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Review submitted by John & Maggie from Coleraine (Submitted: 12 May 2013)
We visited Cortijo Fuente Arriba in May 2013 and our stay was a delight from beginning to end. The welcome pack and lunch provided by John & Mair on our arrival was beyond our expectations.
The apartment itself was exactly as described, perfect for our needs and with plenty of space both indoors and out. The small pool was very refreshing after a long day in the hills. The walk guides provided are very comprehensive and we enjoyed a number of different walks.
The village is just a few minutes down the hill from the Cortijo and has everything that one would need and has various cafes and tapas bars, some offering a menu del dia. The local people were without exception friendly and welcoming. Although the apartment was self-catering we only breakfasted there, choosing to eat out every day. We would without reservation recommend Cortijo Fuente Arriba to anyone seeking a quiet and relaxing holiday in a place with wonderful views and plenty of walks right outside the door. John and Mair were perfect hosts, making sure that we had everything we wanted and supplying information and advice on the local area. Its a place we would gladly return to.
Review submitted by Jane from Woking (Submitted: 14 Mar 2013)
The apartment is modestly but comfortably furnished. There was good heating for cold days. Great location - quiet but within easy reach of the village with good facilities. Great walks direct from the farmhouse using guides supplied which were easy to follow. Guides for bike rides are also available - recommended for seasoned mountain bikers with good map reading skills. Local bike hire quite expensive. We were well looked after by owners house sitters who were welcoming, friendly and helpful. The property is within reach of the coast. Would recommend a days visit to Cartagena.
Review submitted by Nicki from Wakefield (Submitted: 11 Nov 2012)
Very peaceful setting just 5 mins walk from the village of Lubrin. Apartment had everything we needed and the log fire was lovely in the evenings once the sun had gone down. Plenty of outside space for soaking up the sun and walks and bike rides from the door.
Review submitted by Rob from Durham (Submitted: 19 Sep 2012)
This was my 3rd stay at Fuente Arriba and Id recommend it to anyone. John & Mair have created a perfect retreat in its own grounds, which are beautifully set out with mature plants. The village of Lubrin is just a few minutes walk awaywith its little shops and bars. The properties are tidily furnished and nicely cool in the heat because of their design. Your hosts always make you feel welcome, and I hope to head back again soon.
Review submitted by Sophie from Bristol (Submitted: 15 Sep 2012)
We had a great and relaxing stay here. The surrounding landscape and scenery are incredible and we really enjoyed the daily bright blue skies and sunshine. The local people are friendly and the house is well connected, not far from the coast and cities such as Granada if you want to explore.
Review submitted by Moira from Glasgow (Submitted: 15 May 2012)
Absolutely perfect for getting away from it all. We stayed late April/early May and had a wonderful time. We booked the apartment as part of a walking holiday. The walking guides were very easy to follow and gave a good selec tion of relatively easy short walks. The local village was nearby and the people were very friendly and welcoming. Eating out was a joy with a good variety of tapas and daily menus all very reasonably priced. Our hosts were extremely welcoming and happy to answer any queries we had. We would definately recommend to friends and hope to return ourselves.
Review submitted by Greg from Brussels (Submitted: 5 Jan 2012)
Perfect place to get away from it all and relax. The town is beautiful and quiet. The people are friendly. The property owners are charming and extremely helpful.
Review submitted by robert from wigan (Submitted: 27 Sep 2011)
Had a great time, one of our most peaceful relaxing holidays ever The weather was just brilliant with temperatures around 25c+ throughout our stay in mid septenber and we only had one slightly overcast day.
The mountain views from the farmhouse were spectacular and the place was both cosy and well equiped.
We were made to feel most welcome by Jane and Russell who were looking after the farmhouse along with two dogs Meg and Floyd who were great characters and very freindly. On arrival we were greeted with a bottle of wine and a plate of various cold meats and cheeses ,
Lubrin itself is a quaint little town and only 5 minuites walk away, though if you want to visit the coast the nearest beach is around 50 minuites drive away in Vera. The coastal area is mostly unspoilt and free from crowds, especially in the Cabo De Gata natural reserve.
We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone looking to get away from it all to recharge their batteries.
Review submitted by Zib from Krakow, Poland (Submitted: 28 Aug 2011)
Imagine a perfect holiday setting - as quiet and secluded as it gets, free from mass-tourism traps,
the landscape unspoiled by towering hotels (in fact there are hardly any hotels around) and only the owls calling
to be the sounds of your night-time entertainment. And that spectacular moon rise over impressive rock right across the valley.
Immerse into unhasty routines of the villagers, join the locals over delicious tapas in mere two or three bars or a sole restaurant,
still with quality and pricing to surprise many seasoned travellers. Or browse delicacies at the fruit-veggies-meat-cheese-or-what-have-you market every Wednesday.
