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Review submitted by Tuan from London (Submitted: 16 Sep 2012)
The villa is excellent with private swimming pool. It is also a good location to access to near by beaches within 10 min to 30 mins drive such as Moraira, Javea, Denia and 1.5 hours drive to Valencia.
Review submitted by Sharon from Lytham St Annes (Submitted: 2 Sep 2012)
This villa is lovely and is in a really picturesque setting. The pool is totally private and the surrounding area is very peaceful. It is exactly as it looks on the website and great value for money! It was clean and tidy when we arrived, although some of the kitchen cupboards were a bit sticky and couldve done with a wipe beforehand.
I went with my husband and two young children and, whilst we had a good time, there isnt much for young kids to do apart from swim in the pool and/or at the local beach which they got bored of pretty quickly. Would be ideal for couples though - I would absolutely love to go again but possibly just for a short break for my husband and I or with friends.
Directions to the property could do with reviewing as they are a bit vague in places which resulted in us coming into Cumbre Del Sol from a different direction. Subsequently, we arrived at a different reception office to the one stipulated in the directions and they knew nothing about our booking! This resulted in a pretty stressful half hour, in 35 degree heat, after a long journey, trying to get hold of the villa housekeepers. The villa is up a mountain and our 1.2 car struggled with the steep hills!
The property owner provided a great guide to the local area which was really helpful in helping us decide where to go on day trips and restaurants to eat at.
The only issue we had was with the pool towards the end of our stay - the pool cleaner, who was lovely and visited twice during our 1 week stay, had to put something in the pool (something to do with acid levels or something) which mustve been pretty abrasive as it caused bad skin rashes on both my kids and turned a blue t shirt, which my son wore in the pool for a couple of hours one afternoon, purple!
Overall, we would definitely recommend this property for couples looking for a peaceful getaway.
Owner reply:
Whilst we are very grateful for the kind words about the villa we were somewhat surprised to hear that the client thought there was little to do for families as 90% of the visitors to both our villa and the surrounding area are families. Activities for families locally includes:-
* The villa has a private pool with inflatables and snorkels for use
* 15 minutes away - lots of beaches - we also provide 2 body boards for wave surfing. Arenal beach includes a children's playground and beach volleyball nets
* 15 minutes away - go karting, 10 pin bowling, quad bikes and jet skis (Moraira-Teulada road)
* 15 minutes away - bike hire in Java
* 15 minutes away - horse riding (Javea - Gata de Gorgos road)
* 20 minutes away - kayaks, hobie cats and wind surfing (El Bassetes - Moraira - Calpe road)
* 30 minutes away - Aqualandia Waterpark and Terra Mitica theme park
* 30 minutes away - swimming in natural waterfalls at Fuentes de Algar
All of this is covered in the guest handbook at the villa.
Car hire - last week we hired a 1 littre car and it was fine - this is a mountain so you will always have to go into low gear at the steepest parts. A lot of people live here and they mainly all have small cars.
We will talk to the pool man as this is the first ever comment about water quality. As the water quality was prefect the week after when we went we can only assume that he should have told people to stay out of the water for a few hours - we are sorry if this was not made clear at the time.
Review submitted by Catherine from Coventry (Submitted: 22 Aug 2012)
Although overall we did enjoy our holiday, I feel the villa was a little dated. The outside furniture was a bit scruffy and not very clean. The parasols did not work and we should have been warned about the very high winds in the early hours of the morning. We do not normally care about a TV on holiday but specifically picked a villa with satalite TV due to the Olympics. Unfortunately there was not signal on the Saturday or Sunday and we missed two of the biggest events. Very disappointing. It also stopped working on the Friday before we left. There was not a hoover to clean up or dust pan and brush. I ended up using a rather scruffy brush and a piece of paper to collect crumbs etc. However, the lady who looked after the villa, Kathryn, could not have been nicer or more helpful.
Owner reply:
Several previous reviews have rated our villa as the best on Cumbre del Sol and we probably receive the most bookings in Cumbre del Sol. We were therefore so dismayed when we received this review that we immediately booked flights out toSpain and went out 7 days later to see for ourselves. The outside furniture is normally covered by throws which were new in April 2012. We have now ordered replacement cushion covers with special fabric for outdoors for the outside rattan 3 piece suite at a cost of over 600 euros.
