TESTIMONIALS
With a near-perfect satisfaction rate, to date, (we really do try to please all of the people all of the time)! please forgive us for thinking that we really do have something to shout about!
A SELECTION OF COMMENTS FROM GUESTS AT LOS PETATES
Judy Banks, a frequent visitor from the UK writes:
"What is the attraction of Los Petates………..?
Could it be the beautiful view as you take your first steps up to the villa on your arrival or, as you come out of the front door first thing in the morning? It’s breathtaking
The villa’s beautiful, quiet location
The eagles soaring overhead, always take your binoculars.
The cooling, refreshing pool
The whispers of the trees as you take your first nap of the day
The Bacardi and coke from the outside fridge and bar.! Sometimes it’s just too much to walk the short distance to the kitchen…..
Afternoon tea as you sit by the side of the pool taking a welcome break from the heat of the day.
The refreshing shower in the evening before you dine alfresco.
The warm sultry evenings
The barbeque…….the best we have ever used.
Self-catering…never! More like relax, easy, affordable luxury dining.
The little eyes twinkling throughout the hills as you stand on the rooftop admiring the distant village-light views at night. The myriad of stars
The well equipped kitchen and the welcome pack that awaits your arrival, always a delight.
The little white villages of Colmenar and Riogordo, where you pay inexpensive prices for local produce and goods.
The trip to Eroskis for the all important main shop,well worth a visit to stock up.
If you can manage to steal yourself away , take a trip out and about, the coast is only an hour away (Torre del Mar) where a large market is held every Thursday or a little further along the coast is Nerja,a beautiful beach surrounded by the clear sparkling sea.
Or for a winter retreat……
The log burner that warms you right through as the evening becomes cool it adds the most beautiful atmosphere to the already cosy, traditional Spanish villa.
To sit at the old rustic dining table, candles glowing for that special evening meal.
The walks that are achievable in the cooler temperatures.
A trip to Comares….be brave it is well worth the adventure.
So what’s the attraction of los Petatas? …...well you decide!"
"Excellent!! Awesome!! The villa and location suited us perfectly. Welcome pack much appreciated - and enjoyed! Great taster of things to come when we revisit, for longer, next year! Many thanks"
"We arrived home yesterday after a superb holiday which must rank among the best we have ever had. Although retired, we were both in need of complete relaxation, and the villa provided everything we could have asked for in the comfort, the beautiful setting and the pool, it was all out of this world and we could have stayed another three weeks!!!!
Thank you Trevor for the way you responded to my calls and thank Terry too. It was a delight to meet you both. Sorry we did not meet you Sue. The villa could not be better maintained. How can we adequately thank you except to say everything was wonderful.
Thank you a thousand times."
"Thankyou for having us! We wil return home rested, warmed and full of different views and different thoughts! Some days we did very little, other days we were more adventurous, visiting Cordoba for half a day, the passion play on Good Friday at Riogordo (moving stuff).....El Torcal, good walking and excellent wild flowers, the natural park, Montes de Malaga, hot and sunny, pìnewoods, flowers and interesting butterflies, Alhama de Granada, pretty town with steep gorge- a good second best to Ronda! Thanks for the vino... and hasta luego!"
"What can we say! thanks so much for all your help, kindness and hospitality. Los Petates was everything and more! All your wonderful touches, welcome pack,books, videos etc., made it feel mroe like we were staying in a friend´s home rather than a rented villa! Thanks too, for sharing our birthday celebration with us, your mejillones a la marinera recipe was delicious!..............
From the first moment we accidentally accessed your great website until now, we have been so impressed by all your attention to detail, ensuring everything went well for us, car hire, first class directions to Nerja (your apartment is fab!) and to here - couldn´t fault a thing. This has been the best chillout Andalucian retreat we have ever had, star gazing, bird watching, reading and resting, an oasis from our stressful life back home.. I know we´ll keep in touch and PS. Can we come back next year please?!"