Cortijo Fuente Arriba. Fully furnished apartment (actually three - we stayed in Castillico) in a carefully restored Spanish farmhouse, including your
private veranda to sip your malaga wine in the evening, or do your grill, or go lazy on comfortable sun beds after refreshing plunge into
the central pool (held impeccably clean). Or write your poems under the shade of roofed open get-together space.
Cannot live without your web link? WiFi connection is there. Or pick one of the provided beach umbrellas and lilo and drive up to one
of the many lovely beaches nearby. Paradise found. Unpretentious and very comfortable and simply so pleasurable to stay at.
I do not know much about feng-shui, but whatever it postulates to make you feel good must have found its right realization at that place!
All that topped with unparalleled hospitality of the host-owner John and his friends - Jane and Russ.
Need an advice or forgot your road atlas or anything - your hosts are quick to help you out!
Oh, forgot to mention three other important residents - Meg, Floyd and Sam: two very friendly dogs and a cat.
Do not get mislead by website introduction of Fuente Arriba - the reality surpasses all expectations!
Needless to say we find the value for money simply stunning...
Get away from your daily rats-race and reset your mind. If there were anything like "Slow-Travel" Id vote this place
to top the list. And trust me - I have see quite a few...
PS. By the way John has spilled a word to us about his ambitious extension plans, including flamenco classes,
guided mountain hiking, horse riding and Spanish courses. Summer or winter - your perfect choice for perfect holidays.
Review submitted by cathy from Aberystwyth (Submitted: 31 Jan 2011)
Excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. Beautiful surroundings, peaceful, lovely walks. Accommodation was just right and we really enjoyed the log fire! A real holiday!
Review submitted by barbara and bob from newcastle (Submitted: 23 Sep 2010)
regarding our recent stay at Cortijo Fuente Arriba (apt Castallico) after arriving at midnight we were greeted by "Sue & Brian" (temporary house-
sitters) with warmth & friendship, and the welcome pack was a god send
"thank you"
Anybody retreating from the fast lane of life, this place is ideal to relax & unwind, whot with the pool & fantastic views you quickly chill.
The short walk into the village of Lubrin is rewarded by tasty tapas &
friendly villagers.
Being keen walkers we ventured further into the hills & had many enjoyable walks, & ambles with the loveable dogs "Floyd & Meg" residents of Cortijo fuente arriba.
The rat race & tourism has not intruded Lubrin which makes for an ideal location for peace & quiet.
Yes there is no McDonalds/takeaways or nightclubs "LONG MAY IT
LAST".
Review submitted by Carole from Rugby (Submitted: 22 Aug 2010)
This property provides complete seclusion away from the tourists. Or if you can experience life in a typical Andalucian village just 5 minutes walk away. The apartment is adequately equipped for self catering.
Review submitted by Lee from Perranporth (Submitted: 19 Aug 2010)
Myself & my partner enjoyed a stay at Cortijo Fuente Arriba (Apartment Castallico) in July 2010. In short, we had a wonderfully relaxing break! The villa is located in the lovely, sedate village of Lubrin & it provided the backdro p to a break where we truly managed to get away from everything and unwind. If youre looking for a stay in an authentic spanish village where the pace of life is easygoing and free of the tourist hordes then you will love this. The villa was lovely, with 3 apartments centered around the central garden area and swimming pool. The villa lies just outside the main village with a beautiful view of the imposing rocky outcrop & watchtower that overlooks the village and the remaining views offer a stunning panorama of the foothills of the encroaching mountains. Its only a 5 minute walk into the winding little streets of the village itself, where everything you need for your stay is on hand. For a small village there are a surprising number of bars & restaurants to choose from and over the course of the week we managed to sample most of them. The highlight had to be watching the world go by over evening drinks and wonderful tapas in the small central square, where the locals gather. Excellent value for money (we had 5 beers & 7 tapas dishes on one night for the sum of only 13 euros!) & although no-one speaks english, we managed to get by helped by the friendly staff. There is a tiny little bakery where you can get delicious fresh bread and pastries, a small butchers shop, a small supermarket and a great market each wednesday where the streets of the village are lined with stalls selling fantastic and cheap fruit, vegetables, meat & fish - dont miss it as fresh fruit & veg are not sold at the supermarket!
The owner, John, was fantastic, very welcoming & a great source of local knowledge and recommendations if we were ever puzzled about where to go or how to get there, John was always on hand to advise. Our apartment was great, had everything we needed and we enjoyed the place that much that we pretty much spent our whole stay there, relaxing on our sun terrace, enjoying the views, soaking up the sun, cooling off in the pool & having BBqs.
