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Review submitted by Lillian from East Kilbride (Submitted: 10 Oct 2011)
Villa Gareth is a lovely house, which i would book again. The location is very beautiful and is very peacefull. The house was very well equipted with everything you would possibly need and the views are stunning and cant recommend villa gareth enough, we had a great time. Sarah was lovely and great with us as we had some issues getting to the house from the airport as we got slightly lost and she was very understanding and helpfull.
Review submitted by Annie from Warwickshire (Submitted: 12 Aug 2011)
We were so delighted to find that the villa was all that we had hoped for. It was such a relief as you never know quite what to expect when you book on line but we were stunned by the fabulous views from the terrace. The facilities were excellent and just what we wanted. The location was superb and mostly very quiet . The track to the villa was a little daunting at first but we soon got used to it. The only criticism we could make was that the shower in the ensuite had very little power but this didnt spoil our enjoyment of the property. The garden is obviously a work in progress but the areas around the patio and pool were fine.The BBQ did do work very well and we suggest that an adjustable rack would improve things.
It would have been interesting to be able to explore some of the country tracks around the property but we did not feel we should risk a hire car on those roads without benefit of a map of some sort indicating where we might end up, so if such a map was available it would be great to have one in the villa.
Review submitted by Chris from Windsor (Submitted: 18 Jul 2011)
My wife and I stayed at Villa Gareth for two and a half weeks in June, 2011. We wanted a quiet, away-from-it-all holiday and that is exactly what we got! Our daughter and six-month-old granddaughter flew out to stay with us for nine days – so there were three generations living in the villa. The villa was comfortably furnished and provided everything we needed for our holiday. The two jewels in the crown of Villa Gareth are the large terrace and the swimming pool, with a possible third being the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We ate EVERY meal outside during our stay. Even the villa’s location is perfect, combining the solitude of the mountains with the accessibility of the local villages, the city of Málaga and the Costas (we visited Torremolinos and Puerto Banus whilst we were there). There is a modern supermarket in the village of Alozaina, about 15 minutes drive away. The villa access road is steep in places but does not present any problems for a modern car. The only cars which may have a problem are a low-powered Model ‘T’ Ford and possibly an East German ‘Trabant’ – neither of which are available at the local car hire companies as far as I know... Sarah, the English caretaker, lives locally and is more than willing to help with any problems. We would definitely stay at Villa Gareth again it is absolutely perfect for that quiet, away-from-it-all holiday.
Review submitted by Nicholas from Croydon (Submitted: 2 Nov 2010)
To the Villa owners, thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your Villa for 13 days in October. It was our first time in renting a Villa, rather than paying for a hotel and the Villa lived up to our expectations. We both loved the place, the situation, design and spacious living areas.
We loved the peace and quiet, and the views were nothing less than spectacular both day and night, even if the road to the Villa was interesting to say the least! We enjoyed Casarabonela, Alozaina and Coin and the suggested restaurants / bars mentioned within the documentation left at the Villa. Whilst our Spanish was very limited, the locals were very accommodating and very willing to help.
We enjoyed the food, Tapas and BBQ’s as well as Paella.
Using the Villa as a base, we explored the surrounding country with two trips to Ronda, which is a must see and two trips to Mijas. We made one extraordinary trip to Cordoba to view the old city we visited Mezquita-Catedral, Puente Romano, and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. We ventured to the coast, so off to Puerto Banus near Marbella. Puerto Banus certainly is a very wealthy area, judging by some of the cruising boats and cars. Benalmadena was another coastal town we explored and a bit kinder on our pockets. We could not leave Andalucía without exploring and shopping in Malaga.
We only touched on a minor part of Spain we both agreed that we needed more time. We felt the Villa offered us the opportunity to unwind from our flight to Spain as well as having a peaceful day sitting around the pool to enjoy our surrounds. Our adventures in Andalucía would not have been as exciting had it not been for the Villa.
