Get Rustic in Southern Spain with One Off Places

Here at One Off Places, we always highlight destinations or periods that may be slightly off the beaten track, or away from the mainstream – mainly because we ourselves like to be slightly removed from the madding crowd! And in our experience, Spring is certainly a better time to see rural southern Spain. The flowers are out, the air is clear and everything is at its most vivid in the run up to the main holiday season – and best of all there are less people around so you can explore and discover all the best places for yourselves!

The Costa Blanca, situated in south east coastal Spain has a range of landscape. The northern part of the region is mountainous, relatively green and peppered with groves of orange and olive trees along with colourful orchards of almonds and cherries. The Montgo mountain is the jewel in the crown of Costa Blanca and the surrounding area is dotted with charming mountain villages where the pace of life is slow and the people incredibly friendly. In these parts there are endless hiking opportunities, and lots of interesting flora and fauna. And if none of this persuades you in your search for suitable holiday rentals, then take note: the World Health Organisation has named this area as having one of the healthiest climates in the world!

20% discount – just £110 per person for seven nights (based on 4 sharing) in a beautifully restored barn
La Ruina is a refurbished barn set at the end of a donkey track in 25 hectares of unspoilt rural land. It is not touched by mass tourism, and for the most part is declared a 'protected area' with an enormous richness of fauna: wild boar, ginettas, martens, ermines and weasels. The property sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms and has been beautifully restored to incorporate modern fittings alongside many of the original features. They are booked out through the summer months but can still offer a few weeks in April and early May for visitors looking to find the real rural Spain – see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Costa-Blanca---Valencia/La-Ruina.aspx for details. Best of all, the April weeks are at a 20% discount meaning that bookings between 4th & 18th April, and 25th April to 2nd May are only €468 / £440 for the week...

Less than £100 per week (based on 4 sharing) in a luxury Bedouin tent in rural Spain
The owners of La Ruina also have a second property on this fantastic site. Imagine having access to all the above wildlife, solitude and walking routes to explore. Be able to cool off after a hard day in the mountains with an invigorating dip in the pool. And then retire for the night to your Bedouin tent...
La Jaima is exactly that. A Bedouin tent, fully kitted out with luxury furnishings and everything the holiday guests requires for a memorable and relaxing holiday. Like La Ruina above, La Jaima is in a wonderful location being totally rural yet only an hour from Valencia and 30 mins from the coastline and some of the best beaches in Spain. It sleeps 4 and guarantees you a holiday to remember in every way. Prices start at €418 / £390 per week; for more details, please see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Costa-Blanca---Valencia/La-Jaima.aspx

Private swimming pool and views to North Africa
It is less rustic, but if you would rather be enjoying a sea breeze and a clifftop view over to North Africa then perhaps Villa Portet might be more your style. Built on the side of a hill, this luxury villa has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 people. Stylish and immaculate, it provides everything that you inside, a private pool and stunning views from the terrace outside and should you feel the need to explore there is even a private beach only 5 mins downhill from your front door. If you want luxury, discretion and a real feeling of refreshment – not to mention the healthiest climate in the world – then Villa Portet will be just what you need. Prices from £800 for more details, please see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Costa-Blanca---Valencia/Villa-Portet.aspx

Getting there and away
All 3 of the above properties are less than 90 mins drive from Alicante airport, which can be reached from London Luton from only £112 for an adult return. Car hire and other transport is available from the airport, and the property owners will supply full directions and recommendations at time of booking.

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.