We spent a glorious 8 days at Caserio del Mirador in Jalon (or Xalo in Spanish). We have been itching to go back ever since we left! The kids still talk about this holiday every single day. This was unlike any other holidays we have been on before, keep reading to learn more about our unique experience.
GETTING THERE
Caserio del Mirador can be reached via Alicante or Valencia airport. Both airports are just over an hour drive away. We flew from Gatwick to Alicante Airport and it took just over 2 hours. Then we picked up our rental car at Alicante airport.
Word of warning, DO NOT ever use Goldcar for car rentals. It’s a long story but they are basically scammers and will try to get as much money off you as possible! Avoid, avoid, avoid!! I booked with them before reading the awful reviews online, it was an expensive lesson….
The drive from Alicante airport to Caserio del Mirador was pretty straight forward, mostly motorways and straight roads until the last 10 minutes up the mountain. Expect some hairpin turns and slightly narrower roads.
CASERIO DEL MIRADOR
Founded by Sarah and Johnny in 2003, together with their 3 children, they had established a place that cateres for young families. The idea is that families can travel, relax, be together and make memories.
There are lots of animals in the grounds and this was a highlight for our boys. From bunnies, to cats, to donkeys to ponies! Not forgetting Beryl the pig, who ate all our leftovers!
There are 5 apartments there (1 or 2 bedrooms), all with a fully equipped kitchen and either a terrace or a private balcony. Each apartment has a bathroom, most of them with showers, but a plastic bath tub can be provided for babies.
We stayed at the Carrasca, the largest apartment, with a double and a twin bedroom. The bedrooms have airconditionings, God-send in the heat! The view from the balcony is unreal! You can see miles and miles away through the mountains on a clear day.
All the apartments have a cot with beddings, changing mats, highchairs, plastic children tableware and cutlery, age-appropriate toys and books. You really don’t have to pack anything apart from clothes and nappies for the kids!
MEALS
Different to your typical all-inclusive hotels, meals are not included in the price for Caserio del Mirador. The kitchen is opened everyday apart from Mondays and Wednesdays.
You have the option to opt in and out of meals according to what suits your family each day. Kids tea is served around 5-6pm and it gives the kiddies a chance to sit together with other children and share a meal together (while the parents enjoy a glass of vino!)
Sarah usually prepares a lovely Mediterranean meal for lunch upon your arrival, which is exactly what you need after travelling with children. Dinner on the first night is brought to your terrace or balcony with a bottle of wine so you can relax in your own time and settle in. Just look at our dinner at our balcony! It was such a romantic setting.
I highly recommend Sunday paella lunch! Sarah’s son, Charlie, made us a mean paella meal!! I still dream about it to this day. We had paellas from restaurants during our trip and they were nothing compared to what we had at Caserio del Mirador.
We had a wonderful tapas meal on our last night there with our fellow campers. It was the most wonderful night! Perfect weather and perfect food, and we just spent time chatting and remembering the good times we had on the trip.
In terms of price, kids tea is €10 and adult meals ranges from €20-60. There is also an honestly bar where you can take canned drinks, ice-cream, teas and coffees. You just have to note it down in a book and the total is added to your final bill.
WHAT TO DO THERE
We are not usually the kind to go on holiday and stay in our hotel the whole time. We love to explore as a family, which we have done a lot of this year on our other trips. But we decided to stay in for most of the trip, mainly because Caserio del Mirador has everything to entertain the kids!
We spent most of our days lazing around in the pool (it was too hot to do anything else in the afternoons!). The kids also enjoyed the playgrounds, trampoline, feeding the animals and playing with their new friends. Caserio del Mirador is the kind of place where you can stay for the whole week, not leave, and not get bored!
We did visit the Moraira beach twice. It’s less than half an hour drive away and although it can get busy in the summer, it’s a really good shallow beach for kids. The ocean runs to the side of the beach, near the rocks, creating a little stream. There are also rocks pools for crab fishing if you wish. You can borrow beach gear like mats, umbrellas, beach toys from Caserio del Mirador when you go to the beach.
Jacob loved going to the rock pools with me to find crabs and fish. Word of caution, the rock pools can be very slippery and sharp! Make sure you have appropriate footwear. I was glad I wore my *Teva Hurricane XLT 2 to the beach. Not only are they comfortable, but they also have amazing grip, even in shallow water and slippery rocks! (* Affiliate)
Get your own Teva HERE! *
We also explored Jalon a few times. There is a supermarket just 10 min drive down the hill from the villa, as well as cute lunch spots in town. There are markets few times a week. We went on Saturday morning and saw a huge antique market bustling.
OUR THOUGHTS
This place is amazing…! It is a very unique holiday experience, perfect for family with young children. Sarah and Johnny have thought of everything to lighten the stress of travelling for families.
The best part is being able to meet new people in the same life stages as you. It was amazing to be able to share struggles and triumphs in parenting together. Watching my boys make friends there will forever be my favourite memory and I am so thankful for the opportunity to witness this.
Thank you, Sarah and Johnny for hosting us!
BOOK YOUR STAY HERE
** Disclaimer: We were guest at Caserio Del Mirador but all opinions and photos are our own. There was no obligation to post or write about it. **
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