We would certainly recommend to any of our friends and relations wishing to visit Spain, to check out Villa Gareth. To those who will come after us, enjoy!
To Sarah, many thanks for your assistance and helpful tips.
Review submitted by John from Betchworth (Submitted: 23 Aug 2010)
As noted above, the property met and exceeded our expectations, glad we picked up supplies on the way there as the nearest village was not within walking distance. Total relaxation in very nice surroundings. We hope the cosmetic work we did on the garden was welcomed by the owners.
Views from the terrace fantastic at night.
Local people very friendly in nearby villages.
Excellent food and wine available in suoermarkets.
All in all a very relaxing holiday for all of us.
Review submitted by Nadine from Great Yarmouth (Submitted: 13 Aug 2010)
This villa is near the top of a mountain and has breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. It is well equipped and had everything available that we needed for our holiday. The weather was lovely and sunny during our stay and the villa provided plenty of shade when we needed to escape from the full heat of the sun. The caretaker, Sarah, is helpful and on hand for any problems (I had to phone at 9.30 pm on the first night as I couldnt figure out how to lock the french doors in the dining room), but is unobtrusive. Being located in a mountainous area, we found the roads around the villa rather steep (especially as we come from Norfolk, famously flat!). We did manage the roads in our hired Vauxhall Astra, but you may want to hire a four-wheel drive if you want to fully explore the Moorish-built roads. Our family had a great time at Villa Gareth and none of us wanted to come home!
Review submitted by Sarah from Essex (Submitted: 21 Jul 2010)
Lovely villa with great views
Review submitted by Chris from Wallasey (Submitted: 26 Aug 2009)
We had a wonderful 7 days at Villa Gareth. The views are fabulous and the location is perfect for a relaxing break. The villa is well equipped and maintained and the sunrises are worth getting up for.
There are several small villages within easy reach and plenty to do within an hours drive if you want to do more than relax by the pool.
We managed to get our minibus up the rather steep drive without problem. If you like driving up the tracks to the villa, and fancy a greater challenge, try the mountain pass from Yunquera to Casarabonella. It was just about wide enough for the minibus (a 4x4 would be better), has stunning views but borders on terrifying at parts!
Review submitted by Nadine from Edinburgh (Submitted: 19 Aug 2009)
Fantastic Villa throughout with views second to none!! If you want an away from everyone and everything holiday, then this is perfect.
We all especailly liked the outside dining area in which we spend most of our time eating and drinking and looking at view!!
Managed to get out 7 seater van with all luggage and 7 people up the hills no problem - tip for others in future - turn off the air conditioning - gives extra power for last part up drive!
Would love to come back in the future.
Review submitted by karen from Wincanton (Submitted: 4 Aug 2009)
Beautiful property if you are looking for privacy and remoteness. Less touristy than some parts of Spain! Would go back again for the peace and quiet!
Review submitted by roger from Lymington (Submitted: 7 Jun 2009)
We found villa Gareth to be perfect for what we wanted, very quiet and relaxing, brilliant views, the pool was great in mid may as was the weather, facilities in the house were more than adequate, highly recommended. Broadband would be handy but the manager at hotel rural was kind enough to allow use of his wi-fi.
Local restaurants were very limited for us for two reasons, out of season and vegetarian but with views like that from the patio dining area we didnt miss not going out to eat.
Check out the lakes via El Chorro, go via Alora to see the Gorge.
The beaches and massive over-developement of Torre etc are worth avoiding.
The info (what to do and see) book at the house is a bit sparse on detail.
Review submitted by Jessica from Brisbane (Submitted: 25 Nov 2008)
The location and house was suberb but lack of hot water and heating was a disappointment since we were there in winter. I would strongly encourage owners to upgrade the hot water system before renting out the house again in winter.
