Casa Morayma is a small Moorish-Moroccan inspired Guesthouse in a tranquil village perched within the Sierra Nevada National park in the Lecrin Valley. 15km South of Granada, 20km from the Mediterranean Sea and gateway to the Alpujarra.
I host a maximum of 6 adult guests to make sure all guests can find somewhere private and relaxing to chill out.
The Lecrin Valley offers nature enthusiasts many great adventures and views of course. The closest bar / restaurant is a stunning 1.5km walk from Casa Morayma to Rincon De Miguels. In my opinion, the best tapas bar in the valley. On this walk you go through the Rio Torrente valley, walking through olive, almond, walnut, cheery and so on orchards. In winter through to Spring, the river flows and becomes another level of magic. There are many walks from the front door and many many scattered all over the valley.
Acequias is renown for its tranquility. The village is almost hidden from most vistas except for when driving down the N332a from Niguelas towards Acequias.
The locals own the farms around Acequias. I always share the produce they so generously give to me.
Casa Morayma is about 5 minutes off the A44 Granada/Motrill freeway but there is zero road noise!
My name is Chantal. I am the Owner and your host at Casa Morayma.
I bought Casa Morayma (and Zoraya next door) late October 2023. I finished renovating Casa Morayma in April 2024.
I am dual Australian/German. English is my mother language. I grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa, Germany and Iraq. I finished my last two years of schooling in Australia. I attended University and built a successful professional career working with international construction and mining companies specialised in corporate governance, risk management, compliance, project controls and assurance.
After becoming widowed early 2018 and, while walking my Camino De Santiago, I decided it was "now or never"! I moved from Brisbane, Australia to Kitzbuhel, Tirol, in the Austrian alps.
To cut a very long story short, in March 2020, I then became stranded in Cyprus. No thanks to the pandemic of course . I arrived on the island on February 23, 2020 for a 5-week holiday.. While stranded in Cyprus, I bought purchased, renovated and let properties. I dedicated most of time to helping improve animal welfare outcomes.
Between lockdowns, renovations, letting and volunteering, It took me 3 years to thto get off the Island (Cyprus).
In November 2022, when I decided to move to Spain, all I knew is that I was moving on 23 February 2023. and I needed to be in nature,. Somewhere close to the UNESCO World Heritage Protected Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park. They day I drove into Lecrin, I got goosebumps. I knew this was it. My next chapter is in the Lecrin Valley.
Acequias is renown as being ‚tranquilo“ or tranquil. Perched 890m on part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range while only a 5 minute drive to A-44 taking you to Granada or Motril, Malaga, Almeria.
One of the local bakers delivers fresh bread 3 times a day, 6 days a week. The egg lady comes on Thursdays. Mercadona is 3km drive away. Granada 15km. Closest beach 25 minutes but suggest going a little further for the most amazing beach experience at Cantajarran.
The Alhambra is a must do! Its 20 minutes down the road. The Albaicyn is a must do. HIghly recommend parking or getting a lift at Sacramonte, walk down in Granada, through the Albaicy. The views to the Alhambra on left of the path make it magical by day or night.
There is no shortage of gobsmackingly beautiful hikes from Casa Morayma‘s front door but also generally across the Lecrin Valley and beyond of course.
Its a about a 3km walk along the Acequias cliffs to Niguelas. Niguelas is arguably the coolest of all villages in the valley. A variety of bars, restaurants, beauty services, groceries, live music venue and the monthly artisanal markets, first Saturday each month, March to December.
A good friend of mine Kirsten Pederson plans and leads hiking Groups on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Not all guided hikes are in the Lecrin Valley so its a great opportunity to see some other areas while you are here. She also organises multi-day hikes for small groups.
The Lecrin Valley was once the food bowl of the Alhambra, during Moorish rule. Our valleys have different microclimates, the Sierra Nevada Mountain water keeps the valley green almost all year round. The valley comprises of many small quintessentially Spanish villages dotted every 2-3km. Each village has something special to offer.
The Lecrin Valley is special! Come experience it.
Language spoken: English