"Thanks again for an excellent 2 weeks. We didn´t expect anything less from yourselves - or Los Pete´s! This is our 3rd visit and it just gets better and better. We had fun this year exploring and becoming a ´dab hand´at mastering the roads (apart from going up "Goat Hill")! It´s such a beautiful part of the world... and what great views we have everytime we step out of the front door!We will be in touch for next Year!"
"Fabulous holiday in and from Los Petates! From our arrival on the Sunday and the excellent Welcome Pack that kept us going and then with the well-equipped accommodation we were able to use the ‘local’ shops to have our own week of gastronomic delights. As expected, superb weather was provided for us – with the exception of the ‘night of the flying umbrella’ (it was mendable!) The trip from here up to Comares has to be a must and the higher up of the butchers (Beatriz ?) in Colmenar is worth a mention for quality and helpfulness. But basically we unashamedly lazed in and around the pool – and thoroughly enjoyed it ! Best wishes to Sue and Trevor ……….and we do hope for a further opportunity to sit around a table with you both. With our thanks for all your efforts that allowed us to just enjoy the holiday."
"We´ve had a lovely week at Los Petates with it´s beautiful scenery and rustic cosy casa feel ! Have used the pool a few times! and did some fantastic star gazing on the roof.....We would recommend Los Petates to all our friends for it´s comfortable, tranquil and authentic tast of Spain"!
"We would like to say how much we enjoyed our stay in your lovely villa. It was so picturesque and peaceful and as it was the first time we have been to that part of Spain it was a pleasant surprise to find it so unspoilt. I am sure that we will return again for another holiday in the future in your beautiful villa. Many thanks"
"We had such a lovely relaxing week at Los Petates, it is a beautiful house full of charm and character. The views and scenery were fantastic and we managed to get out and about to enjoy the villages nearby plus eat at a few restaurants, all were great especially Fountain Head - we had a fantastic meal there. We did find the roads a bit of an adventure at first but after a couple of days we soon got used to it and found them very easy (think I could get used to that way of life!) We fully intend to come back to Los Petates as it is one of the most relaxing places we have been toHope to be in touch again soon"
"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and all your help while we were staying in your beautiful house……. Your welcome pack was more than generous and the cava certainly put us in the holiday mood. My favourite part of course was up on roof watching the stars. The house has loads of charm and the scenery was breathtaking. Hope to see you again next year."
"We have had a wonderful restful break in your beautiful villa. We enjoyed the welcome pack – much needed! The views and wildlife stunning ( not so keen on the mossies)!! BBQ excellent!"
"What a pleasure the last week staying at your villa has been, on our arrival the villa was spotless and the surroundings were beautiful. The evening we spent with you was very enjoyable many thanks for making us welcome.Hope to come over again really soon"
"Fantastic place and fantastic views, we’ve spent a wonderful 2 weeks visiting many places of interest, swimming till all hours and cooking various delights on your great BBQ. We’ve had a great time!"
"Hi Sue and family, Sorry for not leaving message for your Visitors Book. We were so lazy by the pool, we left it too late! Maybe you could add this note to your book?
We had a fabulous weeks stay at Los Petates, right from beginning to end. On arrival, the villa was immaculately clean and the welcome pack was a nice touch. We were amazed at the views and surrounding countryside and spent all week travelling round in the mornings and relaxing by the pool in the afternoon/evening. The maps and general information were invaluable, otherwise we would have lost our way more than once.
The pool's great and really adds to the facilities, we swam every day.
My only regret is not booking two weeks, we will definitely be back.....!
Good Luck for the future and thanks very much for a great holiday. You deserve to do well with your villas, you run them so professionally."
SELECTION OF COMMENTS FROM GUESTS AT CASA VALENTIN:
“One of the nicest, most welcoming houses that we have stayed in “aqui en Andalusia”! It beats the molinas, fuente viejas, posadas and villas hands down. Patio and pool great, and the cat – well what can you say? He has been a constant companion and great to know…. We have also loved the ever changing view of the mountains – even during the tormentas!
Glad that we found you - we´ll be in touch”
S and ST (September 2006)
"Extreme natural beauty, breath taking views - Paradise! The finca is so original, stylish and authentically Spanish. Thanks to you both for providing everything we could possiby need and more.