Review submitted by Susie from Plymouth (Submitted: 13 Jul 2008)
Just got back from a fantastic four nights at Villa Gareth - it looked too good to be true on the website - but it wasnt! The villa was clean and cool and extremely well equipped and the area was just what we had hoped for really peaceful and surrounded by olive groves with the most fabulous views. We had a stroll along the mountain tracks every morning and then spent the rest of the day just chilling out by the pool. Didnt have to try out the local restaurants as we stocked up en route in the supermarket (as per the directions) and had a BBQ every night. The weather was perfect, the pool was ideal for cooling down and relaxing and there was even scrabble and monopoly to keep the kids occupied during siesta time. What a fantastic place for sunshine, peace and quiet and chilling out in style! Well most certainly be back...
Review submitted by Tom from Aberdeen (Submitted: 9 Apr 2008)
Beautiful secluded location. Very well equipped and maintained villa. Excellent support from local contact even when arriving late at night.
Review submitted by Paul from New London, PA, USA (Submitted: 24 Dec 2007)
Finally just NOW getting around to writing a review for our visit to Villa Gareth last summer. We stayed there for a week in late June with our two teenage children and had a wonderful time. (A week was hardly enough!) In late June, the weather was still on the cool side - nights were downright cold. The private pool was a wonderful indulgence, though just a bit on the cool side yet We first arrivd just after sunet, and Sarah had us follow her car up the hill. The next day, things looked a good bit different by daylight, and it took a couple trips in and out until we felt confident about the directions. The roads are, indeed, narrow and steep, but not insurmountable.
Having grown accustomed to using a gas grill, we also found the bar-b-que to be a bit of a challenge. The design is not terribly conducive to creating a hot bed of coals. We got better at it as the week progressed.
We also found the nearby villages to be intriguing, and found a very adequate market in Casarabonela. Ronda was an easy day trip,
Overall, the villa is very well appointed with very nice furnishings, a satelite flat-panel TV, and plenty of games, cushions for the outdoor lounges, umbrellas, etc. The weak US dollar made this an expensive venture again, but it would be well worth going again should the opportunity present itself. Villa Gareth is truly a slice of heaven, particularly if you value peace, quiet, and privacy. We hope to return one day.
Review submitted by jon from nottingham (Submitted: 17 Nov 2007)
The road up to the villa is definately an experience that i enjoyed on my holiday and the villa was set in a gorgeous valley with sun on it the whole day long. The bedrooms are nice and spacious and the showers are beautiful. The kitchen has pretty much everything you could need and when i asked the caretaker if there was a paella dish as promised, she went out and got us one to use for the week. The views from the villa are great and their are 2 nice villages close by that cater for pretty much all your needs. Casarabonela and Alozaina are only 10-mins max in a car and are very pretty and quaint and a must see if you are stopping so close. Other places close by are Marbella and Malaga which are bistling with activity and are still very cheap on prices (believe it or not). We would definately recommend Villa Gareth and will be returning back their next year.
Review submitted by Trevor & Susan from Leicester (Submitted: 23 Sep 2007)
We visited this property between 8th and 22nd of September 2007 with another couple. The standard of the property was higher than expected and it was extremely well equipped. We agree with the previous reviewer that air-conditioning and/or mosquito nets would have improved the bedrooms. We had very average weather during our stay but the house is certainly comfortable enough to accommodate this.
It rained very heavily one night and the track up to the house deteriorated signifcantly, so much so that driving up the track the following day was quite an experience! You might want to consider using a four wheel drive vehicle, particularly at this time of the year.
We recommend visiting the Chorro Gorge, Torox and Ronda. if you are staying for over a week, it would be worthwhile visiting Seville and staying overnight (as we did). The journey takes around 3 hours via the motorway.
One advantage of being there at this time of the year is an unlimited supply of fresh figs from the tree by the patio and grapes from just to the right of the bottom of the drive!
We would certainly recommend this villa for a quiet and relaxing holiday.