We have purchased 5 very large (2.5m and 3m) parasols in the last 2 years at a cost of around 100 euros each. The reason they keep snapping is because clients leave them fully erect when they go out or overnight and a sudden gust of wind breaks them. The villa is on a mountain that has its' own micro-climate and so you can get sudden gusts of wind or rain (normally for about 10 minutes) at any time. On this visit we bought 2 new parasols - one for the outside dining table and one for beside the pool. If our housekeeper had been told about the broken parasol she would have replaced it immediately.
As soon as the clients reported a fault on the satellite TV our housekeeper arranged for an engineer to come and fix it. They came out 3 days later. In England if you reported a problem to Sky they also wouldn't come the same day you reported the fault. Whilst we were in Spain the satellite TV worked fine.
We knew the villa had a vacuum cleaner as a new one was bought in April 2012. Our housekeeper admitted that her own had broken and so she had borrowed it for a couple of days. The vacuum cleaner and dustpan and brush are now back in the villa.
The fact that we went out to Spain so quickly and spent so much rectifying any issues shows that we are determined that the villa will retain its' status as the best villa in the area. Interestingly the next review (from the client the week after) was very complimentary about the villa.
Ian Fishwick, Owner 79 Lirios
Review submitted by Anita from London, Forest Hill (Submitted: 22 Feb 2011)
We stayed in July 2010 and had a lovely time. The villa is really modern and clean. We also had a small car that handled the hills fine and we are not tiny people! The pool was amazing and we would recommend the villa to others. In fact we have booked to go back this year. We have stayed in other villas on Cumbre Del Sol and this villa is by far the best.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 16 Feb 2011)
I went here with my girlfriend and two friends and we had the most relaxing, fun time. I never usually write reviews of anything - but thought I would as we really had such a perfect holiday.
The villa was perfect and a really really resonable price compared to the other places weve stayed in in the area. It was clean, new and set out in such a way that we were spoiled for choice for where to hang out. Its a beautiful place - really private if you want to sunbathe as theres this lovely walled pool area.
I see that one of the other comments said there wasnt a welcome pack - but I found lots of helpful easy to read maps and directions to waterfalls on the counter as well as road maps and helpful advice like where to find all types of things.
I am going to go back later in the year with my family to celebrate a birthday there. Sitting out on the sofas and looking up at the all the stars is just a magical experience. I would definately recommend this place to a friend - sure is a welcome break from the city! Cant wait to visit again!
Review submitted by Katie from Manchester (Submitted: 23 Sep 2010)
The property was lovely and just as described on the website. The surrounding area was peaceful and quiet, I would definitely go back to this villa and I would recommend this property. My only criticism would be the lack of information in the villa, having stayed in this type of accommodation before I have been used to being greeted with a small welcome pack and booklet of information regarding the property, how to use things, where things are etc. I have also been given information on where to go and what to during your stay.
We were met by the property manager of 79 Lirios who didn’t tell us much about the area until we asked. We were told that we would need to take a taxi into the town and she would text us the local taxi number. I had to send her three text messages before I got this information meaning on the first night we were abit stuck and couldn’t go anywhere. There was no information in the villa on things to do or recommendations, we found some leaflets and a pile of paper after a couple of days which wasn’t really very useful and looked like things previous holiday makers had left from their trip. Any questions I had regarding the property I had to contact the property managers by text as I rang a couple of times initially and she didn’t answer the phone or ring back. I often had to send two texts asking the same thing to prompt a reply. In one case I asked if there was anywhere around that did boat trips and my text went completely unanswered. This by no means ruined our trip and I only had a handful of questions which we contacted the property manager on we just found this very frustrating as it was simple things such as taxi numbers, where to put the rubbish, how to use the cooker etc that could have all been answered in an information booklet.
I would definitely go back to this property and we had a lovely, enjoyable holiday. I would just recommend to anybody who is thinking of going or has booked to go do some research on the place before you go and have all your questions ready for the property manager as the likelihood of the matter is you will be chasing them for this information whilst you are supposed to be relaxing and your phone bill will be expensive!!!
