If you're looking for a welcoming, good-value, unpretentious getaway in a small, authentic Spanish town, with near-guaranteed sunshine to boot, then look no further. Built in 1880, this traditional townhouse a short drive from vibrant Valencia has been artfully restored and imbued with a simple, colourful charm. Enter through giant carved doors to find an open-plan ground floor boasting high wood-beamed ceilings, pretty tiled floors and a vintage wooden bar; numerous books invite relaxed lounging.
Step through to the rear courtyard, where flowers burst out of window boxes, and a slim sun-warmed pool awaits (the only one in the village). Enjoy delicious bistro dinners here, courtesy of cordon-bleu trained Charlotte and charming Sophie: French-born, Spanish aficionados, with excellent English too. The 5 bedrooms upstairs are simple but spick-and-span, with immaculately kept bathrooms. Your hosts can point you to sandy beaches (Cullera, 40 mins' drive, is a favourite) or spectacular Xàtiva castle (15 mins), and give you the lowdown on Valencia's best bars and boutiques (45 mins). This is a well-priced little gem with a lovely, friendly vibe - a great base for exploring this under-the-radar region, before returning for a refreshing swim and alfresco dinner.
Highs
- A winning combination of authentic Spain with cosmopolitan touches: modern art, wrought-iron chandeliers, Art Deco lamps
- Delicious food bought locally; Charlotte always has a tasty array of cordon bleu-inspired choices for the supper menu
- We loved lounging by the spotless 11-metre swimming pool and flower-filled courtyard
- Friendly hosts are eager to ensure your stay is all it should be
- The elegant city of Valencia is within easy reach, as are sandy beaches and rugged mountains
Lows
- Don't expect full hotel services: this is a simple, friendly, immaculately kept guesthouse
- Rafelguaraf is an authentic Spanish town with a few bars and a post office - but it won't keep you up at night
- You'll need a car to explore (there's free parking in the street)
- Not a great set up for families (the atmosphere is tranquil) unless you book the whole house
Best time to go
We'd advise going in spring or autumn if you can - or even winter, which can be mild and sunny and makes a delightful break from northern Europe. Summer in southern Spain can of course be very hot, but there is a pool here, and bedrooms have air-con.
Our top tips
We absolutely loved exploring Xativa (15 minute drive) for its preserved historical centre and fantastic castle, which has a long history, two peaks and fabulous views
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 5 rooms
- Breakfast only; bars and restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Closed: Mid-December - March 31st
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 5 bedrooms at Casa Sibarita are named after Spanish towns. Girona and Sevilla are doubles with their own balcony overlooking the pool, Granada is a double with a Juliet balcony facing the street, while Salamanca and Valencia are twins without a balcony (the latter is the only one which can take an older child). Fresh white bedspreads and excellent quality linen are overlaid with bright silk throws (ours in Girona was a pretty blue) and vibrant tapestries adorn the walls. We liked the roomy wardrobe (with proper hangers) and our little private patio, complete with sun umbrella and lounger. Note that rooms are normally only cleaned every 3 days, but we found them spotless. Bathrooms have towelled robes and large tiled shower rooms, but not much by way of toiletries.
All bedrooms are on the first floor, and a mosaic-covered staircase leads down to a high-ceilinged hallway and a communal living/dining area. Bright red sofas and chairs make a cosy circle around the fireplace. The imposing back doors open onto the plant-dotted pool terrace, which is, in the summer months, an all-day sunny hangout. The casa is also available for whole house rentals (sleeping up to 15).
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- WiFi
Eating
Cordon bleu-trained Charlotte offers a simple and flavoursome bistro-style set menu each evening (you do need to let her know in advance if you're dining in, as ingredients are freshly bought daily). The simply laid-out dining room is within the large open-plan ground floor. Starters include a very tasty stacked mozzarella, balsamic and tomato salad, and mussels gratinée; we really loved our mains of salmon fillet and confit of duck, as well as our desserts (cheesecake for me, rice pudding with meringue and strawberry syrup for my partner). You're asked in advance for any dietary requirements, and vegetarians are well catered for.
Breakfast can be taken in the dining area or out on the pool terrace. Expect homemade cakes, yoghurt, plates of cold cuts and cheeses, boiled eggs, fresh fruit, orange juice and pots of Earl Grey tea or cafetières of coffee. You can request snacks and sandwiches for lunch, and at the lovely vintage wooden bar, you can oder a drink any time for relaxing fireside or on the terrace.
if you fancy a change of scene, there are no fewer than 7 tapas bars and cafés in the village.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Meander about the nearby medieval town of Xàtiva (15 mins), set at the foot of the Serra del Castell. An amazing and imposing Roman / Moorish / Crusader castle looms over its cobblestone lanes and tinkling fountains (it’s known as the ciudad de las mil fuentes)
- Swim and sunbathe on the beautiful sandy beaches at Platja de Tavernes (30-45 mins), which run between the towns of Cullera and Gandía
- Shop along the tree-lined promenade in Gandía, also home to the magnificent 14th-century Palacio Ducal de los Borjas
- Hike through the pine-clad hills surrounding Rafelguaraf
- Spend the day in Valencia (45 mins) with its revamped waterfront, historic centre and stunning City of Arts and Sciences complex
- Or stay put for a day, soaking up the rays by the tranquil pool
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Shopping / markets
- Wine tasting
Kids
Kids over 12 are welcome but note that there are no extra beds.
Family friendly accommodation:
Families with 1 or more teenagers with them will have to book adjacent rooms.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa Sibarita is in the village of Rafelguaraf, a 45-minute drive from Valencia.
By Air
Fly into Valencia Manises (65km) or Alicante (140km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
We recommend hiring a car. Otherwise book a taxi; or take the metro from Valencia airport to Estación El Norte, then catch a train to Xàtiva (30 mins) and a taxi from there (15 mins).
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Valencia and getting around
Airports:
- Valencia Manises 65.0 km VLC
- Alicante 140.0 km ALC
Other:
- Beach 30.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape