, windsurfing and swimming.