Review submitted by Steve from Pool In Wharfedale (Submitted: 13 Sep 2007)
Quite a suprise this place. It was very clean and well maintained. Up the side of a hill with views to die for. Dirt track from the main road up a few steep bits for a mile or so. Then a very steep concrete drive up through the garden to the villa. Anyone who has driven to Robin Hoods Bay will get the idea. Our car a Renault Scenic fully loaded with five on board and the air con on did it with ease. Very quiet and relaxing place to stay. Could have done with a mosquito net over the bed as we would like to have slept with balcony doors open but kept getting bitten by the locals. There is a nice walk out the main gate and right, then up the hill side over the top and back down the other side to where you started. You have to do it for the views alone from up there. Visited some of the local eateries but was not keen on the cooking. Nice day out to Gibraltar by car and some English fish n chips. Make sure you park your car in Spain and walk across the border due to long traffic queues. Got to do this place just to see the apes. Good fun for the kids
English ex pat Sara on call at the villa if you had any problems. Thanks Sara if you read this.
Over all a very nice place to stay if you like a good chill out holiday with a nice clean pool to swim in then this is for you. Thanks to the owners for allowing us to stay. We enjoyed it very much.
Review submitted by Matthew from London (Submitted: 10 Sep 2007)
This is a great hideaway property in the mountains, about 45mins to 1hour inland from either Malaga or Marbella. The villa is nestled in the mountain (about 1500feet altitude), accessible by dirt road (some complain about this, but we didn't find it a problem). There are a few other properties in the area, but at a decent distance to give you privacy and largely the views are of natural scrub, olive groves and walnut trees: the vista is magnificent across the valley. The property is well equipped, not only by the owners by with items left by previous visitors (books, movies, pantry items, etc), with all the modern conveniences (dishwasher, satellite tv, dvd player, vhs player, gas cooking, washing machine, etc). Dining outdoors on the covered terrace with the views is a must. We stayed for a week, and took a few day trips to local villages (Casarabonela), to Marbella and even to Gibraltar. The villa is actually easy to find (but hidden away) once you get out of Malaga, but the driving directions could be improved. We were met at the property, and then had a visit midway through to check that everything was okay. The BBQ could be improved: it was difficult to get sufficient heat and we had to revert to the oven grill. The bedrooms, bathrooms, etc are great. You may need to bring some insect repellent, but that's just a normal part of being away from the city and in the mountains - just be prepared. Our toddler loved the experience, and the pool was outstanding for all of us. Check the local temperatures before you go at Alora (http://www.inm.es/cgi-bin/locali.cgi?ig=29120). If you need a supermarket to stock up, drive to Coin, it takes about 30-45 minutes for either a Lidl or Supermercado.
Review submitted by Sue from Hitchin (Submitted: 7 Aug 2007)
We returned about 10 days ago from our first trip to mainland Spain and were delighted with our stay in Andalucia. What we were looking for was a relaxing holiday away from very touristy areas and our stay near the quaint white mountain village of Casarabonela provided the perfect retreat after a hectic few months preparing for our eldest daughter's wedding. Our other daughter + boyfriend and son accompanied us and we spent a lot of time around the pool reading, playing cards and enjoying the spectacular and unspoiled views. We visited El Chorro lakes as well as Alhambra(we pre-booked tickets in the UK) and spent an afternoon in Ronda. We ate at a few local restaurants - Hotel Rural being the closest and offering fantastic cuisine! Sarah who met us and cleaned and changed linen half way through the week at a small extra cost, was extremely helpful offering to spray a small wasps nest which had developed just before we arrived. Nothing was too much trouble. The accomodation was great but would definitely benefit from air conditioning at the height of summer. Everything else needed was provided. A truly restful and peaceful break.
Review submitted by Michelle from Dublin, Ireland (Submitted: 23 May 2007)
Just returned from Villa Gareth and had a great stay. Booking was very efficient and Sarah, who brought me up to the villa and showed me around was great. Villa is very comfortable and clean and has everything in it you might need.
Outside the patio and pool are very private with great views and in the sun all day. Location might be a little remote for some but if like me you are looking for some peace and quiet away from it all then this place is perfect.
