Reviewed February 2011 by Kate
Disappearing off to Spain for a holiday with two small boys and a rather fractious 12-week-old baby may seem challenging at best, and slightly bonkers at worst. But for those of us who have discovered Caserío del Mirador, Sarah and Johnny Robinson's fabulously chilled baby-friendly retreat in Valencia, it's a breeze. We've just spent a wonderful week there, and we were already planning our next trip before the plane hit the tarmac back home.
Overlooking a breathtakingly beautiful valley and surrounded by olive and orange groves, this relaxed, stylish set-up has plenty to keep children and parents extremely happy. Our apartment (with its own terrace overlooking the valley) was gorgeous, and thoughtfully kitted out with everything we could possibly want – deeply comfortable beds, toys for the kids, a DVD player, basic groceries, and so much baby clobber that we only needed to bring nappies, wipes and clothes from the UK. The Robinsons had thought of literally everything else. (Even an off-road buggy and backpacks for taking little ones out for a hike in the hills).
Sarah's mouthwatering Spanish home cooking and Johnny's generous supply of wine made for long, sociable evenings (although they'll happily deliver meals to your apartment if you're feeling reclusive). In the daytime, we'd wake up to find a breakfast of fresh croissants and bread waiting outside our door, then watch the boys zoom off to play with the other kids and to visit the Robinson's assorted goats, pigs, ponies and rabbits. Tess, our baby, had started the holiday colicky and wakeful, but after a couple of days it was obvious her dad and I weren't the only ones unwinding. The more she slept, the more we slept. By day four she was waking up for a feed, a mammoth smiling session and a bit of a burble with whoever was looking her way, before zonking straight out again. I'm convinced there's something in the air.
It was a blissful holiday. The boys loved it, we loved it, and Tess loved it. Can't wait to go back.
Reviewed February 2011 by Anna Boase
Away from the crowds, but not too far from the airport or the beach, Caserío del Mirador is paradise for young families. Our toddler was spoiled for entertainment, with a sandpit, trampoline, swings and slide on offer, as well as goats, pigs and rabbits to feed. Our 3 month old baby was so chilled out by the holiday experience, that he slept through the night for the first time whilst we were away. Sarah and Johnny not only offer all the equipment you could possibly need for little ones, but they also have a great rapport with kids and anticipate your needs before you realise them yourself. Grown up needs were thoroughly well met too. The apartment was spotless, spacious and well furnished, and Sarah's cooking was a treat. We would highly recommend Caserío del Mirador.
Reviewed August 2010 by Daniya Stewart
Caserio del Mirador (www.villajalon.com) sells itself as a baby friendly holiday and it certainly lives up to its reputation. My husband and I along with our 21 month old son had a fantastic two week break (August 2010) and would not hesitate to recommend it for young families seeking a relaxing holiday where everyone’s needs - children and adults - are catered for.
Set in the mountains, an hour’s drive from Alicante airport (nice cheap Easyjet flights from Gatwick) it is a beautiful location nestled amongst olive and almond groves and not much else. The remoteness of the location means kids can roam freely from the pool to the trampoline to see the horses, goats or rabbits without the fear of passing cars yet it is only a 7 minute drive to the nearest bar/restaurant/supermarket and 25 minutes to our favourite beach (Calpe).
Although you are not smack bang in the middle of a holiday resort, so a car is a must have, there are plenty of things to do both on and offsite. Onsite activities are mainly relaxing for the adults and swimming, playing in the sandpit/trampoline/playground/ping pong table or feeding the animals for the little ones. Within a 25-45 minute drive there are a number of lovely beaches, some nice little towns to visit (Moraira and Altea) or bigger more touristy cities (such as Denia or Benidorm), Aqualandia - a fantastic waterpark suitable for all ages from walking onwards, a funfair in the evenings (most suitable for ages 1 – 8), waterfalls and even a few mountains to climb!
