Spain

RAFAEL

Fantastic. No complaints. From arrival to departure everything was most enjoyable. That goes for the whole  family. The area  also, restaurants beautiful villages. I have no hesitation in recommending this villa. Would love to return. Thanks to Rafael. 
 The Harkins family. 

Casa Rafa, Competa/Canillas de Albaida

United Kingdom

Family from Glasgow, United Kingdom

Myself and my parents spent nine days at Casa Rafa and have just returned home. The house is fantastic and really does have everything you need. Rafael was really nice and explained everything to us when he met us at the house when we arrived. We had some storms when we were there and so the pool needed a good clean, we sent a message to Rafael and he arranged for someone to come straight away.

We loved the area because we wanted to do some walking. Beautiful!! And the views from the house are gorgeous. You can walk to either Canillas de Albaida (10 mins along a track) or Competa (two options, either 20 min or 40 min). Both towns are built on the mountain side so be prepared for lots of hills! 

Lots of places to eat in either town, and very reasonable.

The drive from Malaga airport is straightforward and takes about an hour. 

Great location, great house. Thanks Rafael.

Family from Carlisle, United Kingdom

We have enjoyed a wonderful month at Casa Rafa and it was just what we were looking for! It was a short walk to both Canillas de Albaida and slightly longer to Competa but perfectly do-able. There are local taxis and a bus to Malaga which you can flag down from the road outside the property so Competa can also be visited on the bus. There are lovely walks (google Fabrica de la Luz Canillas de Albaida for an example). The house is well equipped with shade available all day, plenty of sitting places and a lovely breeze most of the time. Rafael is delightful, very welcoming and helpful without being intrusive. I would be thrilled to speak Spanish (long time learner) as well as he speaks English! The views from the house are stunning; mountains and villages right down to the sea. If you don't want to do long drives visiting other parts of Andalucia you could stay here without hiring a car. Use a taxi transfer and then the bus/taxis thereafter. Fast trains are available from Malaga to many Spanish cities so there's an option to visit other places like Cordoba maybe with an overnight stay. If you do hire a car be aware that the turn from the road to Casa Rafa while short is very steep so don't go for a low slung model! Granada, Cordoba, Antequerra, Seville are all driveable. There were 4 adults in our family group but small children may need beach shoes around the pool as it's surrounded by gravel with terracotta tiles (clearly visible on the photo of the house) which can get hot. There are bars and restaurants in both Canillas and Competa and Canillas has small supermarkets, a butcher's, a fish shop  a post office and a bank. Thank you to Rafael for a great holiday!

Family from Kendal, United Kingdom

Lovely stay Raphael was so helpful. Views beautiful and lovely Spanish village nearby. To walk to the village from the villa you need to go across a rough track or a very steep walk to access the road way. This didn't bother us in the slightest but may be an issue for people with less mobility. There is everything you need in the villa all cleaning items. When we arrived Raphael was there to meet us. The villa was spotless. The village is so lovely with nice restaurants. We found the local people really friendly.

Family from Herts, United Kingdom

Our holiday began with a fabulous welcome from the owner Rafael, who also proved to be a great help when we had to contact him during the week. The Villa is fabulous, a real gem set in lovely grounds with a wide variety of fruit trees, has views to die for over the hills. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, restful break, this is the place. Lots of space to lose yourself in the garden and a fabulous swimming pool, in which you can really swim, not just a plunge pool. 

The villa is well equipped, very comfortable and spotlessly clean, we couldn't fault its decor and comfort levels.

The  two villages close by, Competa and Canillas de Albaida were very traditionally Spanish but had a good range of shops. Canillas is an easy walk and Competa has a wonderful gelatto shop.

I hope that others who choose to stay at Casa Rafa have as good a holiday as we had. Thanks Rafael.  

Couple from Sedgefield, United Kingdom

We had a lovely two weeks in this villa. Beautiful views. Owner very helpful and accommodating with check in and check out. Would recommend to anyone wanting a peaceful relaxing holiday.  

Couple from Sherborne, United Kingdom

Stayed here in June 2017 and had an absolutely fantastic holiday.  We would highly recommend staying here and are looking to book another holiday here.  Rafael was very accommodating and made you feel like you were old friends from the moment you met him.  The pool is absolutely fantastic and spent many hours in it as the weather was exceptionally hot.  Had many good evenings just chilling out and enjoying the tranquility.  The only negative comment we have is that the shower temperature was very difficult to regulate, apart from that there is no other negative points.  Made full use of the fresh oranges and lemons while here.  Local taxi service was excellent and reasonably priced which meant we could all go out and no one had to drive.  Competa is absolutely beautiful and must see visit to enjoy the local dining in any of the good restaurants.