Owner reply:
We listen to every review and acted upon this one immediately. We have always emailed a brochure to all guests when they have paid their final payment. The villa now also has a copy in it. The brochure shows:
1. Local PLACES OF INTEREST - descriptions and DIRECTIONS how to get there
2. Useful PHONE NUMBERS
3. AIRPORT - directions to and from
4. HOW TO - use the TV and DVD, fix electricity fuses, empty bins etc etc
Ian F
Review submitted by gareth from waterlooville (Submitted: 25 Aug 2010)
Villa as described on the website - everything you could need internally and pool was excellent.
Relatively easy to find and Kathryn (keyholder) was very helpful. Quiet location although there is a bar and a couple of restaurants within 5 min walk down the mountain.
Fairly short drive into both Moraira & Javea-suggest you hire a car with a reasonably large engine as we only had a fiesta which struggled a bit with the drive up the mountain.
Would recommend villa providing you dont mind driving in the evenings as a car is essential.
Owner reply:
Hi, as the owner of 79 Lirios I dont normally comment on reviews unless they are misleading. I have stayed at the villa about 20 times and normally hire the smallest, cheapest car I can find (often smaller than a Ford Fiesta) and Ive never had a problem driving on the mountain. Every villa on Cumbre del Sol is on the mountain, hence the great views: there are a huge number of small cars on Cumbre del Sol, so I dont want anyone thinking that you need to hire a large engined car as you dont.
Happy holidays,
Ian Fishwick, owner
Review submitted by Debbie from Port Talbot (Submitted: 19 Sep 2009)
I too have to dissagree with a previous review from George. We have just come back from a fabulous week at this Villa. Everything exceeded our expectations!! The directions to the Villa & collecting the keys were fine - as the instructions explained - you need to give the Villa Managers a call when you arrive in the country to tell them what time to expect you! They were prompt on meeting us & took us straight to the Villa
The pool was amazing. We have a lively 19 month old daughter who absolutely loved being in the pool with us, obviously under constant supervision. We made use of a couple of airbeds that had been left which was great fun. we found the pool to be very clean, enevitably as a tree overhangs the poolside there will be leaves!! The pool was also cleaned twice while we were there that week! There is also use of 6 sunbeds & a lovely patio set for shade from the sunshine.
Inside the villa, it was spotlessly clean & very modern & comfortable - home from home! The air conditioning is in the living room & main bedroom which is just fine. There is a bbq which we used twice to have lovely sunset dinners on the terrace - a must! The villa also supplied a travel cot, high chair & monitors - ideal for a family, like ourselves with a baby or toddler
The beach at El Portet is a lovely, family friendly safe beach. Also, a visit to the Waterfalls at Algar is highly recommended. We have left a local tourist information map for future visitors in the Villa
We are used to hiring villas for our Summer holidays & I can honestly say that this Villa is one of the best we have ever rented, so it comes highly recommended. It is in a wonderful location (you will need a car), with amazing views & has access to all amenities - Supermarket, Restuarants, Beach etc. I also would like to say that while there was building work being carried out nearby, it never disturbed the peacefulness of the location.
All in all we had a brilliant week at 79 Lirios & we look forward to future visits.
Review submitted by Harry from Flimwell (Submitted: 12 Sep 2009)
I really don’t agree with the previous review from George. We’ve just come back from a fabulous week at this villa. The courtyard around the pool makes it secluded for sunbathing and the pool was immaculately clean. It is about 1.5m deep at the shallow end and 2.5m at the deep end so you do have to supervise kids swimming (but I would have thought you do that anyway?). Villas don’t normally provide lilo’s and floats for the pool but this does. One of the lilo’s had a puncture so we replaced it as it only cost £9.
The pool has an underwater light, and using the candle holders from in the villa we had dinner by the pool several times. One night we ate on the terrace sat on the super comfy sofa and armchairs. This villa is really well equipped and beautifully furnished in a modern style.
There is air-conditioning in the main bedroom and the living area. In the second bedroom there is a mosquito blind so you can safely sleep with the window open.
As soon as we arrived we had lunch on the beach at Cumbre del Sol ( just go down the hill from the villa and follow the signs to La Playa – it takes 5 minutes). We hired a speedboat from Arenal beach at Javea, went scuba diving with Moraira Scuba (find them on the right on the Moraira-Calpe road) and had an amazing day swimming under a 30 foot natural waterfall at Algar (take the N332 south towards Alicante, turn off at Collasa den Saria and then follow the signs from Collasa to Fuentes del Algar).
We will definitely go back if we can as this was one of the best holidays we’ve had in years. The whole area has beautiful scenery.