The owners, Sarah and Johnny along with their children Poppy, Florence and Charlie give you just the right mixture of presence and privacy and the Robinson family are a big part in what makes this such a friendly and relaxed holiday. Sarah (the cooking) and Johnny (the drinks pouring/local history knowledge) cater for guests - kids and adults separately - each night (except Mondays and Wednesdays) and as someone who loves food I was happily impressed with the quality of both the ingredients and the cooking and, whilst all of it had a Spanish influence, there was enough variety to not get bored of eating there every night. In fact, my husband and I didn't even take advantage of the babysitting service, as we would usually, to go out for dinner. Dinners are served communally on the upstairs terrace (within baby monitor distance) or privately on your own terrace, although we ate communally both with guests and with Sarah and Johnny as it was such a nice event and a lovely relaxing evening - especially being able to stumble 5 metres to bed after all the beer, wine and desert wine served every night!
Kids teas were a nice event each evening with kids being fed a range of foods and any special requests - early feeding, fussy eating - were catered for alongside a glass of beer/wine for the parents.
Our apartment (Nina) was a large one bedroom with room for a cot or toddler bed and a small kitchen. A small TV is in the living area which sporadically picked up UK channels and in any case there were enough to keep our son entertained while we had a lie in. There was no bath but a large bucket/bowl is provided which is not ideal but fine for a holiday (and big enough for our son to sit in). Great power shower! Although this is a self catering holiday the apartments are cleaned every other day which is lovely to come back to and towels/sheets etc changed after a week if you are staying on.
The outside areas of the property are well kept, the pool is well maintained, sun loungers are freely available and there were the most comfortable outdoor sofas (perfect for a glass of wine and a book after kids are in bed!). There is an honesty bar with soft drinks, beer, wine and ice creams by the pool. There is no need to bring your own toys, books, inflatables, parasols, beach blankets/towels, buckets/spades etc as there is a communal area to borrow these and a really good selection to choose from. There is a ping pong table onsite which was a fun alternative to the pool and beauty treatments are available on site once a week.
If it all sounds good, that’s because it really was and we look forward to returning to Caserio del Mirador soon.
Reviewed August 2010 by Morwenna Lawson
Thanks for such a completely wonderful stay. As predicted, I left feeling completely institutionalised (but in a very nice way) and am now having trouble re-learning the basics, such as how to fill and then switch on the kettle, and what to make out of spuds, ham and a bit of cheese... can you bring something to our flat, please? 9pm would do us just nicely. and more of that gorgeous wine wouldn't be turned down.
Sigh.
We enjoyed Valencia. I thought it'd be a good way of getting us back into city living. I think next time we might do it the other way, town first and then some uber-zen chillout by your pool.
I hope there will be a next time. I have no idea what the shelf-life is for small people, but I'm sure Jonah would enjoy it for a couple of years yet. I'm telling all my friends about you and I'll stick a link onto my Facebook page (not that you need the networking), but I don't think I'd come along with any of them, much as I love them all. It was so nice being anonymous for a week but still with so many very friendly people.
I bet all your visitors say: 'I really needed the break, but I did'.
My mum died in June, then we moved house, and then the school holidays lodged themselves on top of me for... well.. you know how it is.
Weeks. And then we came to you.
It was just perfect. John's not a man of many words, as you might have noticed, but while driving back from Gatwick at 1.30am this morning, I asked him what the best bit of the last 9 days had been (in an effort to keep him awake) and he said. 'well, Sarah's of course'. Now that's a HUGE compliment in John-speak. Ah - I could bang on for ages. But there's a small white shirt to be ironed, black shoes to be found, a notebook full of work to be relocated and that damn kettle...
Thanks to Johnny too - was lovely to see what we did see of him.
Love from the Lawsons
X
Reviewed July 2010 by Karen and Pete, Ethan and Charlie
Thanks so much for a wonderful week and looking after us so well. We've all had such a lovely time. I'd be surprised if the boys ever had a better holiday than this.
