OVERVIEW
Rafelguaraf is a gruff-sounding village on the outskirts of Valencia that previously you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to visit. Casa Sibarita is now that reason and not only because of the slightly naughty name. The impeccable care put into restoring this traditional townhouse (built in 1880) by owners Simon and Neil is obvious – original features like the giant carved doors, wood-beamed ceilings and tiled floors are kept to a high polish. Bedrooms are spic-and-span, furnishings are colourful, comfortable and clean. And the pool gets the sun all day.
The hosts are hands-on and efficient, whether it’s Simon explaining the best route to the beaches or Neil ensuring there’s some vegetarian options for supper. This is a little gem with a lovely, friendly vibe – you’ll want to explore the region but we bet you’ll be back in the evening for dinner and drinks.
HIGHS
- Meticulously restored townhouse – a winning combination of old-world Spanish structure tempered with modern art, sculptures, wrought-iron chandeliers and art-deco lamps
- Exceptional food bought daily at local grocers; Neil always has a tasty array of choices for the set supper menu and the house rosé is spot-on
- Well-maintained 10m swimming pool – Simon might join you for early-morning laps!
LOWS
- Rafelguaraf is a small sleepy village with not much in the way of sights, although it does have banks and a post office
- Now that they have won one of our 2009 Readers Awards, you might struggle to find availability
ROOMS
 The 5 bedrooms at Casa Sibarita are named after Spanish towns: Girona and Sevilla are doubles that have their own balcony overlooking the pool; Granada is a double without a balcony, while Valencia and Salamanca are twins without a balcony. Fresh white bedspreads are overlaid with bright silk throws (ours in Girona was a pretty beaded navy blue) and vibrant tapestries adorn the walls. We liked the roomy wardrobe (with proper hangers you can actually remove!) and throwing open the green gauze curtains to our little private patio. Don’t expect masses of designer toiletries in the bathroom – but we felt the towelled bathrobes and party-size tiled shower room more than made up for this.
Bedrooms are on Sibarita’s first floor, the mosaic covered staircase leads down onto the high-ceilinged hallway and living/dining area. Bright red sofas and chairs make a cosy circle around the fireplace – the unseasonable damp during our spring stay almost tempted to us to light some logs! The imposing back doors, just as grand as the front, open onto the plant-dotted pool terrace, which is, in the more reliable summer months, an all-day sunny hangout.
All rooms and public areas now have wifi access.
The casa is also available for whole house rentals - Neil and Simon create a country house party atmosphere and will consult with guests regarding the catering which can include a tasting menu and poolside tapas-style lunches.
EATING
Casa Sibarita’s restaurant is so popular that local Rafelguarafans have been clamouring for it to open for lunch. The simply laid-out dining room with white table-clothed pine tables is open for dinner for non-guests on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays but reservations are essential. It’s not hard to see why. The set supper menu is under €20 and the choices are varied and delicious – starters like creamy onion soup and goat’s cheese with chutney; a garlic mash and beef stew and spicy salmon fishcakes for main. Dessert was a taste test between Neil’s yummy concoctions of orange flower nectar and orange marmalade ice cream.
Breakfast is also taken in the dining area – home-made muesli, muffins, rolls, yogurt, meats and cheeses are laid out, and pots of Early Grey tea or cafétieres of coffee are brought to your table. If you fancy a snack during the day, sandwiches or salads can be made up to eat by pool or in the lounge. There is an honesty bar, but Simon is usually on hand to fix a G&T.
ACTIVITIES
- Meander about the nearby medieval town of Xàtiva – set at the foot of Serra del Castell, an imposing Roman fortress looms over its cobblestone lanes and tinkling fountains (it’s known as the ciudad de las mil fuentes)
- Swim and frolic on the beautiful beaches at Platja de Tavernes – only a half hour drive away, these wonderfully long stretches of sand 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
- Trek through the pine-clad hills surrounding Rafelguaraf; Casa Sibarita also has two bicycles for hire if you want to explore the countryside
- Don’t go anywhere, just laze and soak up the rays by the pristine pool, the only sound will be the occasional crow from a cockerel whose clock is off
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FEATURES
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Radio |
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CD |
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Internet in Room |
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Heating |
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Air Conditioning |
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Cots Available |
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Restaurant |
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Room Service |
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Special Diets Catered |
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Vegetarian Options |
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Bar |
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Outdoor Pool |
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Garden |
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Internet Connection |
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Laundry Service |
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Function Facilities |
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No Smoking Room |
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ACTIVITIES
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Cycling |
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Hiking / Walking |
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Trekking |
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Cultural Insight |
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Historical Sites |
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Shopping/Markets |
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Peaceful Hideaway |
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Swimming |
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Getting there
