An interview with Inez who along with her husband Rob are re–opening the Alberdini in Competa on 20th December
Inez and her husband Rob moved from Belgium to Andalucia in December 2007. I first met up with Inez around 6 months ago when she started to advertise her Pilates classes in The Grapevine. I never imagined a few months later she would be re opening the Alberdini which has been closed for the last 6 years.
For those of you who don't know the Alberdini, it can be found on the Venta de Palma road leading into Competa campo, 5 minutes after passing Portichuelo Centre and the Venta de Palma bar. The entrance to the Alberdini is unmistakable by its curved, coloured and Gaudi style stone work. The entrance sets the scene for the rest of the establishment and the uniqueness of the complex should be enough to entice you to have a look round.
I arrived in Competa after the Alberdini had closed, so I felt very fortunate to have a chance to see how Inez was bringing it back to life again. She explained that Rob and herself had been looking for a business opportunity since arriving in Competa and on seeing the Alberdini felt it was the perfect investment for them. First they had to overcome some paperwork issues and apply for a license to change parts of the building. Currently work is being carried out by Country Maintenance to revive the buildings, whilst putting in place the new ideas from Inez and Rob.
The Alberdini has a main building with a restaurant and bar area. Inez showed me into this area first where a large bar was still under construction and likewise the kitchen area. However, the rest of it was being cleaned and painted whilst maintaining the original charm and uniqueness of the building. The Alberdini will be open to both locals and holiday makers alike to come for a drink and/ or something to eat in a relaxed informal atmosphere. They have employed a chef, a good friend from Holland, who has worked previously in several restaurants in Spain. Food will range from tapas to 'a la carte meals' and they plan to have regular entertainment and music nights starting with their Christmas Programme which is laid out in their advert (see page 27)
Moving out from the Bar and Restaurant there is also a large function room, which come the New Year, Inez hopes to provide further activities for locals, adults and children alike and holiday makers. In the future she will also look to move her Pilate's classes up to the Alberdini and into this function room. It will be available for private hire as it is an excellent location for parties. To the side of the main building is a large outdoor pool area. Inez has great plans for various terraces for the summer to incorporate outside drinking and dining with a combination of chairs and tables and comfortable sofa seating.
Finally the accommodations, there are 7 guest rooms with en-suite and 3 further independent bungalows with kitchenette and en suite facilities. Lastly, there is what they called the “Pod”, an even more unique independent bungalow, this was my favorite and where I would want to stay. The cost for staying at the Alberdini starts at 30 Euros for a small guest room and reaches 50 Euros for the bungalows and the family guest room. These prices are per room, per night including breakfast representing excellent value for money. I was shown round the guest accommodation and each room has been painted in a different colour, have wood beamed ceilings and excellent views out to the coast and campo. Inez will be creating a different atmosphere in each room through the use of paint and soft furnishings. Each of the bungalows are also different with the use of mosaic tiling unique to each one, with wood burning stove and fabulous views to the sea and campo. Finally, the Pod best shown by the picture, it is extremely unusual the most unique, has the best views and the biggest walk in shower!
The Alberdini is unique, child and pet friendly, and so worth a visit; go for a meal, something to drink or plan a weekend there, you won't be disappointed!