Reviewed June 2010 by Nik, Di and Maisie Moo
A big thank you for your wonderful hospitality last week at your beautiful home. We had the perfect first holiday abroad with Maisie who clearly loved every second and misses buttercup madly - and the pool!
We look forward to seeing you guys again soon and hope you all have a lovely summer in the sun.
Reviewed June 2010 by Anna, Dave and Alice
Thank you very much for a fantastic week at Caserio del Mirador. We had a wonderful time. Dave and I said when we got home that we rarely manage to switch off as much as we did. The kids esp Alice had a fab time. The setting of your house, the food, wine and all the things for the children is great.
Reviewed April 2010 by Claudia
Thank you so much for a fantastic holiday. We've been back a week now and Eleanor's just finished with the chickenpox - we managed to get her back to the UK before she looked too spotty, thank goodness! But your kind offer of staying longer if we got stranded was very much appreciated, as was all your thoughtfulness throughout the week, not to mention great hospitality and delicious food. We haven't yet stopped telling people what a great time we had.
Reviewed April 2010 by Manav, Mandeep and Sayan Sohal
Thank you for making Sayan's first holiday abroad so memorable. We'll have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you to our friends and family - we had a magical time.
Reviewed November 2009 by Eileen, Iris and Sorley
Just a beautiful place, thanks for looking after us so well. I know who to blame if I end up buying a Shetland pony!
Reviewed November 2009 by Alex Meloy
Thank you for a great week at Caserio del Mirador - we are already missing the big blue skies. We really did have a fab time and feel that we couldn't have chosen a better place to go for our first real holiday with Luke. I have a feeling that we will be back in the years to come!
Reviewed October 2009 by Monica
We had the most wonderful time staying with Sarah and Johnny, they were great hosts and live in a beautiful place. Our 15 month old daughter loved her 2 weeks of playing by the pool, with the kittens, feeding the rabbits, bouncing on the trampoline and having dinner with her new toddler friends at tea time.
Reviewed October 2009 by Victoria Craddock
We had the most relaxing holiday we have ever had with our 3 year old twins. Sarah and Johnny made us very welcome and looked after our EVERY need. The accommodation MORE than catered for our two little monkeys! We will certainly be returning - it was a proper mountain retreat with everything we needed for a truly relaxing time.
Reviewed October 2009 by Anu Giri
It was the perfect holiday for young families. Sarah and Jonny are fabulous hosts and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Nothing is too much trouble and at the end of the week we felt as if we'd spent a week staying with very good friends.
Reviewed July 2009 by Melissa Grafton
Thanks for making it such a great week’s holiday. We all had a lovely time and it is a beautiful location and set up you have arranged. There has been talking non stop about riding the pony and the “big horse” so thank you for doing that with her.
Many thanks and I hope you have a good rest of season.
Reviewed 7 May 2007 by Wayne Hill
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The best part of our holiday, and therefore the most memorable thing, is the welcome we received from Sarah and Johnny Robinson at this accommodation.
The accommodation was so completely perfect for a family with young children. The Robinsons have young children themselves, and staying at their guest house felt more like being a family friend than a hotel customer.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't be shy; if you need anything at all while you are staying with the Robinsons, just ask! They had supplies for beach trips, a backpack for carrying our toddler on a hike, a baby monitor for when it was naptime, as a few examples. I borrowed her son's toy cars, her shawl one chilly evening, and the list could go on. They are just so committed to making you comfortable during your stay.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Power is by generator and solar power of their own production, and it helps to bear this in mind and try to minimize your own usage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would definitely give it 5 stars. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. The decision to stay at this accommodation, instead of at a beachside hotel, was the best decision we could have made. It's an easy (and breathtaking!) 30 minute drive to the beach, so you can have as much beach time as you want. But instead of being stuck in the developed and tourist-y towns, at the end of the day you are relaxing in a beautiful, secluded, peaceful place in the middle of 'real' Spain. We recommend a holiday at this accommodation to anyone who likes to stay off the beaten path--especially families with infants, toddlers, and/or school age children. After all, its much easier to stay off that beaten path when your kids are happy!