Review submitted by Marcus from Ramsgate (Submitted: 23 Sep 2006)
Having read the other reveiws we don't want to harp on about the poorly equiped kitchen too much. We know that the new owners are going out in November to sort out the decoration, pool surrounding and re-equip the kitchen but that is of little sollace to us having just returned. The second double bedroom is very small and the bed seems much smaller than a normal double. The pool is a little small but did not detract too much from the holiday. We have stayed at a number of villas and most are situated off the beaten track and often up scary roads in the middle of no-where so we are used to this type of situation, however. be warned! Do not turn up at night to navigate the roads for the first time and if you are of a very nervous driving disposition this is not the villa for you. With hindsight, I would have got a 4x4. The villa is miles from any civilisation (unless you count Casarobonnella the nearby village that is a storybook sleepy hillside village to a fault) that you have to drive for a good 45 minutes to get to see any life. Ronda is worth a visit (nervous passangers stay at the villa) if you are feeling brave, take the back road - much quicker.
The villa, to be fair, is very well furnished, plenty of garden furniture for around the pool, the view across the mountains is spectacular. Landscsape artists be ready! Get up in time to see the sunrise, this is beyond description. If I wanted a holiday in a nice villa and wasn't too fussed about going out to too many places, this is the place to stay. Wonderfully quiet, peaceful and tranquil. Sarah is helpful never in your hair- couldn't ask for more from her.
Review submitted by Margaret from Villa Garath (Submitted: 14 Sep 2006)
Villa extremely difficult to find in the dark. Flash light essential.Dishwasher not working - could have been attended to during our stay. barbeque (unusable).Beautiful location - new owners very keen to upgrade the Villa for next season.
Review submitted by Nichola from South England (Submitted: 6 Sep 2006)
We arrived at villa Gareth at midnight due to car rental problems. Sarah, who looks after the Villa met us (even though we should have been there at 8pm) and took us to the villa. Thank You
Our first impressions of the villa were excellent and it only got better from there.
The description of this villa is very accurate and we found it to be well furnished, modern and very clean. The views are outstanding and you are not bothered by anyone which was also a bonus.
The pool has underwater lights which was excellent for late night swimming for our three boys (four if you include my Husband)
New furniture was delivered whilst we were there which shows that the new owners are serious about this property (This included new pool sun loungers.
The villa is in the mountains and it is a fair hike to get there and yes the last part of the road to the villa is steep but... it doesnt take long to get used to it (its a breeze I promise)
Because the villa is in the mountains it is rural and takes 45 mins to get to the bigger towns (malaga, Benladama etc) The village has a surprising amount of food outlets including a well stocked super market.
Overall the villa is lovely,calming and away from it all. We couldn't better it.
Review submitted by Margaret from Southport, Merseyside (Submitted: 22 Jul 2006)
Location was a bit too remote for us, and access roads poor. The villa we found to be quite adequate if not as luxurious as we expected.
It was, however, in between owners when we stayed and we felt it was not quite as well equiped as it should have been. We felt there should have been a better quality gas fired barbeque supplied, and we had to buy our own barbeque tools. As we did most of our cooking on it it was very inconvenient.
The quality of the crockery/cutlery was not as high as it should have been and mismatched. We also felt there should have been a half way change of linen/towels during our week's stay.
We found Sarah, the property caretaker, to be very friendly and helpful. We initially had a problem with the electrics which she did her best to sort out.
Owner reply:
Further to our recent visit to Villa Gareth as new owners, we agree with recent comments and conclude that immediate improvements are necessary. Thus the villa will be closed for November for works, including:
1. Complete internal redecoration
2. Replacement of furniture to the dining room, entrance hall and additional furniture in the sitting room.
3. Increase in video/DVD/book library.
4. Provision of internet connection
5. New bed linen and towels including extra pool towels.
6. New crockery/cutlery and some kitchen equipment.
7. Replacement recliners, pool furniture, parasols and tables.
8. Full external paving to the pool and barbecue area.
9. Purpose-built brick barbecue with chimney, preparation area and sink plus tools.
A new motorway and approach road to Casarabonela is incomplete, we will therefore submit to all new clients an alternative detailed route from Malaga airport of just under one hour. The recently completed access track up to Villa Gareth from the public road is steep in places but serviceable in all conditions.