A Fairy tale, romantic week, amazing - one we will never forget!"
AH and S (Sept 06)
"We just wanted to send you an e mail to inform you just how much we enjoyed our stay at Casa Valentin. This has been the first time we have been away on our own since the family came along ………. It was EXACTLY what we were looking for and hoped to find. The solitude and seclusion were what we wanted and got in spades. We will have many happy memories of our stay there, sitting by the pool and chillin' with glass of wine in hand.....
You were right about the cat ( the annual Summer visitor!) being affectionate. He presented no problem to us at all. Hopefully for his sake he will experience the same with all your visitors.
I would like to make reference to how spotlessly clean we found the place. One of your previous guests commented on that too. We too have found in the past that when we go into rented accommodation we have to clean it properly before we can settle in. Not having to do that here was great. To find the place so clean, particularly when in such a secluded location does you great credit.
We are serious about coming back next year. Once I have dates sorted out I will be back in touch to confirm.
Finally just let me reiterate how much of a great time we had. Thank you very much. I look forward to speaking to you in the future as well as staying once again".
Mr and Mrs W (July 2006)
"As promised, I just thought I'd drop you a few lines summarising our memorable stay at Casa Valentin. I must admit we all felt very sad locking the door for the last time and taking a final glimpse of the pool from up on the track !! The cottage itself is superb, you have decorated it so sympathetically and we felt at home there straight away. The boys loved the pool and they have both become champion swimmers !! They will miss Marmie the cat as well and were disappointed that he wasn't around on our last day (that's cats for you !!).
As you promised the swifts swooped down to drink from the pool and we enjoyed watching the gecko waiting inside the outside lanterns ready to pounce on unsuspecting moths. A praying mantis made an appearance one evening as well to the boys delight. We even saw the pair of Owl Eagles on our 'last but one day' soaring on the thermals overhead !!!
We had some great trips out as well. We went to the Alahambra in Granada, to Ronda and up to El Torcal which were all superb. Comares was really nice with superb views to the coast. We also thought that Nerja was nicer and more Spanish than we'd previously imagined………. We have taken so may photos I can't believe it - the ever changing views out to Mount Maroma feature heavily !!
Well that´s about it - it was nice to meet you both (albeit briefly) and be sure we will always remember the wonderful Casa Valentin !!!"
Mr and Mrs S and family (August 2006)
"Hi - just to say thanks once again for having such a lovely
little cottage for rent. we had a great holiday and will hopefully be back
again next year . All the best to you both.
Mr and Mrs T and family (July/August 2006)
"Had to e-mail you to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at Casa Valentin. We all had the most wonderful time. It really was the perfect place for relaxing, which is exactly what we did!
You have a very, very special place there and it was spotlessly clean too. ………
We are trying to sort out which week we have free around the same time next year and will get back to you asap. How are the bookings looking for then?
We've taken all sorts of different holidays over the years including many 5 star hotels and I have to tell you our holiday in your villa rates amongst the VERY best, not least because of the location.
Thanks again!"
Mr and Mrs C (June 2006)
"We´ve all had a wonderful week here at Casa Valentin, and certainly hope to return again – but for 2 weeks next time!! The cottage had everything we needed and more. We loved the way you have combined rustic Spanish décor with English home comforts – just perfect! The setting here couldn´t be better. We shall take home with us those lovely evenings, listening to the tinkle of goat bells and watching the birds swoop down to the pool (with Marmy cat watching on!!). We didn´t travel far…… climbed el tajo and found 3 of the reputed caves. We´ll certainly be recommending Casa Valentin (Not that you need it)! Thanks again and also for the welcome pack, much appreciated on a Sunday".
Mr and Mrs M and family (June 2006
“Thanks for a great time, the finca was just what we wanted – total peace and quiet in a beautiful setting. We haven´t ventured far, apart from Comares and the coast but have been happy to spend our days reading by the pool – infact having read all the books we brought, we nearly got through your book case as well! We are not looking forward to leaving all this lovely weather! Thanks again”.