Basically, we would wholeheartedly recommend staying in Lubrin at Cortijo Fuente Arriba. If you are looking for somewhere lively with plenty of nightlife then its not the place for you. But if, like us, you want a taste of authentic andalucia & somewhere to relax in lovely, friendly surroundings then you wont go far wrong here. Cheers John!
Review submitted by Jamie from Ruislip (Submitted: 23 Jul 2010)
Nice clean villa,pool etc.. Great, welcoming ,helpfull host. Who has put together walking guides of routes,that afford some beautiful scencery and even in the height of summer are perfectly feasible to do, providing you leave early enough in the morning [07.00,leaving around then it is cooler and adds an even more glorious shade to the surrounding habitat.. A wonderful holiday that has left me with many happy memorys..
Review submitted by Emma from London (Submitted: 11 Jul 2010)
The apartment was absolutely wonderful and in a very quiet and chilled location in rural Andalucia. If you want to get away from it all then this is an ideal location to unwind and relax.
The maps and advice plus the welcome pack of bread, cheese etc were all much appreciated as well as the warmth of our host John, who helped out with all of our questions.
The apartment was beautiful and very well decorated and the views are breath taking. The village is very close and has some bars and restaurants but most of the time it seems a shame to leave the fantastic views when you can bbq to your hearts content on the terrace.
I would say that you do need a car to ensure that you can get supplies from the supermarket and be prepared for quite long drives to a big supermarket and also to visit the coast. But in general the amazing location means that you can just relax where you are and enjoy the splendid scenery from the terrace!
I would also recommend that people get a map of where the main supermarket is off the motorway to pick up supplies before they arrive so that theyre all set up for the week and can get maximum relaxation time in.
All in all a lovely and relaxing holiday, just what we needed!
Review submitted by chris from perth (Submitted: 26 Feb 2010)
Warm welcome with fire on and lots of good information from owners reps.throughout our stay.
Nice and well heated for winter visit.
Unfussy simple furnishings.
Also good directional information from airport to house.
Fine.
Review submitted by Nick from Malton (Submitted: 22 Jul 2008)
John & Mair were friendly and helpful, they are excellent hosts. Both the apartment and the village of Lubrin were pleasant and peaceful, just what we expected and wanted.
The local food in Lubrin and surrounding areas is excellent, as long as you are a confirmed meat or fish eater. If you are vegetarian, your choice will be pretty limited. All in all, an excellent place.
Review submitted by karon from prestwick (Submitted: 11 Feb 2008)
Lovely and peacful, a real find. We were made to feel very welcome and discovered a wonderful part of Spain we had never visited before. Would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little bit different.
Review submitted by Rob from South Shields, Tyne & Wear (Submitted: 15 Sep 2007)
What a fantastic place to spend a few days. John and Mair are the best hosts you could wish to find, and their help and advice is invaluable. The apartment is cosy and welcoming, and the grounds are superb and relaxing. Lubrin is a lovely little village, with plenty shops. Take your phrase book as they don't speak English. Try 'Las Delicias' for tasty but cheap tapas and menu del dia.
Review submitted by Robert from 19 Conway Aveue, Birmingham, B32 1DR (Submitted: 21 Feb 2007)
The property is located off the tourist track just outside a very Andalusian mountain village, but only 45 mins from the coast and the British enclave around Albox.
Access in all cases is via steep mountain roads, which, however, are well engineered and largely traffic free.
A final drive along a rough track of about 1km will bring you to the cortijo.
The property is not luxurious, but is comfortable enough for a few days stay in comparative isolation, with excellent south facing gardens and would be recommended as an escape from the rat race. A bit of Spanish knowledge would help in the village.
Review submitted by Jane from Cortijo Fuente Arriba (Apt Castallico) (Submitted: 4 Sep 2006)
It was an absolutely amazing holiday. Wonderful peaceful, tranquil setting.
A joy to meet the owners who were so welcoming.
Thoroughly recommended for a holiday away from the crowds.
Review submitted by Peter from 190 Bradshaw Meadows Bradshaw Bolton BL2 4ND (Submitted: 19 Oct 2005)
A lovely rustic property in a very nice setting. We were made very welcome by John and Maire Vincent. We would certainly go again.
Review submitted by Geoffrey from Lubrin (Almeria) (Submitted: 26 Jul 2005)
The property is ideally suited to those who look for total isolation off the beaten track.It is situated in a non touristy area, and whilst the village (Lubrin), is very small, it has all the necessary basics and provides a good base for exploration of the area.The owners of the farmhouse provide much useful and vital information and are very helpful in providing tips as to the do's and dont's.Certainly worth a visit if youare looking for peace and tranquility
Review submitted by Nick from London (Submitted: 8 Jul 2005)
Lovely setting in an interesting part of Spain. Very welcoming and helpful hosts.