FROM rural, rustic retreats to charming beachside hotels, the Axarquia has got the lot.

But few places beat the amazing Hotel Carabeo in the heart of Nerja with its nine romantic rooms, many overlooking the sea.

Now well established, the team have given the rooms a complete overhaul this year and, in particular, the top floor suite with its huge spacious outdoor terrace and rolltop bath is a room to die for.

Another great central spot in Nerja is Hotel Toboso, which couldn’t be in a better location in the heart of town by the emblematic Balcon de Europa.

The rooms are fantastic in size and you are right next to the excellent Cochrane’s Irish restaurant and bar, which is good for a local meal and has the best terrace in Nerja.

Another wonderful place to lay down your hat is hotel Palacio Blanco in Velez Malaga, which has been taken over and much improved by capable Dutch couple Jan and Christa.

This historic building right in the heart of this gem of a town is stylish and oozes comfort.

Breakfast is excellent and this charming professional couple go out of their way to help guests settle in and recommend sites and restaurants nearby.

If you are looking for something more rural, then few places come as luxurious as Cortijo Piltraque, near Colmenar.

Sitting in the most wonderful location, with some of the best views in Christendom, this wonderful spot has been set up by Belgium couple Hubert Deckers and Annemie Tielens.

He was a well-known chef back in Belgium, while she was a psychologist.

It is a stylish place where no expense has been spared, in particular with its giant solar heated swimming pool and expansive bedrooms with roll top baths and beds that cost €10,000 each and are even slept on by the Queen of England, it is said.

They also recently won a Belgium equivalent of TV programme Four in a Bed.

The hotel that came second in the programme coincidentally, Casa los Dos, is also a wonderful rural retreat, much nearer to Competa.

The Dutch-run B&B sits in a tranquil spot down a country lane between the village and the sea.

The accommodation is incredibly clean and stylish and you are guaranteed a mean breakfast, in fact one of the best I have even had in Andalucia.

Also just outside Competa is Hotel Alberdini, where many rooms come in Gaudi-style casitas with spectacular views. There is the added advantage of having an excellent restaurant.