Caserio del Mirador - Airstream

BFB's Overview.

'Boutique Hotel Spanish Family Robinson-Style’ is perhaps the best description of the experience at the beautiful Caserío del Mirador. The elegant pool and stylish Moroccan influenced interiors give it all the hallmarks of an exclusive retreat, but the warm hospitality of owners, Sarah and Johnny Robinson, and the presence of their three gorgeous children, create a laid back atmosphere that easily has parents relaxing – no need for toddler-induced tenterhooks here!

Nestled in a fragrant valley and in sight of the sea, its breathtaking views might be its greatest asset but the fact that guests at Caserío del Mirador can be as sociable or self-contained as they wish, comes a close second. This 27 foot American style Airstream offers single parents or couples with a babe in arms the perfect relaxing holiday experience! Complete with fold out double bed, basic kitchenettes enabling guests to self-cater or sample Sarah’s delicious rustic Spanish cuisine. Lunches and evening meals are on offer at least five days a week and can be delivered to your private terrace set in a pretty olive grove or enjoyed as sociable communal suppers, overlooking the beautifully lit pool and valley below. The daily kids supper times are a big draw for both mini and grown-up guests since Sarah produces popular meals for little ones and cracks open a few bottles for the grown-ups who generally bond over tips and advice on where to go and what to do with tots in tow.

Days are blissful with plenty of beaches and scenic towns to visit within 30-60mins drive and plenty to keep little ones occupied on site of opting for a chilled day by the pool. There are animal friends to visit including pigs, goats, ponies, chickens, rabbits and cats, a toy-filled terrace and numerous play areas - including possibly the World's best located sandpit! All-that combined with daily breakfast pastry deliveries, twice weekly visits from a massage and beauty therapist and Sarah's amazing suppers and it is easy to see why a stay at Caserio del Mirador is so often considered to be hefty dose of family rejuvenation. In fact, a number of parents have even credit it with 'saving their marriage' although we do think that might have been meant slightly tongue in cheek!

Airstream is a one bedroom holiday caravan with kitchenette with sink and fridge, lounge, shower and an outside stove, set in your own private terrace complete with hammock and Adarondack chairs. It is set in its own olive grove within a couple of minute's walk from the main pool terrace making it convenient, yet private, with a real feeling of being at one with nature. The setting allows for amazing, panoramic views across the valley from mountain peaks and down to the coast. The space is best suited to either a couple with a small baby or a single parent and child. The oak floor and open plan maximize the interior space which houses comfortable 140cm wide bed, oak and stainless steel kitchenette with sink and fridge, and full sized shower with plumbed in bathroom. Outside, the extensive decking is both shady and sunny with a retractable awning. Perfect for lazy breakfasts, snoozes in the hammock or evening drinks watching the sun go down. There is an outside shower for cooling off and camp stove for aspiring chefs, although breakfasts can be delivered each morning and its less than two minutes' walk to the poolside drinks fridge and evening dinners at the house - The Airstream puts the glamour into glamping!

Location Information

Caserío del Mirador enjoys a peaceful setting amongst almond trees and olive groves with a stunning far reaching view down the valley to the Mediterranean coast that makes a fantastic first impression. The terraces, gardens and grounds offer a wonderful sense of space and tranquillity that has guests slipping into relaxed holiday mode from the moment they arrive.

Although scenically set amongst rural splendour, it’s only a short walk to the nearest restaurant and the 10minutes drive to the closest town.

Jalon, with its blue glazed terracotta dome above the main square visible for miles around, comes alive on its market days and is famous for its bodegas, or wine cellars. It also boasts a small assortment of restaurants, cafes and specialist shops selling everything from cured meats to Moroccan curiosities, and even wine made from vines next to the Caserío. There are also two kids play areas in the town with climbing frames and swings, these are Plaza Las Ocas and next to the riverbed.

Away from the coast, the town retains much of its authentic feel but also manages to cater well for visitors, so issues with language and finding the basics for children aren’t a problem.

Jalon is the principal town in the Val de Pop, a traditional agricultural area famous for wine, almonds and olives. Surrounding the valley are dramatic mountains, giving plenty of scope for walking and panoramic views down to the sea. Terrace walls built by the Moors characterise the landscape across the whole area

The coast is only a short drive away too. From its setting, in the middle of a peninsular, the house has good access to a variety of beaches and resorts within half an hour. Several nearby beaches have good family facilities with play areas, restaurants and easy parking, some also have little streams that toddlers can paddle in safely.

A little further afield, Valencia, is one of the most exciting cities in Europe and well worth a visit. Host to the recent America’s Cup and the European Grand Prix, Valencia boasts a contemporary Arts and Sciences complex, art museums, a well preserved medieval quarter with World Heritage recognition, covered markets, the cathedral famous for keeping the Holy Grail, wonderful architecture and a lifestyle that embraces partying and eating well. Little ones love the (free) giant Gulliver play park, Aquarium and Bio Park (animal conservation park).

Getting There: Caserio del Mirador is set midway between the airports or Valencia and Alicante, being approx. 70 mins from Alicante and 80 from Valencia. www.skyscanner.net allows for general Spain searches, so the most suitable flights from your local airport can be identified easily. Car rental is essential.