We welcome comments and helpful criticism from previous clients and hope to see you all in the future.
Rachel & Michel Steiger
Review submitted by Charlie from Bristol, UK (Submitted: 17 Jun 2006)
The Villa was Very nice with a fanatastic swimming pool! reasonably well stocked, comfortable and clean. A better BBQ could have been provided though with BBQ tools.. surely thats all people want to eat in 30 degree heat?!
The location was quite remote and although there was a village not to far away there didn't seem to be much there. However, it isn't to far (about an hours drive) to Marbella or Fuengirola but far enough away to not be surrounded by other holiday makers! One disappointment about the area was that there wasn't anywhere you'd really want to go and eat at a restaurant in the evening plus driving up the Villa drive way in the day is scary enough!!
If just rating this on the Villa I would go back and we certainly enjoyed our week there.
Owner reply:
I have just returned from Villa Gareth and found that the BBQ tools had been removed (obviously by a previous guest) so I can only apologise for that. However we have many guests visiting the Villa during the winter when temperatures are not so hot there and when most of the cooking is done in the Kitchen which everyone has found, very well equipped.
The Villas own private Driveway although steeper than is usual than a UK drive, is a properly constructed concrete road, and taken in first or second gear, really does not present a problem to confident drivers.
There are two local villages both equal distance from the Villa, Casarabonela and Alozaina, both have about a dozen bars and at least four Restaurants. Both of these villages are the equivalent to a small English Market Town with every shop and facility necessary for day to day living.
Most importantly; only 5 minutes away by car & fifteen minutes on foot is a most “Splendid Restaurant” serving a full a la carte menu by very attentive waiters and prepared with fresh local produce by the highly trained Chef and his staff.
Review submitted by Sharon from Boulder, CO (Submitted: 29 May 2006)
This is a lovely villa in the hills above the Malaga coastline. The home is in wonderful condition, is nicely decorated and Sarah, the local helper, is delightful and discrete. The photos on the website (as of 5/2006) are accurate. The views are spectacular. The villa has just been sold but I understand the new owners intend to continue to make the villa available.
We found the location to be very good for our needs -- we were interested in reaching both the coastline and the climbing and biking areas in the Andalucian mountains. The delivered directions do not give quite the right feeling about the distance from Malaga, however. The villa is about a 40 minute drive from Malaga, near the villages of Alozaina and Casarabonela, and in the summer of 2006 the Malaga direction roads are under construction. If you are going other directions on other roads you'll miss the construction but be prepared for slow country road driving.
Our only other complaint was that in this price range it is really nice to have internet access. We needed to check in for work and our son's university coursework. There is a very friendly and free (!) SierraNet spot in Casarabonela, which is a community service used by many kids for school projects.
Review submitted by Dawn from England (Submitted: 23 May 2006)
What a find! Villa Gareth is perched near the top of the hills outside Alozaina, with absolutely stunning views of the valley below. The villa is very comfortable indeed, and tastefully decorated throughout. It is also very well equipped and has a lovely pool although it was a bit too cool for swimming when we were there! We had peace and privacy during our stay. It's a great place to completely relax! The final approach driveway up to the villa is a bit steep. Carry some speed through the gates and you'll be fine - even our rubbishy 1100cc Kia Picanto managed it! We will only tell our good friends about this gem!
Review submitted by Jo from Devon, UK (Submitted: 22 May 2006)
We had a lovely holiday and would agree with most of the comments in previously submitted reviews. The villa is beautifully furnished and maintained and the central heating was very welcome in early January. We weren't able to use the pool but expected this and enjoyed the views and sitting on the patio when weather permitted.
