Reviewed 3 Jan 2010 by Elysha Fairholm
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
The whole holiday was brilliant. Our villa was gorgeous
and there was fantastic walking right on our doorsteps and plenty to do just a
short drive away. We had a day exploring the coast and the villages along it
were fantastic.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Go for it! We flew into Alicante airport and it was a
really easy drive to the villa.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes definitely we were
very much encouraged to shop and eat locally and support local business. Our
hosts were extremely friendly and really want to promote the area
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
We couldn't have asked for more. We went on honeymoon and it
was just perfect. Our hosts made us feel so welcome - there was bread, cheese,
ham, olives and wine on arrival and even in the middle of December were
perfectly warm. The log fire kept us cosy and the weather was perfect for long
walks. Our hosts provided maps of walks to do. Would really recommend this place
for anyone who wants to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. Shops and
restaurants were an easy 5min walk away and there is plenty to do just a short
drive away to. Amazing!!!!
Reviewed 22 Feb 2010 by Emma Burleigh
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
Almond blossom blowing in through the doorway, picturesque
old men with skin as gnarled as the almond bark greeted us with friendly "Olas"
as they herded goats across the blossom studded mountains. Orange groves. The
cosy wood burning stove. Tapas in friendly restaurant "El Molina".
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Better if it doesn't rain as there's not a lot to do
besides walk, but the wood burner makes it all very cosy so you can relax and
play games etc. indoors in comfort. We were unlucky as it doesn't usually rain
so much.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we ate locally,
shopped in the village, so all the money we spent hopefully went back into the
local economy. The house is quite eco-friendly: recycling, eco-bulbs
etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
Very good.
Reviewed 14 Oct 2010 by Robert Gordon
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
The well planned and well documented walks prepared by
John through the nearby hills surrounding the village of Lubrin. The West walk
gave views across to the sea, so choose a blue sky day for this walk. Only by
walking along the tracks could you appreciate the range of small scale
cultivation in the area. The walks are not too demanding and take around 3 1/2
to 4 hours
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Be prepared to be flexible in your eating arrangements -
visit restaurants in Lubrin and the surrounding villages - for value for money.
Specifically Restaurante Lopez where wild boar is offered. However we went in
October and a couple of restaurants were closed. Also, there are few tourists,
and the local people are very friendly if you smile and say "Ola".
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we used local
shops, including the local supermarket (a bit limited) and bread shop, a market
on Wednesday, and the local restaurants - we had a hire car, but hardly needed
to use it.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
It was a very peaceful and relaxing holiday. The owners (John
and Maya) who lived on site, were very friendly and very helpful without being
overbearing. They are keen to develop the walks further, and are working with
the local community to do this. A really peaceful place in the real Spain where
you can relax in the knowledge you will not be "ripped off"
Reviewed 17 Jan 2010 by Kerrie Jopling
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
The great location of the peaceful and relaxing
accommodation - with everything you'd need within short walking distance in a
very friendly and genuine corner of Spain. Really helpful and friendly hosts
who'd gone to the trouble of stocking the fridge and being on hand to help out
with recommendations, walks in the locality, etc.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Be ready to experience the real Spain - and practice some
Spanish - away from the hordes of UK package tourists.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - we ate in local
restaurants, drank in local bars and cafes, shopped in the village market and
small supermarkets - and did several walks in the locality, direct from the
apartment without using the car. We hope that promotion of this low-key type of
tourism will benefit the local people and their economy.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
Exceeded our expectations. Great location, friendly locals and
hosts, charming village in interesting mountainous area, good value for money,
and within easy reach of cultural sites for day-trips - would definitely
recommend to others.
Reviewed 1 Apr 2010 by Richard Knott
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
Scenery and wildlife in and around Lubrin.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Wednesday market in Lubrin is excellent - but be aware
that no other local source of fresh fruit or veg so stock up to last until the
Wednesday..
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Location
encouraged us to support local businesses and market.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
We were extremely well looked after on our visit, and had a
wonderful time (despite the unseasonally cold weather). The wildlife and scenery
exceeded our expectations. A magical location combining the best aspects of
remoteness with easy access to the village centre. And some fantastic walks from
the house.
Reviewed 24 Feb 2010 by Christopher Andrews
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
Super local walks... local wines and cuisine.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Unable to make suggestions to other people with different
interests.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Possibly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
Very enjoyable.
Reviewed 6 May 2009 by Lyn Berg
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
We drove right into the village of Lubrin without the
exact to directions to the apartment so ended up getting lost in the narrow,
winding village streets. Armed with directions in Spanish, we still managed to
miss the turn-off so after another attack through the village streets, it was
exciting to finally reaching our destination. Staying at such a panoramic
location was memorable in itself and we also really enjoyed the rather
challenging walk up to the hilltops on the other side of the village, amongst
the almond trees and an incredible display of wildflowers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Make sure you have the directions and be prepared to
relax.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we purchased
supplies and dined in the local village which was just a walk over the hill.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
The holiday was excellent. We were made very welcome by the
hosts and had a very relaxing and very enjoyable vacation. We awoke to morning
sunshine filtering through the bedroom window and enjoyed the setting sun on the
back patio with a glass or two of wine accompanied by sounds of the local goat
herdsman "talking" to his goats and the tinkling of the bells around their
necks.
Reviewed 18 May 2009 by Alasdair Kenwright
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
The beauty, peace and tranquillity of Lubrin and the
surrounding country.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Take plenty of water when out walking. Study the maps
carefully as the walking trails need to be developed.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, as we used the
local shops and bars.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
Excellent.
Reviewed 13 Aug 2008 by Tessa Mearns
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of
your holiday?
Doing a lovely walk designed by John around the outskirts
of the village.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking
this holiday?
Arrive early in the week to take full advantage of the
market on Wednesday - we arrived on a Friday so had to go to supermarkets
outside of town to get fresh fruit and vegetables for most of our stay (and the
market was great!). Visit 'La Tasca' restaurant/bar in town - very friendly
staff and lovely meals and tapas.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local
people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The house had been
renovated sensitively and in keeping with local architecture.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday
overall?
Very relaxing and in a lovely setting, with friendly and
accommodating hosts.