Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
When they bought Molino del Santo almost four decades ago, they were a young couple who needed a saint in order to open their country hotel.
Short of funds and battling red tape, it was something of a miracle when the ‘Molino of the Saint’, near Ronda, opened in 1987.
It was the brainchild of British ex-pats Andy Chapell & Pauline Elkin.
Now, after 38 years, the award-winning hotel and restaurant is being passed on to a new generation… in the shape and form of their daughter.
From March 17, Carmen Chapell-Elkin, 32, will be bringing Molino del Santo, in Benaojan, ‘back to its glory days’.
They have a lot of new ideas, including activities, vegetarian menus, and wine-focused meals.
“We are over the moon,” Carmen said. Olive Press “We cannot believe that this is now our life and we have to pinch ourselves to remind ourselves that we will not be returning to London.”
Born in Ronda along with her younger sibling Rossy, she was raised at the Molino. The Molino has kept some of its employees for more than 30 years.
She added, “So many have been here over 20 years.” “It’s like an extended family. They have taught me so many things, from how to braid hair to how make paella.
The hotel is currently sprucing-up the rooms and redesigning its dining area. Special events will be held and a new website will be ready to launch.
After handing over the keys this month, dad Andy – appropriately a Saints (Southampton) fan – told Olive Press “I’m so happy that they are bringing a new energy to the Molino and some magic.
The Molino story will take on a new exciting chapter.