Our only reservations were the last bit of track - which although perfectly driveable was a headache! We preferred to always drive it in daylight and being the begining of the year this did restrict our days a little. We wondered before visiting whether everyone was commenting on the tract just because previous reviews had done and I have thought hard about whether to include it in this review but on balance I think it is something that people should bear in mind when booking.
The other thing which we felt we probably didn't fully appreciate before booking was that although the villa was very close to Malaga airport (45 minutes) almost all our day trips resulted in us having to drive these 45 minutes before we started on the miles for the day. We did however visit Seville (with an overnight in Hotel Simon - basic but to be recommended) and Granada.
Our daughter (just 2 years old) did come down with holiday tummy despite being careful about the water and Sarah (neighbour) and the Spanish doctors in the nearby medical centre were very helpful.
One last tip - Furengirola Zoo - was fabulous!
Owner reply:
We have just returned from Villa Gareth and we are pleased to to announce that the last bit of track referred to in this review has now been concreted and is not a problem to negotiate.
Review submitted by susan from falkirk (Submitted: 20 Apr 2006)
This is a beautiful villa - very well equipped and really comfortable. The views are stunning and it was great to wander along the mountain tracks in absolute peace and quiet. We enjoyed being a bit 'off the beaten track' but in truth it's not too far from many lovely locations ( if you can bear to tear yourself away from the villa!). We would have no hesitation in recommending Villa Gareth to others who enjoy a quiet holiday in lovely surroundings. Hope to go back soon.
Review submitted by KAtie from Wiltshire (Submitted: 20 Apr 2006)
Superb location with amazing views. Every comfort.
Review submitted by Anu from Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Submitted: 14 Mar 2006)
the home and the location were perfect...as if straight from a storybook. It was a wonderful vacation to reconnect with our family. I do wish the final stretch of road leading to the house was paved...we apparently got there after the rains and the road was pretty steep and daunting. Otherwise a perfect vacation.
Review submitted by Barry from Glasgow (Submitted: 7 Mar 2006)
The villa itself is fantastic, built and furnished to a very high standard. The sun terrace downstairs and the pool area also score highly.
In low season you might find, as we did, that the unheated pool is too cold to swim in, although in summer we imagined that it must be great having a cool pool to plunge into away from the searing heat.
If you're after solitude and great views, this is the place to go. The final couple of kilometres of mountain access track are daunting at first, but you soon get used to them. If you arrive in the dark and in a downpour you'll initially wish you'd booked a 4WD, but you really don't need one, so long as you take the track nice and steadily.
Be aware, if you're staying here with a view to exploring the Costas (Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Malaga, Nerja, Granada, Gibraltar), that the remote location means that any of the major towns are 45 mins away at least.
The communication from the owners is also also first class, with excellent directions provided in advance, and a local English neighbour on hand to show you round on arrival and deal with any problems.
You never know when you book "unseen" on the internet what you're getting, but in this case the description and photos are 100% accurate and reliable, and we reckon you'll have a great holiday here.
Review submitted by Dion from Villa Gareth (Submitted: 6 Nov 2005)
The Villa has been set in beautiful surroundings and if you enjoy remote settings, peace and quite together with a sense of absolute leisure, then this is defiantly the place to go.
Views first thing in the morning and last thing at night are something to kill for. Looking down into the valley and watching lighting up time in the evening sent Goosebumps up and down my body. Watching Goats trundling along the mountainside, bells around their necks gently jangling, their sound wafting to you through the acoustics of the mountain.
Secluded it is, however, the Villa is well equipped and furnished, and combines modern architecture with traditional Spanish values.
Unfortunately, the journey to the villa is up a mountain track, which is very steep in places and in certain parts, can only accommodate one vehicle. When I encountered a truck coming up the mountain track, it was the smallest vehicle that had to reverse backwards (probably one in three) around a sharp corner with a shear mountain drop on one side. Not for the faint hearted. My first vehicle burnt its clutch out trying to negotiate the steep mountain track on its first climb. You really do need a four-wheel drive, everyone else has! Don’t let this minor point spoil your experience. Enjoy and live for today, for tomorrow may never come.
