susan Clack review 10 May 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing the small hill out from the cortijo, wondering where the village was, and suddenly, there it was, below us, tucked up in it's hollow amongst the hills.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a stiff, steep climb on your way back up from the village, don't do it the first time on your way back from a bar
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We spent money in the local shops, bars,cafes, etc, this may have benefited the local economy slightly. We also spent a lot of cash at the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Visitor Centre, might have helped conservation or possibly helped pay the very knowledgable, multi-language speaking curators(?) wages.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant, enjoyed every minute.
Liz Randall review 27 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was great to find spring in Spain given the UK weather. There were some wonderful scents and lots of bird song.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We arrived at after dark but I would recommend arriving in daylight, although the directions were good.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we did a lot of walking and spent money locally which should have helped the local economy.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a really enjoyable and relaxing holiday
David Truelove review 6 Feb 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable and exciting part of the holiday was the bread fiesta which takes place on the 20th January each year. The narrow streets were decorated and packed with people. We joined our hosts and their English neighbours at the lunch time picnic in the square which was full of friends and families joining together at tables laden with good food and drink. After wards every one packed the tables away for the band and dancing which was very enjoyable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you travel to Lubrin by car we would advise that you visit a supermarket in a large town on the way. The market in Lubrin on a Wednesday was excellent for fresh fruit and vegetables.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate out at the local restaurants and bars in Lubrin, bought fresh bread from the local bakers and fruit from the market on Wednesday.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We really enjoyed our week. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The welcome goodies of bread, butter, cold meats, cheese, oranges, juice, beer, wine and milk from our hosts John & Mair on our arrival was most appreciated. John and Mair were very helpful with the self guided walk which we did and with advice on nice beaches to visit.
Eleanora Newbery review 1 Dec 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery- vast blue skies and total peace and quiet and amazing views.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There isn't a lot of English spoken in the village so definitely come with a Spanish dictionary. The owner John provides a phrase book but definitely take one in case you need to say anything before you get to the villa.
In November it is quite warm when walking at times but very cold in the evenings so definitely pack jumpers and coats.
We didn't find any fresh fruit or veg until the market on Wednesday so it might be better to stop at another town for that.
The tourist office in Almeria airport is very good and get in the queue for the car rental office as soon as you grab your luggage as the queue was really slow moving.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it was useful in supporting the village economically- there are several tavernas we would go to. John does a lot of recycling and the holiday is as low impact environmentally as it can be really.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fabulous holiday. John the owner is really kind and makes you feel really welcome and is really helpful. He has loads of knowledge about the village. The villa has wonderful shutters and it is so quiet and peaceful there that so we slept for ten hours a night minimum. A beautiful verandah for having breakfast in the sunshine looking out on the views. In the days we went on lovely walks which were all very carefully mapped out for us and on easy to follow maps. In the evenings we sometimes stayed inside the villa as it was really cosy with the log burning stove and sometimes went into town where there is a choice of lovely local tavernas. Our favourite was El Molino- 10 euros for a three course meal with bread and salad and a bottle of wine- fabulous. The people in the village are really friendly and welcoming (or seemed that way to us although our Spanish is very poor!). The market on Wednesdays is well worth a visit.
Evelyn Russell review 22 May 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The peace and tranquility of the cortija and surrounding area. Being able to start all walks from the cortija meant that we did not have to drive. The accommodation was authentic and entirely comfortable. The owners were available and helpful if required but recognised their guest’s needs for their own space and freedom.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure that they use the local facilities of the village. Recommend tackling the walks in the area and visiting the many beaches which are under an hour's drive from Lubrin.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited the village as we used the local shops, restaurants and market to purchase food etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Moira Arbuckle review 17 May 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The lovely location of the apartment was ideal. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the quiet atmosphere. The self guided walks were all of a good length and difficulty for a not too strenuous walking holiday. Giving you the best of both worlds, relaxing while enjoying some exercise. The people in the village were all very friendly and accommodating, especially with our poor attempts at Spanish.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We arrived on a Sunday and the welcome pack was a godsend for a snack and breakfast next day. All the supermarkets we had passed on the way were closed. Definitely have a look around the region as there are lots of beautiful areas to see. It's also well worth a trip down to the coast.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local village is a short 5 minute walk over the hill and is ideal for buying your shopping. The local Wednesday market is great for all your fresh fruit and veg and just mixing with the local people. Eating out in the village is very cheap and there is a good selection of tapas and daily menu's if you don't feel like cooking.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A really relaxing and enjoyable stay in a beautiful and unspoilt part of Spain. Our hosts were very welcoming and happy to help if we needed them. A thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Hopefully we'll be back.
