Reviewed 12 Aug 2006 by Sarah Baker
We went to this accommodation, in the beautiful Jalon Valley, south of Valencia. I never knew such places existed so close to beaches of the Costa Blanca.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The house, the views, the countryside, the fabulous welcome, great food, entertaining and interesting company, we just were not expecting so much and it was truly fabulous, like a hotel but more like a home, guests relaxing together, enjoying great food and plenty of local vino, just like it says in the video!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you can book the Fernando suite, all the beds are lovely and the linen is gorgeous, but Fernando is the most spectacular, just not what you expect!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The house runs on solar power and takes careful management, the water is all recycled and of course recycle bins for glass and cartons etc are available. The village of Jalon has a lot of offer and I went with Johnny to the market and the shops, they all know the house and the owners, and its very clear that there is a fabulous relationship between suppliers and local shop keepers and the kitchens at this accommodation!
4. Any other comments?
***** I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on. We just loved being there, its a very relaxing place to be, the rooms are fabulous and everyone else was having such a lovely time its impossible not to be scooped up in it. Great for walkers, for families or just for a weekend away and a glass of wine!
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.
Reviewed 12 May 2007 by Rosalind Wynne
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The spectacular views from the property down the valley - on a clear day you can see the sea. It was early May & there was a profusion of wild flowers on the hillsides & olive terraces. The other exciting part of the holiday for parents with small children is that Sarah did special communal children's teas at 6ish & then we could have dinner brought to us on our own terrace after the children were in bed. Sarah also did a communal paella on a Sunday afternoon which was good fun & social both for parents & children.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The beach is about 30 minutes from the house but this didn't matter to us, as nice being in a quieter hillside location, & it does have its own pool. This would probably a particular advantage in the higher season when I expect the coastal resorts would be heaving.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Sarah used local suppliers & shops to buy a lot of fresh produce for meals. The family has made an effort to integrate into the local community. Some energy was provided by solar power.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** - fantastic place to go with small children - we actually had a chance to relax a bit & have pleasant evenings after they were in bed.
Reviewed 25 Mar 2007 by Tamsin Gilbert
We had a fantastic time at this accommodation. It was so easy with the two children (toddlers) and Sarah and Johnny Robinson are excellent hosts and we were well looked after all week. The views in particular were stunning!
A tip for those travelling to the accommodation with kids - don't bother packing too much baby equipment, because Sarah seems to be able to provide most things! Oh...and remember that Spain can be cold in March! Sarah and Johnny were very helpful in telling us the best local shops to use - butchers, bakers etc and the business seemed to be very sympathetic to the local community and environment.
Overall we had a fantastic holiday; we did not have to worry about the kids - there was always plenty of 'wholesome' activity such as getting messy in the sandpit, tearing up and down the terrace on bikes/tractors, watching the goats or generally just exploring the countryside. Since the kids were happy, we as parents were therefore happy and felt more relaxed than we have done in a long, long time.
Whilst we were there to 'self cater', Sarah's food was also fantastic when we needed a break - far better than any hotel we've been into. We would thoroughly recommend a holiday to this accommodation, particularly for those with children.
Reviewed 25 Nov 2006 by Dave Partridge
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Travelling with our little boy overseas for the first time! Awesome mountain views, the peace and quiet and some beautiful local beaches away from the tourist trail of Benidorm.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax, unwind and let Sarah and Johnny look after you! Drink as much of the local red wine as possible - it is great, doesn't give you a hangover and benefits the local wine producer 5 minutes round the corner. Explore Jalon and try purchasing the local meats, breads and avoid the big supermarkets wherever possible.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes absolutely. All food and wine was wherever possible sourced from local producers / businesses. We were very impressed with the quality of the food cooked by Sarah as it was authentically Spanish. Power was solar with small generator which was used for high use periods. Would recommend further efforts are made to recycle wherever possible and clear instructions provided.
Reviewed 29 Oct 2006 by Liz West
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful views and hospitality. This accommodation was the most beautiful place in a stunning setting, but more importantly it was very welcoming and completely child-friendly. The children were able to explore and play with their new friends in safety, and I was able to read three books in a week - which I haven't done since my last child-free holiday 7 years ago! The food was great and it was a real bonus that we were able to be so flexible with catering arrangements.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - Sarah & Johnny have strong links with local suppliers and businesses.
Reviewed 26 Aug 2006 by Tim Wilson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This accommodation feels like a treat for adults as well as for children. The setting and lovely outdoor seating areas with mountain views plus safe play areas and toys for the children make the holiday more relaxing. You would have to stay at the place though to appreciate the warmth and generosity of the Robinson family. Our boys had some great times and Ben recently asked when we were going on the 'party holiday' again in Spain. We enjoyed having the opportunity to have meals made for us and to dip in and out of the relaxed company of the family and some fellow visitors. Don't buy wine to take there -the local stuff is great and supplied at the villa.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend it to families and to couples as there are loads of seating areas. You don't need toys but as the TV reception isn't great taking a DVD player was useful. I would say that the local walkable restaurants are really for daytime in terms of walking to and from unless you are hardy and don't mind crossing scrubland in the dark. It's a nice place for walks and cycling though it’s not flat! I would also ask for tips on where to go and not to go on the Costa as it’s a surprisingly nice coast if you go to the right beaches and a bit dismal when you don't.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Well there was certainly a lot of produce bought and delivered by locals. We enjoyed going to see the local goat herd and collecting eggs from a nearby farm. Not sure I'm green enough to comment beyond the fact that they use solar energy.
4. Any other comments?
Definitely one of the best ones we've been on with our young children and we want to go again. I would say it's a 4 star plus.
Reviewed 20 Oct 2005 by Philippa Hocking
The warmth of the welcome we received made us feel like old friends of the lovely family who were to be our hosts for the week. There was a thoughtfully put together welcome hamper so we had time to relax and get our bearings before we had to venture away for supplies, including olive oil made from the olives grown on the terraces we overlooked.
The valley itself is so beautiful and peaceful, I felt completely relaxed there, the mist at sunrise was almost ethereal. When we return there in a few weeks I would love to spend more time exploring the valley and surrounding hills.
There are lovely beaches a short drive away and the guide written by our hosts helped us to avoid the crowds. My children cannot wait to return, it is such a child friendly place, from the trunk of age appropriate games and books in their bedroom, to the easygoing family who made us so welcome.We had a wonderful time!
This doesn't even come close to how lovely it all was, I'll give you an update when we return this time!
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