Review submitted by George from Southport (Submitted: 3 Sep 2009)
The property was listed as having air conditioning through out, but it does not. The detail you require to find the Villa plus locate the key needs reviewing, at the prescent its not exe ctable. If you book this property make sure you have the key holders number at hand and
your mobile.
The pool although good for adults should be classed as NOT child friendly, the pool was dirty and through our visit had not been cleaned. All the pool equipment unfortunately did not work. Much of the building work has ceased, due to the credit crunch so that made our visit quieter,that we where grateful for.
A local detailed map left at the property would be very much appreciated. Once you find your
way off the complex you will come across some very nice places.
Its the little things in life that make all the difference, its a shame not everybody agrees.
Owner reply:
When George visitied there were 2 air conditioning units: one in the main bedroom and one in the lounge/kitchen area. Following this review we have installed a 3rd air conditioning unit in the 2nd bedroom so there is now air-conditioning throughout. I hope this shows that we do listen intently to customer feedback.
Ian Fishwick, owner
Review submitted by Hester from Leeds (Submitted: 5 Aug 2009)
This is a truely wonderful villa. The pool was fantastic - big, clean & private. The villa is extremely well equipped and enjoys brilliant sea views as it is on a mountain side. This did however mean that a car is a must! El Portet beach is good for families as you can wade out without it getting deep. Moriara is a lovely place for an evening meal - with great atmosphere. Terra Mitica and Mundamar are great family days out.The villas managers were very helpful and efficient. We had no problems with any building work being carried out as mentioned on other reviews. I would definately recommend this villa.
Review submitted by Heydon from London (Submitted: 13 Mar 2009)
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our stay - the villa is furnished to an attractive and high standard - it feels like youre in a top London boutique hotel but with incredible blue sea views not like some of the other villas that feel a bit like someone elses home. We invited friends over for a dinner party and they were really impressed... and jealous!
Although a few of the other villas had children in them, the villas are spaced out so you can have privacy if you want. The olive tree garden and walled swimming pool are just wonderful.
A really relaxing and uplifting place to stay - would definately recommend.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 18 Jan 2009)
I have stayed at the villa twice. It is extremely well equipped and unlike a lot of Spanish villas, everything is very trendy and contemporary. The terrace at the front of the villa has a sofa and armchairs and is a great place to read a book in the sunshine. The arched courtyard with the large pool is a private place to sunbathe.
Highly recommended. 5 star
Carmen
Review submitted by hazel & john from swansea (Submitted: 15 Oct 2008)
We arrived at the property on the 17th September 2008, the villa lived up to our expectations, the pool was fantastic and the villa was set out extremely well with everything you needed for a villa holiday,but as in the last posting there was a lot of building work going on at the site across the road . but to his credit we contacted the owner who quickly set about arranging a villa just around the corner.Unfortunately the owner had been told work was not going to start untill the end of September and he was more upset than we were. We were more than pleased at our replacement villa and we could also use the pool and villa when work had stopped during siesta and at the weekend .As stated at start of posting this is a fantastic villa but we were unlucky that this work was going on during our holiday.Please do not let this put you off as work has more than likely been completed since this posting.We loved the villa so much we will be booking to return in the spring
Review submitted by Rudi from Antwerp (Submitted: 14 Aug 2008)
The property has a nice view on a big part of the Cumbre as well as the sea. The magnificent swimming pool (privately located) exceeded our expectations. The house itself has all the luxury we needed and the airconditioning was very much appreciated.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 9 Jan 2008)
A MESSAGE FROM THE OWNERS
This review can hardly be called unbiased because we are the owners, however we thought you'd like to hear our views for what they are worth ...
The villa is unbelievably peaceful and yet you can be in the middle of abustling resort or beach within 5 minutes.
Having an extremely good supermarket, Pepe la Sal on site where you can buy almost evrerything you can in England if that's what you want is useful. There is an excellent fish and meat counter, and an in-store bakery. Next door is cafe/restaurant/bar with a pool where you can eat whilst the children have a swim.
We often combine a visit with an overnight stay in Valencia. A city that seems to get better every year. In 2007 the whole marina was redeveloped for the Americas Cup and is well worth a visit day or night for excellent restaurants and bars of all price ranges.
If you like windsurfing the Denia centre is worth a visit.