“Today we recognize the Califa Group
forpromoting Tourism in Vejer”, says Francisco Manuel Flor Lara, Vejer’s Major.
“We’re deeply pleased and honored to receive this award. Califa’s success wouldn’t be possible without the talent and dedication of our staff”, says James Stuart, Califa’s Managing Director. “We’re so pleased for our amazing staff who deserve this recognition of their hard work”, says Regli Álvarez, Califa’s director.
Group’s history
30 years ago, James Stuart arrived in this town of 12,700 people in search of a snack after a day’s windsurfing on the coast. 10 years after he and his partner, Regli Álvarez, run their first hotel La Casa del Califa in 2001.
The principal Califa building dates from 1527 and incorporates parts from the 10th.C. The eleven buildings that make up the Califa complex range from the Islamic era of Vejer to the present day. A place where it is possible to feel the Moorish atmosphere of Vejer and sleep surrounded by art and history.
Over the years the business has grown into what is today a group of four hotels: La Casa del Califa’s Hotel; Las Palmeras del Califa, rustic chic with a pool and panoramic views from all rooms and terraces; Plaza 18, a luxury hotel in the heart of Vejer, design by internationally acclaimed designer Nicky Dobree; and Madreselva Hotel in Los Caños de Meca. Califa Casas, Vejer’s prime source for quality well managed holiday homes. Three restaurants: El Jardín del Califa, one of Andalucia’s prime eating destinations; Corredera 55, fresh, vibrant, healthy home cooking from the Mediterranean and Califa Tapas, both of them located in calle Corredera. The group also manages two bars: La Tetería del Califa, Califa Express and new bistro FEZ.
The last project is the Hammam that will open next spring in Vejer. The décor, elegant and luxurious, is the work of the interior designer Ellie Cormié.. Situated equidistant between the Alcazaba (Vejer’s Arabic origin castle) and
what was the Mosque (now the principal church in Vejer) the Vejer Hammam, is in the heart of Vejer’s romantic and laberynthine old town.
20 years in numbers
What better occasion than a 20th anniversary to talk about numbers. More than 1,500,000 customers have been delighted with the delicacies of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine of El Jardín del Califa’s restaurant, that opened its doors in 2002.
Its palm trees have witnessed stories of love and heartbreak, weddings, countless proposals, anniversaries, reconciliations and special moments.
“I would like to thank all customers who trusted us over the years thank you for your long support, year after year, anniversary after anniversary, birthday after birthday. We are ready for another 20 years” explains Regli Álvarez, director of the group.
Over the last two decades, more than 150,000 guests have been captivated by the magic and charm of the group’s hotels. They dreamed between the sheets. They let themselves be pampered by a staff that takes care of every detail. They walked the labyrinthine corridors of the Hotel La Casa del Califa. They enjoyed the charm of Las Palmeras del Califa. They felt the luxury and comfort of Plaza 18. They relax on the beach at the Hotel Madreselva.