Mr and Mrs B (May 2006)
“Where did the week go?!! We´ve been lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed our stay in tihs tranquil, stunning setting…. Loved the villa and the other guests were right -. home from home and have to say the first villa not felt the need to clean somewhere on
arrival – absolutely spotless, thankyou. Looking forward to exploring Spain again soon and we will have fond memories of Casa valentin and bobbing about in the pool with a cold beer!! Many thanks again”:
CF and RN (April 2006)
"Just wanted to let you know that we had a really super holiday in Casa Valentin. The villa is really great the rooms are all decorated in such lovely colours and it was so clean and fresh looking on our arrival (right down to the folds on the loo rolls)! As for the pool, we couldn’t keep out of it – the water just got warmer and warmer every day – absolutely perfect!" Most days started with a fairly late breakfast on the patio, by which time the sun was already really warm, and then maybe a drive to Colmenar to buy a few essentials (by the way the butcher is open on Sundays), stop off for a drink and then back to relax by and in the pool, and then round the day off with either a BBQ or a delicious Spanish omelette at the local bar. Thanks for the paella recipe you gave me, it worked out really well, I managed to get some ‘helicopter man’ sachets to take home!
We loved Comares and went there a couple of times. Thank you for recommending the beach at Torre del Mar we enjoyed it there – I especially liked the BBQ sardines at one of the beach bars! Alhambra was well worth the visit, but it was so hot that we just collapsed afterwards in a restaurant and didn’t get to see Granada at all (we’ll save that for another visit)!
Everywhere the views of the mountains and hills are quite stunning, including from the patio at Casa Valentin – we just loved it – thank you.PS. Sounds like we did nothing but eat and drink – which is true - but we had a fabulous time! "
"What a fantastic time we’ve had at Casa Valentin! We can’t believe the week’s over already as it feels like we’ve only just arrived. We loved the cottage and it’s decoration and the past week it really has felt like a home from home. The pool is gorgeous and it’s so nice to be able to swim from 8 in the morning until 10 at night. In fact the house and the pool have been so wonderful that we’ve hardly moved at all for the past week, only popping out to Colmenar for food and drink. It was lovely to be able to sit by the pool each night and enjoy a BBQ for supper, it left us wishing that we were able to do the same thing back home! Everything about the house – the views, the pool even the visiting cats and dogs – contributed to just how much we enjoyed our stay. Thank you so much."
"Thankyou for our stay at Casa Valentin – it was all that you promised – beautiful. You have the cottage just perfect – really home from home. The pool is wonderful and the views - what can I say- magnificent. I really didn’t want to come back home and have raved on about it ever since, and have certainly given it the thumbs up to all our friends – as long as they have a head for heights! Hope to see you soon"
"We’ve had a fantastic time as before! And now don’t know which house to re-visit next year! This really is a beautful place, pool perfect for early morning and afternoon swims, the little marble table for taking breakfast whilst watching the sun come up over the mountain, the flowers with their spring time smell. We enjoyed the BBQ, the magnificent views and space around us. Exploring nearby El Tajo was fun, but children will need supervision – the views from the top are fantastic! The local bar is worth a visit, ask what food they have, doesn’t take long to walk (about 40 mins) and take a torch for getting back. We’ll definitely see you again next Year!"
"We have had a fantastic time during the last two weeks. The pool has been great, a welcome cool refreshing dip when sitting in the heat. Could have done with a shoe horn to prize the kids out though!
We will miss the stunning views, the peace and quiet and the friendly neighbours. We feel we have made some new friends, and would like to thank you for your hospitality, helpfulness and the hangover! Hope we’ll be seeing you all very soon."
"Many thanks for your kindness and hospitality, what a shame to have to go home. Back to earth with a bump! We have had a most relaxing week. The only exertion has been walking from the pool to the fridge…… Super little property – just what we needed, hope the next occupants enjoy it as much as we have."
"Thankyou for your hospitality – you’ve thought of everything – including coffee pot and CD player – we feel priviledged to be amongst your first guests. The pool is beautiful, the area captivating, and I think it’s safe to assume we’ll be back – same time, same place next year!"