Chris and Sarah Quigley 

Friends from Ashford, United Kingdom

I was looking for somewhere very peaceful where I could enjoy complete solitude, whilst also being within easy reach of other people when I felt like socialising, or needed groceries or medical attention. Somewhere quiet, spacious, comfortable and secure, with its own pool, set in a beautiful rural location, with great views and lots of sunshine. Case Rafa was perfect for me. The property is not quaint or charming, but it's in excellent condition and everything is super clean, and very practical and well maintained. Also, due to its position, you can always find a hotter or cooler spot to sit in -  a gentle breeze off the mountain, or completely sheltered, full sun or full or partial shade. The May/June climate was perfect for me with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the mid/high 20s to around 30 degrees and cooler nights. The photos are honest and representative (although there is quite a bit more land than there appears to be).  And on this land grows a wonderful range of fruit and vegetables, which the owner, Raphael, generously invited me to help myself to. I was there for the last 2 weeks of May and the first week of June, during which time I feasted on oranges, lemons, medlars, avocados, cabbages, chard, carrots and garlic! The pool needs to be checked for pH levels, and have chlorine etc added as required. I was happy for Raphael to do this regularly each Saturday, and to add a couple of chlorine tablets myself mid week. It was good to know that the pool water was 100% safe and clean, quite apart from being so refreshing and enjoyable. The walk to the village is not long, but you need to sure footed if using the rural path - and I'd recommend trainer style footwear. There is quite a steep slope at the village end of the path. If you prefer to use the road, there is a steep drive, after which you're on the flat until you reach the village. Similar conditions re the walk to the nearby town of Competa. Taxis are also available, and a limited bus service. If you fancy a day at the seaside, or a day in Malaga, it's a direct, comfortable bus ride away. And you can take the bus from the road at the end of the drive. There are mountains nearby for walking and more serious hiking, and a horse riding centre too. Although peaceful, it was not silent. A local cockerel crowed randomly, there was a symphony of birdsong as a continuous soundtrack, and local dogs occasionally barked across the valley to one another. It is possible to hear the road - but there is not much traffic and it is far enough away to be non-intrusive, whilst close enough to be convenient. I enjoyed a deeply relaxing holiday in this gem of a place. Hope you do too.

Solo from London, United Kingdom

We stayed for a week at this amazing villa.  It had everything we needed and more. Rafael was very accommodating with our late check in and out at no extra cost.  I have nothing negative to say about him or this place.  In fact we will return as soon as we can.  It's a must if you want a relaxing holiday.  O and the pool is fab.  So much outdoor space to enjoy.  Thank you again Rafael 

Friends from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

I had an absolutely wonderful, relaxing 2 weeks at Casa Rafa...our party included myself, my daughter &amp; her fiance and my 3yr old and the villa was perfect for each of us. Rafael was at the villa waiting to greet us on arrival, he was very welcoming and showed us around, giving us all the info we would need on surrounding areas and how to get there. The villa was very clean and spacious and has everything you need for a comfortable stay...a home from home. The views from the front of the property, where you are able to eat meals at the table, are absolutely stunning and you can see right across to the coastline. The pool is a good size and upkeep is easy once you get the hang of it. We had several bbqs with the equipment provided and there are fruit trees on the property with lemons, pomegranites, figs and nuts.  We wanted something quiet, relaxing and private and we got all of this. There is a dirt path to Canillas... a 10min walk..which has bars/restaurants, small supermarket, tobacco shop, pharmacy and information centre and also a path (a bit more hilly and uneven) to Competa(20-30mins walk) which has more variety of shops and restaurants. We decided not to hire a car due to the narrow windy roads and used airport transfers which were reasonably priced, then used local taxis to travel to different villages incl Canillas, Competa, Sayalonga and Torre del Mar...taxis were very cheap and reliable. There is also a coach 3 X per day that goes from Canillas to several coastal areas as far as Malaga. 
A beautiful villa set in a stunning, peaceful location providing everything you will need for total relaxation. Highly recommended and I am already planning another visit for next year.

RAFAEL

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