Fairuz, Torreblanca del Sol

IT is a serious mission finding it, but once there, it is well worth the journey.

A true oasis hidden in the hills above the Costa del Sol, Fairuz knocks the spots off any of its nearby rivals.

Located in the charming boutique hotel Las Islas, which was first opened in 1956 by a German, the place is now run by friendly Lebanese businessman Omar Samaha.

A shady spot with a dozen alfresco tables, you sit under Jacaranda and palm trees with views down to the coast.

The food is a mixture of Middle Eastern, north African and European and unsurprisingly ranks highly on Trip Advisor.

We started with the superb ‘mezze platter’, a wonderful tour of Arabic cuisine, with smoked aubergine humous, taboule salad and vine leaves stuffed with spicy rice.

Next up was a delightful fish kebab made from sea bass and salmon. It was delicious and came served with green and red peppers, onion and sesame seeds.

We stayed with the Arabic flavour going for a Baklawa pudding made from pistachios.

It was an education and well worth the journey. I was just sad I was unable to take a nap in one of the lovely, recently refurbished rooms.

By Jon Clarke

Las Islas Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
C/Canela 12, Torreblanca del Sol
29640 Fuengirola
Malaga

Telephone: 952 475 598

Web: www.lasislas.info