Casa Maru

It all began about ten years ago, when Simone and Mike set off on a road trip through Andalusia. They instantly fell for the Axarquía — with its unspoiled landscapes, laid-back rhythm, and charming whitewashed villages. First came Villa Pepita, then Casa Habiba, and finally, Casa Maru. A former restaurateur in Antwerp, Mike brought his passion for hospitality to their holiday homes, while Simone infused each space with her signature sense of style.

Featuring three king-size bedrooms, each boasting an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, Casa Maru is made for families, couples, or groups of friends ready to unwind. Life flows seamlessly between indoors and out, with a large heated pool, sun loungers, shaded terraces, and a summer kitchen complete with BBQ and plancha — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Axarquía mountains. Long lunches stretch out under the pergola, naps are best taken on the rooftop terrace, and evenings wind down by the fire in the irresistibly cozy sitting pit, where a large round window frames nature like a painting. What more could you ask for in holidays under the Andalusian sun?

At Casa Maru, every item has been carefully selected. The style blends Japanese influences with raw materials, light wood, natural linen, and handmade ceramics… “I love hunting for treasures, mixing eras, and giving the space a soul,” says Simone, who designed the interior décor (and, more broadly, the collection of properties) alongside her daughter, Marlotte, who runs a guesthouse in Antwerp and shares her mother’s appreciation for beauty and impeccable taste!

A true favorite is the sunken living room, with its central fireplace, vintage and primitive furniture subtly woven in, and a soft color palette that mirrors the surrounding landscape. And let’s not forget the artworks curated by Mike — each piece adding character and personality to the space.

And what’s there to do around here? Simply enjoy. Hike through the hills, explore the perched white villages, linger over lunch on a terrace in Comares or Vélez-Málaga, take a day trip to Malaga, or head to the beach — all within an hour.

And sometimes, we do absolutely nothing. We listen to the gentle bells of the goats, read a novel in the shade of an olive tree, or gather around the big wooden table for a round of board games. “Some of our guests arrive with a thousand plans, only to end up staying by the pool all week,” the owners laugh.