If you are looking for a sunshine getaway that nourishes mind, body and soul all in one short super-break, head to the heart of beautiful Andalusia and combine a cultural city trip with a relaxing getaway. Visit one of the region's big three Golden Triangle cities of Seville, Cordoba or Granada and then rejuvenate afterwards with a few relaxing days at adults-only DDG Retreat, near Casares, where guests can immerse themselves in the peaceful ambience of this stunning woodland estate with its hilltop setting and breath-taking panoramic views.

Seville, Granada or Cordoba with their rich and vibrant histories, magnificent architecture, UNESCO sites and thriving street life are all within a three-hour drive or less and make the perfect partners to a Retreat stay.

The fascinating Moorish city of Seville (2.5 hours) - named by a leading travel publication (credit - Lonely Planet) as the best city in the world to visit in 2018 - is full of cultural treasures and exciting architecture which has seen it chosen as the location for many international film shoots past and present including Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. Amongst Seville's many attractions is a UNESCO World Heritage site which includes the Mudéjar Alcázar of Seville, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe; the adjoining majestic Seville Cathedral along with its La Giralda bell tower (worth walking to the top for the amazing views) and the nearby General Archive of the Indies. Stroll through Europe's oldest old quarter and stop at one of the many tapas bars you'll find in the quaint Barrio de Santa Cruz. And in the evening maybe take in a show at one of the city's flamenco hotspots.

Granada, sometimes known as the land of a thousand castles, is three hours away from DDG Retreat; a vibrant energy-filled city, it's also close enough to the dramatic countryside of the Sierra Nevada to offer some of the best treks in Andalusia. Known for its grand examples of medieval architecture, the old part of the city has grown up around the Alhambra, one of Spain's most visited tourist sites and home to royal palaces and magnificent manicured gardens. Tall white townhouses flank the winding streets of the Moorish quarter of Albayzín. Visit at sunset and catch the music shows. Below, is the Carrera del Darro, a romantic walk that follows the route of the old city walls. For its sheer scale and splendour, the renaissance Granada Cathedral is a must-see. Spain's second-largest cathedral is filled with art -  the stained-glass windows, sculptures and paintings are impressive. In fact, Granada is an art-lovers dream with galleries and museums galore.  At Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter, visit the cave houses where in the evening they come alive with flamenco.  As with other parts of Andalusia, don't miss the tapas (sometimes free in bars)!

Cordoba may today be the lesser known of the three Golden Triangle cities of Andalusia but it is said to have once been one of the largest cities in the world. At the height of its splendour and with a view to rivalling the wonders of Constantinople, Damascus and Bagdhad, around 300 mosques, palaces and public buildings were built and its heritage shows today in the architecture. The Grand Mosque or Mezquita, one of the greatest ever works of Islamic architecture, still stands proud as a symbol of culture with its impressive 850 columns and horseshoe arches. Wander around and simply enjoy the buildings – you'll be spoilt for choice. The old town, protected by UNESCO status, is famed for its patios and large internal courtyards - and no trip to Cordoba is complete without crossing the Guadalquivir via the ancient Roman Bridge, which may be recognisable to Game of Thrones aficionados as The Long Bridge of Volantis in Series Five.  Take a walk here around sunset when the bridge is bathed in an orange glow – and then enjoy the rest of your evening as Cordoba comes alive at night, enjoy delicious tapas, wine and flamenco at the cities' selection of restaurants and bars.

After your city break of choice, DDG Retreat - where you will truly be at one with nature - offers a total contrast. Enjoy the sanctuary in one of the three casitas that are dotted around the private four-hectare grounds; languish in your own private hot tub or plunge pool; drink in spectacular views and stunning sunsets; and perhaps treat yourself to an indulgent spa treatment in the cabanah set amongst the trees. Casa Pino is a traditional artisan cottage, whilst Royal and Maharja are tented super-suites - complete with stylish interiors, marble floors, chandeliers and air conditioning, these deluxe casitas take glamping to a new level of luxury.  And if you travel during September or October when temperatures for sight-seeing are often cooler, you can take advantage of a special 10% discount on stays this season at any casa for two nights or more if you book before 1st August. Lead-in price on an accommodation-only basis for a two night stay at Casa Pino in September or October booked before 1st August is 329 euros per person for two nights room-only based on two sharing (including 10% offer). For further information please see the DDG Retreat website www.ddgretreat.com 

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Notes To Editors

For further press information or for high resolution photographs, please contact Teresa Thomason direct on teresathomason@aol.com (rather than via Travmedia)

For bookings, please contact info@ddgretreat.com 

DDG Retreat

DDG Retreat is located an hour's drive from Malaga Airport. It is less than 15 minutes to the nearest beach and around half an hour's drive from Marbella. It is also a convenient base for day trips to explore some of the region's many appealing attractions; the Moorish town of Ronda with its dramatic gorge; Tarifa, one of the world's most popular destinations for wind sports; Malaga, a historic and culturally-rich city with an impressive number of museums; and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar with its world-famous Rock. For guests who refer to be more active, there is also golf, boat trips, walking, cycling – and for bird watchers, the Retreat is well placed to catch sight of rare birds hovering over the cliffs nearby.

Help with car hire is available and Alex and Olga, who have lived in the area for many years, are happy to help with recommendations for restaurants, site seeing and assistance with other guest interests.

Note: DDG Retreat has a very limited number of press visit opportunities available for 2019 for experienced travel writers with firm commissions representing relevant national publications. Please contact Teresa Thomason by email (not Travmeida message) teresathomason@aol.com with further details if you would like to discuss this further.