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, running their own restaurant first near Albufeira in Portugal and then building their home and restaurant between Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol in Spain.

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, Arts and Cooking holidays, courses and retreats 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. Their much delayed cookbook Watering the Tongue with Spanish Flavour is now available worldwide through Blurb.com, Blurb.co.UK, Blurb.ca, Blurb.Aus, etc.

Mike’s passion for ‘Cocinando con amor’ – cooking with love – he sees as the alchemy created by respect for the food, and being in the moment while cooking for family and friends. By using the freshest produce and finest olive oils in the preparation of dishes from scratch, the plan is to complete the synergy between the cook and his ingredients.

Our much delayed cookbook Watering the Tongue with Spanish Flavour is now available worldwide through Blurb.com, Blurb.co.UK, Blurb.ca, Blurb.Aus, etc.