Creative Arts Learning Vacations in Southern Spain

Born in England and now spending half their time between Spain and Vancouver, Mike and Hilary Powell are passionate about Spain…its culture, food and history, and now they are sharing it with artists and foodies alike.

Mike obtained his diploma in hotel management in London, England. His interest in the culinary and gastronomic aspects led him to further studies in France and Switzerland. After managing hotels in London, he and Hilary moved to Iberia where they lived and worked for the next 13 years. First in Portugal where they converted their Algarvian waterfront family home near Albufeira into Restaurante Castelo. After a few years Andalucia's charms lured them to Spain where they built their home and business, their successful restaurant, La Cascada Verde between Puerto Banus and Marbella on the Costa del Sol before finally moving to Vancouver, Canada for their daughter’s education.

Both restaurants provided intimate relaxed dining in the atmosphere of a private house. The menus were adjusted daily to take advantage of the best produce in the market. Regular clients included some of the top celebrities of the day: Tom Jones, Sean Connery, Cliff Richard, Louis Jordan, Deborah Kerr and many others.

Their passion for the Spanish Mediterranean style of cooking continued after they moved to Canada and in May 2005 they created a way to incorporate their love for Spain into their lives. They launched A Flavour of Spain Art and Cooking Vacations, holidays for artists and food lovers to come to Spain and experience, savour and explore Andalucia through painting and cooking workshops.

So, in many ways, this is completing the full circle as they introduce the Spanish lifestyle they love so much, to their many creative guests. Now too, with their house Cortijo Entre Molinos adjacent to El Molino they continue to expand their horizons. In the autumn months of 2010 they are working on their much delayed cookbook!

Mike's passion for cooking constantly leads him towards ways to enhance the quality of life through &lsqou;Cocinando con amor’ cooking with love.  He shares that important learning to be in the moment while cooking for family and friends, using the freshest ingredients, finest olive oils, in the preparation of food from scratch, with as few gadgets as possible – helping retain a connection between the produce and ourselves to complete the synergy.