I found a ‘secret' paradise 30 minutes from Benidorm – it's nothing like the busy strip but still has double G&Ts for £5
SPANISH SUN I found a 'secret' paradise 30 minutes from Benidorm – it's nothing like the busy strip but still has double G&Ts for £5
AS a showbiz journalist at The Sun, my weeknights are often spent celeb-spotting at the latest A-list attraction or dancing into the early hours of a sold-out gig.
So when my friend suggested a spontaneous five-night holiday in Spain, I jumped at the chance for somewhere to rest and recharge for a busy summer ahead.
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The villa is only 30 minutes from Benidorm in Vall de Pop's Xaló
Credit: Nice 2 Stay
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Costa Blanca has sizzling temperatures of 30C in June and is just a two-hour flight away
Credit: Amanda Devlin
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When there the concierge can help to make bookings - with wine tasting, hiking, bike hire, massage, yoga and boat hire
Credit: Booking.com
With sizzling temperatures of 30C in June and just a two-hour flight away, Costa Blanca seemed like the perfect fit.
Nestled in Vall de Pop's Xaló, a mere 30 minutes from Benidorm, we discovered paradise - a nine-bedroom rural retreat surrounded by mountains and vineyards.
Stepping into Cuatre Finques feels like stumbling upon a secret destination.
A 20-minute walk from the old town's cobbled streets lies a Spanish-style finca offering privacy, indulgence and a unique holiday experience.
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For as little as £136 per night, guests can enjoy the comfort of a stylish bedroom with a balcony and access to the boutique hotel's sun-soaked swimming pool.
It's a haven of peace and tranquillity from the outside world, just as owner Nicola intended when she designed, planned and built Cuatre Finques ahead of its opening in 2014.
The mum of two, originally from Edinburgh, wanted to create a home from home - offering guests the opportunity to unwind in luxury for a fraction of the price.
Every morning we woke up to breakfast on the terrace before wandering over to the 'honesty bar' by the pool, which is well-stocked - or at least it was, before we arrived.
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Sipping tasty, yet cheap cava on a Love Island-style sunbed at midday, we plotted our activities for the days ahead.
The concierge can help to make bookings - with wine tasting, hiking, bike hire, massage, yoga and boat hire all being popular pastimes outside of the villa.
Benidorm issues smoking ban on two popular beaches in crackdown
We wandered down to the old town to explore the traditional Valencian architecture and Xaló's quaint Saturday flea and farmers' markets.
It's a far cry from your typical Benidorm break.
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In the evenings, a couple of small bars offered up a fun and friendly atmosphere to try out a Spanish 'chupito', also known as a strong local shot that hits the back of your throat.
An enormous double measure of Gin and Tonic will set you back just £5 in comparison to spending three times that in London.
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Nestled in Vall de Pop's Xaló, a mere 30 minutes from Benidorm, we discovered paradise
Credit: Amanda Devlin
In fact, I told the bartender he'd mistakenly only charged me for one when I'd ordered two - and he looked as confused as I was.
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It's the same when it comes to eating out for traditional Spanish food.
Setback from the notorious tourist hotspots, the bang for one's buck makes the bill arriving a much more pleasant experience than in Barcelona, Madrid or Ibiza.
Be warned though, it's easier to find a shop open in the midday sun than it is to grab a taxi.
Uber is but a fantasy, with word of mouth appearing to be the most effective way to find a driver.
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We used the app after landing at the airport to take us 50 minutes to the hotel, but you'll need help booking your return trip.
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We stayed in a nine-bedroom rural retreat surrounded by mountains and vineyards
Credit: Amanda Devlin
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Cuatre Finques feels like stumbling upon a secret destination
Credit: Amanda Devlin
Hiring a car is advised for peace of mind and the chance to explore more restaurants outside the small town by travelling up into the mountains for spectacular views.
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Despite the taxi roulette and the intention for early nights and hangover-free mornings, a last-minute trip to nearby party neighbourhood Dénia saw us head to a boat nightclub in port called Sounders.
Aside from the taxi wait, the evening proved how perfectly positioned we were to enjoy the quietness of a relaxing break so close to a more city-like experience.
One of our most favourite evenings during the holiday was however, when we stayed 'home' to eat at Cuatre Finques.
Once a week, the chef prepares a group tapas dinner for all guests to enjoy together alongside live music.
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Hiring a car is advised for peace of mind and the chance to explore more restaurants outside the small town by travelling up into the mountains for spectacular views
Credit: Amanda Devlin
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The destination is also a popular venue for yoga retreats as well as large, extended families who want the atmosphere of a villa with the amenities of a hotel
Credit: Amanda Devlin
Nine courses of fresh seafood, local cuisine and countless bottles of wine later, a mix of English, Scottish, Spanish and German diners became friends.
It's moments like this that make the hotel extra special - and what attracts Spanish holidaymakers flocking to the Costa Blanca for a weekend getaway.
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Hosting just 18-20 guests at full capacity, Cuatre Finques can also be hired for exclusive use by a large group.
It's a popular venue for yoga retreats as well as large, extended families who want the atmosphere of a villa with the amenities of a hotel.
I thought twice about revealing this hidden sweet spot to the world, but it's too good not to share.
One man even moved to Benidorm after one visit saying that it's paradise with £1 beers and cheap bills.
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Also, a mum has shared what locals do much better than Brits in Benidorm, after living there for 40 years.
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It's a far cry from your typical Benidorm break
Credit: Amanda Devlin
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