Simon Nicholson review 16 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The landscape, peace and flowers in the countryside. I know Almeria is a very arid environment, but at Easter there was lots of greenery.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use local services, markets and restaurants. They are cheap, friendly and good quality,
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully. We used the village services as much as we could.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Hilary Wight review 3 Oct 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Lovely apartment with pool in a spectacular location.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your walking boots - fantastic walking opportunities - you can walk all day without seeing anyone.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - tourism seems to have suffered in Lubrin in recent years and we used the local bars and shops. We didn't use our hire car all the time we were there.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceeded our expectations in every respect.
Jane Owen review 26 May 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very hospitable hosts; friendly & very 'Spanish' village, (no English spoken, couldn't buy a post card, fabulous tapas & local food.) Interesting local scenery & great self-guided walks. Spacious & well thought out accommodation.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Need to know when market day is - no fresh fruit & veg. available in the intervening days. Challenging & steep gradient rough track up to the house. Credit cards not accepted in most local restaurants/bars. Brush up on your Spanish. Make the most of local Tapas bars & restaurants (Las Molinas set lunch was amazing & 10 euros for 3 courses with wine & coffee!) Los Millares, near Almeria, stupendous Neolithic site & free.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We tried to ensure that it did by shopping locally, but the finca is British owned .The owners do try to support the local economy.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant & quite different for an accessible European destination.
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for taking the time to submit a review of your stay. For guests arriving in Spain on non-wednesdays we send them a link to stop off at at a supermarket on route from Alicante, Murcia or Almeria Airports. With you arriving, and intially staying the first night in Malaga, did not trigger our usual advice and we apologise for the oversight.
I also apologise about the poor condition of the road up to the Cortijo which has now been permanently repaired.
Cathy Mckenzie review 26 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty and the peace.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes very much so.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Lesley Zuke review 12 Mar 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty and quietness of the location, it was a pleasure to stand still and hear nothing but birdsong…the tapas crawl in Lubrin with the surrogate owners, so nice, and the couple who had rented the other apartment…the extraordinary friendliness of the people of Lubrin. As a new birdwatcher I was thrilled to see a black redstart in Lubrin and the amazing stilts near Cabo de Gato
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Fresh fruit and veg is only available on Wednesday in Lubrin. Definitely worth stocking up en route from the airport. If you are an enthusiastic driver, you will probably love the challenges of negotiating the picturesque curvy mountain roads, otherwise you might want to consider renting an automatic car.
The weather in early March wasn't exactly a problem but it wasn't quite what we were expecting. It was mainly grey and often wet. We still had lovely walks and I would rather put on an extra jumper than be too hot. Still if you want sun it would probably be better to go a bit later... on the other hand you would maybe miss the abundance of spring flowers and the almond trees in blossom.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. This is a hard time economically for many people. we were glad to support the community by being consumers there. The way the cortijo has been restored is very sympathetic to the locality, blends in beautifully, uses local products. We loved the woodburning stove - no fossil fuel consumed and more importantly, very warm!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A lovely week, better than expected even. Would consider going back.
Robert Jones review 25 Feb 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The buzz and activity in the village during the fiesta del pan. The walks in the mountains surrounding the cortijo. The almond trees in full blossom.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Depending on the time of year the holiday is taken of course but we went in January and the nights can be a bit cool if you are out and about. We experienced some lovely sunshine and warm temperatures on a couple of days so plan the clothes to take. Enjoy the tapas bars in the village and restaurants in the surrounding areas. It's a good location for walking.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Tourists bring money into the local economy and thus benefit local shops/bars/restaurants. We didn't overly use our hire car during our stay except for one or two trips to the coast and some local restaurants. The cortijo is ideally located in the village and all walks are organised from the door of the accommodation. No driving necessary. Friendly local people so you can practise your Spanish.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very friendly owners John and Mair were always helpful with advice and local knowledge. The several walks from the cortijo are well researched with distances between points and printed pictorial guides given. Good welcoming pack on arrival.
Elysha Fairholm review 3 Jan 2010
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!!!!
Robert Gordon review 14 Oct 2010
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"
Richard Knott review 1 Apr 2010
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.
emma burleigh review 22 Feb 2010
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.
Kerrie Jopling review 17 Jan 2010
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.
Read the operator's response here:
Great location ...peaceful and relaxing accommodation - with everything you'd need within short walking distance in a very friendly and genuine corner of Spain.
Christopher Andrews review 24 Feb 2010
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.
Alasdair Kenwright review 18 May 2009
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.
Lyn Berg review 6 May 2009
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.
Tessa Mearns review 1 Aug 2008
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.
