I always try and write balanced reviews, so here are the pros and cons ;
Pros ;
Rooms are spacious - the upstairs master bedroom in particular is lovely with great views
The pool is a decent size and was cleaned twice weekly
Kitchen is small but well equipped (although the kettle was a bit temperamental!)
The views from the terrace across the valley are very nice (especially at night)
The local property manager Paul was very helpful, especially when we managed to lock ourselves out at 1.30 in the morning!
It is really tranquil - very little noise
Cons ;
Room around the pool is quite limited for a group of 8
Mosquitoes were a major problem for us. We were getting bitten around the pool from 4.30 every afternoon. This was probably a specific issue this summer, but late afternoon is our favourite time to sunbathe, so it was a problem for us.
The biggest drawback with this villa for us was the location. I have no doubt that it would suit many people, but the lack of local amenities was an issue for us. You have to drive everywhere. There are no bars, shops or beaches within a 40 minute walk. Because of the local geography you have to travel up and down the valleys, with no shortcuts. The roads are quite narrow and very steep - you will spend a lot of time in first gear! As the designated driver I spent far too many hours of this holiday behind the wheel, and that does not make for a restful holiday. This is clearly no fault of the villa owners, and does not detract from the fact this is a very nice property, but it is a consideration for many people, and we should have done more research.
This was our first time in the Benissa / Moraira area, and we had failed to appreciate the importance of location. Many prospective holidaymakers will not be put off by this - if you want peace and quiet and are happy to drive everywhere, the villa is perfect. It just wasn't quite right for us.