"We’ve had a great time, and as always, when you’re having fun, it’s all over too soon! The house is in a great spot, the views fantastic. Depressing going back home after being in such a beautiful place but needs must! The local bar hasn’t changed much since our last visit a few years ago which is nice. We do normally like to travel to different places, but I’ve no doubt we’ll visit again. Many thanks for everything. PS. The house is great and the pool was enjoyed by all of us – including the birds!"
"We’ve had a wonderful week relaxing in your beautiful little house, our favourite so far. Thank you for your friendly hospitality and help.The views, the pool and ambience are idyllic, let’s hope ‘progress’ doesn’t spoil what’s still an unspoilt traditional Andalucian scene.See you again soon"
"Just wanted to thank you for the most wonderful holiday at Casa Valentin, weloved the place so much, the setting, wonderful pool and peace, you have done such a good job with making it just right. Another bonus was having relatives in Los Petates at the same time- you needn't have worried as we both felt our properties were perfect for each group! Now we are back in the stresses of everyday I keep picturing that lovelyspot, we will certainly be back! Hasta luego!"
A SELECTION OF COMMENTS FROM GUESTS AT FINCA MANOLO:
" Just to say muchas graçias for the unique opportunity to stay in such a magical settting amidst the beautiful Andalucian mountains. The accommodation offered us everything we could have wished for. A taste of traditional Spanish living coupled with modern luxuries such as the pool and jacuzzi; a base to explore the surrounding white villages -even Ronda, breathtaking! The local bar proved to be well worth a visit, food mouthwatering and genuine hospitality. My favourites: :) the almond blossom, orange lemon and olive groves as far as the eye can see........The cool breeze coming in off the mountains as we sat in a steamy jacuzzi - unique and very romantic... no doubt we will be back, muchas graçias, hasta luego!" Margaret and Bobby Feb 2010
"We have had the most fantastic time here at Finca Manolo. We loved it so much we hardly went anywhere, apart from the local bar (lovely food!) Thanks to Terry also for all the useful info!" Sue and Steve, France. Oct 2010
"What a fabulous place you have here! We have really enjoyed our two weeks at Finca Manolo, amazing surroundings, lovely pool, great house. Thanks for all your notes, we loved the short cuts over the river bed and enjoyed a meal at el niño!" Susan, John, Andrew and Mel. August 2010
"We have had a lovely time in your beautiful house. Thank you, We have loved everything about our holiday here at Finca Manolo. The house is decorated with taste and the swimming pool refreshing. we have had a super time and would love to come again!" Flav, Sonia and Helen. 2010
"Another fantastic stay! We have been all over Andalucia, and this is one of the nicest homes we have ever stayed in. Sadly, leaving for home now, All swam out in your wonderful pool! Great to see Marmie again - must be the fattest cat in Spain! Also saw some eagle owls this time around. Many thanks" Sue and Steve. July 2009
"Thank you so much! Really enjoyed the holiday in your casa in beautiful Andalucia, everything was even better than expected" Kirsi, Tim, Mitjz and Veikkz
"Many thanks Sue and Trev, Another Great stay! weather was kind and I had some great paragliding flying! Internet connection never missed a beat (better than the UK!) and was a real boon to us for all sorts of things like wind speed direction so I could decide when to fly! Hope to visit again soon" David and June
"Once again thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home with us. We feel like it is coming home again, and we want for nothing. Another fab time and we hope to to come back again very soon. Anyone who doesnt think they will enjoy this fabulous place, in our eyes, are truly missing out on the real Spain." Lin and Richard 2010
"What can we say, we have had the most wonderful holiday, especially staying in your beautiful home, we feel very relaxed, all due to the peace and tranquility at Finca Manolo. Thank you very much for sharing your home with us... we are planning another trip for 2 weeks next Year already!" Lin and Richard 2009
"Thanks ever so much. We have had a lovely honeymoon at your wonderful home, doing absolutely nothing! " Sue and Steve July 2009
"Many thanks for allowing us the pleasure of your home for a wonderful holiday. I love everything about it, so comfortable and rural. We are spoiled now for holidays of different kinds!" Margaret, John, Andrew and Tracey
