Lonely Planet Review

Deep, dusky purples, dark aubergine, rust red, lipstick pink - the colours of Casa Lila are as vibrant as the spices that its one-time merchant-owner made his money on. And judging from the original tiling that covers nearly every square inch of wall and floor, he must have done rather well.

The house, with its wonderful original tiling, is exquisite and unique in its state of preservation. The soft floral patterns in natural shades of saffron, red, grey and black seem to climb the walls like trailing vines. Rooms are stage-sets of romantic folly, acres of chiffon curtains, worsted silk coverlets and the ubiquitous rose petals around baths. OK, we admit, it looks pretty damn good, but the style-conscious welded metal chairs and angular tadelakt (lime plaster) baths leave a lot to be desired in the comfort stakes.