Reviewed 14 Apr 2007 by Lyndsey Woraker
We had a wonderful holiday with Sarah & Johnny at this accommodation, despite terrible weather!
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Location of villa, warm welcome from hosts and wonderful experience that children had on their first holiday abroad.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't miss the Sunday lunch - great paella cooked for all guests by Sarah
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes all produce was bought locally and hosts obviously had a very good relationship with the locals.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
***** Whole family loved holiday. Rate it 11 out of 10 as exceeded all expectations and we have booked to go back next year!
Reviewed 23 Aug 2006 by Sue Jones
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sarah and Johnny are most generous and hospitable hosts and we couldn't have felt more welcome. They are particularly well informed about the area, where to go and what to see. We loved to sit and watch the evening glow disappear from the sky and then see the lights twinkle in the distant hillside villages, whilst enjoying a glass of local wine. So peaceful and away from it all.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a fantastic place - wish it had been there when our children were small. It surely must be the most hassle and stress free holiday ever. Use the baby listening service, and just relax. There are beaches around but I guess you won't want to venture far. This has it all.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. Johnny and Sarah will direct you where to purchase all the local produce as indeed they do themselves and they are committed to everything environmentally friendly.
4. Any other comments?
Absolutely idyllic! (we have stayed here 3 times - that must say something!).
I found this on Netmums and we spent a lovely 2 weeks there last Summer. Our apartment was gorgeous and gave us self catering privacy while we could send the children up to "the main house" every morning for fresh croissants and milk. We met some lovely guests and most evenings the grown ups all dined together (cooked by our charming hostess Sarah) and lashings of local wine (made by the Mayor!). Days spent by the lovely swimming pool or driving to explore the beaches. Bliss.
Caserio del Mirador (www.villaJalon.com) is a little piece of heaven and we would unhesitatingly recommend it to anyone - but most especially to parents of young (and even not-so-young) children. The kids can play safely while the parents chill. It's about as un-stressful as a family holiday could be and though you could spend a whole holiday lounging by the pool with its gorgeous views, there's plenty to do elsewhere: waterfalls to play in; mountains to climb; beaches of every variety from wave-swept, empty Atlantic-style ones to crescent shape ones packed with kiddie entertainment. Oh, and the bedrooms are jolly nice too and Sarah's cooking is brilliant.
We have just booked our fourth – yes, fourth – year running with Sarah and Johnny Robinson at Caserio del Mirador. The setting is inspirational, the company as hands-on or hands-off as you want it to be. My five-year-old always assumes 'going to Spain' means going to visit Caserio del Mirador and would be disappointed to go anywhere else. She loves playing in the pool with the kids and disappearing for hours on end into dressing up land upstairs... PS Try culture in Valencia, history in the mountains and thrills at Terra Mitica. Lots of nice pictures at www.VillaJalon.com of happy kids and lazy days! Roll on August 2007!
Reviewed 1 Jul 2007 by Sarah Williams
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fun meals we had as a group and also the delicious meals that were cooked for us on the terrace outside our apartment which meant no cooking for us (Although there are the facilities). We were able to put our daughter down to sleep and have the monitor on as the terrace is right outside the door so we had a romantic meal which we are never able to do!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Research the flight times we flew to Valencia as better flight times for us although Alicante is slightly closer.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The Villa is set in the mountains and uses only recycled water and solar powered/ generated electricity. All rubbish is recycled where possible so having minimum impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent we intend to go back next year when our daughter is a bit older. The Villa is situated in a perfect location far enough away from the hustle and bustle but close enough for day trips... yes we even went to Benidorm for the day but only to the fantastic Zoo they had!
Travelling was no hassle with a 7 month old baby, Sarah and Johnny provided a play matt, high chair, cot, toys and a blender and were on hand to help with anything at all times.
© 2010 Caserio del Mirador