Thanks to the guys at glampinghub.com for their featured blog on Cloud House Farm:

“The southern coast of Spain famous for its gorgeous beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, and busy holiday destinations like Malaga, Gibraltar and Cadiz.  Tourists pour into these areas in the spring and summer months to soak up a bit of sun and enjoy the colorful and friendly Spanish culture.  The coastal cities and small towns are used to the ebb and flow of the travel seasons, but they can sometimes be overcrowded during the peak times.  When a place is over capacity, the elements of relaxation and calm that most desire on vacation can sometimes be lost, and you return home more exhausted than when you set out.

So, how do you enjoy the beauties of southern Spain and avoid the hustle and bustle of the beach towns?  Here’s our secret.  Glamping.  Deep in the Sierra Bermeja Mountain Range, about two and a half hours from Malaga, sits Cloud House Farm.  Family-friendly and absolutely breathtaking, this glamp site is the essence of seclusion, while offering easy access to nearby historical villages.  Nestled in groves of oak, cork, olive and chestnut trees, their luxury yurt accommodations give lucky travellers private views of the nearby mountains and free admission to wander among the fruit trees or along some of Andalucia’s most famous hiking trails.

Cloud House Farm is completely off the grid, so its entire infrastructure is nature friendly, with solar power, eco washrooms, and garden grown vegetables and herbs.  Their structures are built with local materials, and fresh water is gravity fed from mountain springs.

So, instead of clambering onto the hot beaches with a thousand other travellers, your vacation at Cloud House Farm will involve strolling in the hills, lounging in hammocks, and lolling in nearby fresh-water pools.”

Credit: Abby at glampinghub.com

Spain’s premier Glamping destination open from June 11 to Oct 16 2011.

Enjoy eco-friendly outdoor living at this stylish and tranquil yurt retreat in the mountains of Andalucia.

Cloud House Farm is a secluded mountain yurt hideaway located deep within the hills of the Rio Genal Valley, close to the Andalucian white washed village of Genalguacil just 1hr from Ronda & the beaches of Estepona. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja Mountain range.

Perfectly located for adventure and discovery, Cloud House Farm offers a unique holiday experience way off the beaten track.

Set within 17 acres of mountainous cork oak forest, this hand-crafted Mongolian yurt is set cocooned amongst the trees, the perfect retreat complete with its own access.

Cleverly positioned on a secluded terrace amongst a few acres of private Mediterranean forest, the yurt has its own rustic outdoor kitchen and shower room, eco toilet, wooden decked platforms, shaded pergolas and seating areas.

Don’t miss out on this Glamping destination recommended by The Guardian & take advantage of current discounted offers – visit BOOKINGS

Awake early to catch the morning sun entering the valley, first striking the mountain ridge above the far off white village of Algatocin, a rocky outcrop ignited a fierce red.

The growing light moves to engulf the villages on this east face as steam rises from the valley depths, like primordial wisps of cloud, burnt off by the sun as it gains its summer momentum.

Early morning brings with it the hammering of greater spotted wood peckers, cuckoo’s and cackling partridges.

Catch flashes of yellow amongst the canopy tops & hear the distinctive “weeliwoo” of the Golden Oriole’s, and the chattering of Bee Eaters on the wing.

The sun creeps on and the temperature rises, cicadas screech reaching fever pitch by mid day.

Take shade under a large cork oak, and view a scene from a spaghetti western as the huge Griffon Vultures circle high above on the days thermals.

Lizards dart on the dry leaf litter while giant ants busy themselves with leaves & insect highways.

The searing heat beats down by mid afternoon and the world takes refuge in shady spots to doze off that Spanish lunch.

Later, cool off with iced Mojitos as the western sun reluctantly creeps over the very same rocky outcrop it fiercely lit earlier that morning.

Bats move in to encircle the camp, working hard to clear the air of insects.

Dusk comes quickly now, its blanket of unknown changes the familiar, lights of the nearby villages twinkle and the night sky unleashes a blanket of stars.

By midnight the Milky Way rains down light from a million densely packed stars.

The forest by night is a very different place, the hoots of owls and barks of deer are heard above the gentle whistle of crickets.

If you’re lucky you might hear the rustle of wild boar snuffling close by, busy on their nightly earth worm excursions.

Dramatic evening autumn storms saturate the sun parched ground & unleash new life, fire salamanders with their distinct black & yellow dance in the rain, while baby toads that have been hiding out since spring hop about in seeming bewilderment.

Later come the fungi, spectacular variations & colours, from the deadly reds to the giant & delicious parasols reaching 30cm in diameter.

Rising clouds of steam through the valley give it a truly Oriental feel, breathtaking rainbows strike out huge arcs, while bolts of lightening thunder down overhead.

Here is a valley of seasonal contrast, hidden deep in the mountains of Andalucia.

For more information about Cloud House Holidays, please visit our home page.