"We have had a wonderful relaxing week in your outstanding home. Your finca ticks all the boxes, quiet, secluded, fabulous views, and internally a stunning blend of vintage rustic Spain meets hippy chic! A delight to the eye at every turn.......I am sure we will be back next Year " Di and Richard. UK. 2009
"The time spent in your wonderful home has made our holiday even more enjoyable. ... Overall we have had the most fantastic totally relaxing holiday, The views never cease to be a source of relaxtion. thank you again for the use of your lovely property, we are looking to return again soon" Paul and Sue. Isle of Wight
" We have had the most fantastic totally relaxing time. The views never cease to be a source of relaxation. Thanks for the use of YOUR home which has made our holiday even more enjoyable, weather fantastic, pool welcoming, looking forward to returning again soon"
" Thank you so much for allowing us to holiday in your wonderful home. We have never before stayed in such a well appointed, totally perfect house! For us, the (outdoor) cats, whom we all adore and wanted to take back with us, gave the final ´home from home´touch. We had great plans to go out and visit the area, but the lure of the pool won everytime! Thank you once again!"
"Just a quick note to say thank you for a wonderful holiday. The house is by far the most comfortable that we have stayed in, whilst extra touches like the Hot Tub have made evenings especially special! Having such a good size pool with a very active son has been incredibly useful as it is almost possible to avoid him lounging on the lilo! We have all thoroughly enjoyed the swallows diving over the pool and have befriended all of the outdoor house cats, providing them with their own new names, ( an attention not paid to the preying mantis though)! Like many other guests, we too found it hard to tear ourselves away from this little haven, and would be happy to return... so, thank you for allowing us a wonderful, relaxing break"
"We have really enjoyed ourselves here. We arrived very tired and thought we would potter about the local villages - not really achieved even that! Instead we have spent all day by the pool, and slept for 10 hours a night! Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely home, the view, the cats and swallows all beautiful!"
"Many thanks to you both for allowing us the pleasure of your lovely home for a wonderful holiday.... love everything about it, so comfortable and rural... we are spoiled now for future holidays!"
"Half way to heaven, everything so thoughtfully planned out, we have had a wonderful time.... the views, the pool, the house, the cats! We have had some exceptional holidays in the past and this one rates amongst it. We don´t usually go back to the same place, but this time we are sorely tempted"
"Many thanks - we´ve had a pretty relaxing time, not venturing too far, but the two weeks have flown by nevertheless....... We will certainly miss the wonderful views!"
"Thanks for a brilliant week. Truly couldn’t have been better, we have all loved the house and the area. We should have booked two weeks rather than one!"
"Thanks for a great villa. Really beautiful place to spend a week relaxing before joining the real world again."
"Thank you for your great hospitality, we had a brilliant time, at least we will be really brown when we get home. PS – Great pool!"
"We have had a wonderful week, you were right the photos do not do the place justice!!"
"We have had a wonderful time, it’s a beautiful house and we have enjoyed ourselves very much. Many thanks"
"Just a line to say we got home safely and would like to thank you for a wonderful week at finca Manolo, we had a superb time and are very grateful. It’s a lovely house – infact when we left to go to the next house for our second week, we found it was nice but not as comfortable!"
"Thanks for making us all so very welcome. We have had a very relaxing break, despite the great heat, which was even out of your control – we’ve just turned nocturnal! We’ve enjoyed the area very much, and the views are outstanding. Sitting at night watching the lights coming on and the moon coming up, with a glass – or several- in our hand, was charming.The pool has been the highlight of our holiday and has been very well used. We would love to visit again. Many thanks and regards to all."
"Cicadas, crickets,beautiful lizards, swallows diving in the evening. You have created a magical place, thank you for sharing all this with me........"
"Lovely villa, beautiful scenery, can't fault anything, we will miss all this and will certainly be back!"
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