Meet the people behind the place: CoraZazen, Villa Corumbela, El Aleph en Villa Zafarraya

In the heart of Andalusia, surrounded by mountains and olive groves, Veerle and her family have created a rare collection of hideaways where luxury, simplicity, and soul come together. What began with CoraZazen grew into a series of singular stays: the serene Villa Corumbela, the poetic El Aleph, and the refined, inclusive Villa Zafarraya.

Each place reflects her eye for beauty, her love of travel, and her gift for making tranquility feel tangible. Here, indoors and outdoors flow effortlessly into one another, the sun lingers on every detail, and guests feel instantly at home. A stay with Veerle is not just a holiday — it’s a memory that stays with you.

Before we get into the details, can you briefly introduce yourself?

We are Veerle, Bert, Klaas, Liene, and Bregt – an adventurous and warm family from the green village of Emblem near Lier, surrounded by orchards full of apples, pears, cherries, and strawberries.

We’d love to share a bit about you as a person with our guests. Would you like to tell us more about yourself?

With a love for travel that has taken us to the far corners of the world from a young age, we’ve always sought out the unknown, embraced new cultures, and created unforgettable memories – also together with our little children.

Our professional lives were intense: I worked as a producer for major shows, musicals, and international exhibitions like Cirque du Soleil, Cats, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and René Magritte. Meanwhile, Bert runs a mid-sized law firm. But no matter how busy our lives are, being on the road – being together – has always deeply moved us. It became a source of inspiration.

When and how did the accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

From a swimming pool to a lifelong dream.

What started as a plan to build a swimming pool in Belgium turned into a passionate adventure in Andalusia. During our search, we stumbled upon a rundown house – but in a breathtaking location: CoraZazen. Although the house was in poor condition, the place kept calling us. We decided to go for it – to follow our hearts – and that became the first step in a beautiful new chapter in our lives.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and decorating your accommodation?

What followed was more than just building and renovating. It became a passion. We discovered the joy of working with local craftsmen, of creating harmony between southern charm and modern luxury. By now, we’ve done four houses. Each project brought new ideas, new people, and a deep sense of fulfillment. It makes my heart sing...

We’re now three houses further and, together with close friends, we even completely transformed an old house into a boutique villa where families and groups traveling with someone in a wheelchair can enjoy a holiday. With that, we may have built one of the most beautiful wheelchair-accessible villas in the world.

Our goal? To create places where people truly feel at home. Where peace and beauty go hand in hand.

What makes your accommodation truly special to you? Are there special memories or moments that make it extra dear to you?

The magic of the place.
The slowing down and living in the Spanish rhythm. It’s a balm for the soul every time.
Waking up in the morning with the sun already peeking in, opening all the windows, and letting the outside come inside.
A cup of coffee on the terrace and the sun rising behind the mountains.
A swim and strolling along at the pace of the sun.
The evenings: long and cozy outdoors around and in the pool, under starry skies and surrounded only by the sounds of nature.
The locations are so special; the views are spectacular!
And this in combination with privacy, luxury, beauty, and simplicity.
The extra time with friends and family. Sleeping in the same place, having breakfast together in the morning – the intensity of being together is so much greater than just spending an afternoon together back home. The conversations are deeper.
You create real and warm memories together.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

The style? Playful and stylish. Modern, but with respect for Spanish and Moorish influences. Authentic, yet with all the comfort you’d expect from a luxury stay. We want it to be beautiful, but also warm, welcoming, and family-friendly – without compromising on elegance.

Which part of your accommodation do you love the most and why?

I absolutely love the whole: inside flowing seamlessly to outside; and the outside being an extension of the inside.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

The spectacular views and the complete privacy (see also earlier text).

Are there sustainable or eco-friendly elements linked to your accommodation that you’re proud of?

Where possible, we choose sustainability: solar panels, circular water use, and local materials. This way, we do our part.

What motivated or inspired you to rent out your property to guests?

We wanted to share this place with others. To let others feel the same as we do.

Can you give a vivid description of the total experience guests can expect during their stay at your accommodation?

Total freedom, complete peace, total privacy, a great feeling of luxury.
Everything is there that you need to enjoy meals together.
The villas and outdoor spaces form one whole with the surrounding nature.
Beautiful views from various spots in and around the house.

In what ways does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make it an unforgettable experience for guests?

The spectacular views. Our personal involvement with guests.
You can stay with us all year round; even the winter months are very popular.
We’ve mapped out more than 50 trips and also share all the best restaurants (personally tested!). Guests receive this information long in advance so they can plan well and start the fun anticipation early.

What’s the nicest compliment a guest has ever given you?

“It’s even more beautiful than in the photos.”
And for Villa Zafarraya: “Paradise made accessible.”

What do you hope guests will take with them or remember most about their stay at your accommodation?

A feeling they don’t get anywhere else: a warm heart. The peace of the mountains, the scent of olive trees, laughter together. The sunsets.
And the feeling of coming home instantly and always being welcome to return.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their holiday?

That they really take our insider tips to heart and choose in advance what they’d like to do.

Related articles
Andalusia - 10 reasons to choose Andalusia

Read article
Why choose Andalusia?

Read article
Must-try dishes when visiting Andalusia

Read article
Axarquía through the eyes of Barbara

Read article
Traveling with the Seasons: The Rhythm of Andalusia

Read article