Owner reply:
I have used the following hire cars fully loaded up the moutain track road to Villa Gareth and have had no problems.Ford Focus and Fiesta. Peugeot 806, 406, 307 and 206
Renault Clio, Seat Toledo.
It was most unfortunate to meet a truck coming up as this is an infrequent occurance.
The secret of driving up the mountain road is to stay in first gear on all rising gradiants and turn off your air-conditioning.
Review submitted by alex from leicestershire (Submitted: 18 Aug 2005)
my husband three children ( 4, 10 & 12 ) & i had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful villa last month. the villa is extremely homely and beautifully furnished throughout. we had a fantastic time visiting the coast and the many nearby villages during the evenings. the restaurant at hotel rural was fabulous and the food delicious and very well presented. we have no qualms in recommending this villa to all age ranges. the approach to the villa, although sometimes hairy!, is well worth it when you see the view at the top. many thanks also to sarah who helped throughout our stay.
Review submitted by Marion from St Albans (Submitted: 5 Jul 2005)
Anyone looking for a secluded hidaway in beautiful and comfortable surroundings with breathtaking views all around, then this is the place to go. The villa is really spacious and tastefully decorated, combining modern comforts with local Spanish style. The nearby village of Casarabonela is a typical whitewashed cluster of houses offering a few nice little bars and cafés for light snacks and the occasional drink, as well as plently of small supermarkets. Sadly only one good restaurant nearby - Hotel Rural, but we were happy with our own BBQs enjoying the sun setting over the mountains each night. One thing to mention: it is advisable to hire a 4x4 for the duration of the stay, as the dirt track up to the villa can prove a bit much for front-wheel drive.
We enjoyed a most wonderful break and will certainly come back again.
Review submitted by stuart from bedfordshire (Submitted: 20 Jun 2005)
what a wonderful villa, beautiful views across the mountain, peaceful location, tastefully decorated inside the villa and out, and the pool was to die for! An Excellent time was had by all six of us.
Thanks
Review submitted by John from Windermere (Submitted: 6 May 2005)
I was almost put off at first by the prospect of accessing the villa along a 'mountain track' but actually, in reality, it wasn't too daunting and the villa was certainly worth it.
It's the ideal place for a quiet relaxing time and the views from the villa are genuinely awesome.
Review submitted by sue from nuneaton (Submitted: 17 Feb 2005)
we stayed at villa gareth last summer. The villa is gorgeous and the pool fabulous either for an early dip or moonlight swim. The views are stunning and it is so quiet and peaceful.
A truly superb place to relax and re charge the batteries.
we will definately return.
p.s we have 2 teenagers and they loved it too.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 4 Feb 2005)
We stayed at Villa Gareth in October 2004. The house is delightful, with every comfort and convenience. There are excellent restaurants locally, but the view from the terrace was so wonderful we ate at home on most days. The scent of jasmine through the bedroom window, combined with a really comfortable bed left us completely restored after our holiday. Hazel.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 2 Feb 2005)
Pat and I want to let you know that we had a wonderful holiday. We both thought the Villa and the Pool were excellent and as much as we tried we could not think of anything that would really improve things. The facilities were excellent and the furnishings were very comfortable and very much to our taste.
Thanks again,and in those famous words "We'll be back", Ken
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 2 Feb 2005)
The villa was fabulous. The views were to die for!
We valued the balance between "Our Villa" and the ability to get to a variety of places.My only suggestion- Have a map for visitors use at the Villa.
We got lost a couple of times bur found some lovely spots.
Thanks for a really lovely holiday
Norman and family
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 31 Jan 2005)
A truly tranquil location and elegantly furnished accommodation. We spent two weeks there last Summer and enjoyed it so much we will be looking to book again this year. Casarabonela village is lovely and the restaurant just 5 minutes away is a must! We would definately recommend this property.