Caserio del Mirador

My six-year-old summed it up best: “It’s awesome! Go, go, go, go, go, go! It’s amazing!” We came all the way from the U.S. just to stay here, and it lived up to the hype. Our daughter even cried when she had to leave her new best friend. Louise was wonderful, Joan Marc cooked delicious food, and Sarah and Johnny clearly know this work after more than 20 years. We’ve told all our friends about it. It’s the first trip with kids I’ve come home from feeling relaxed. We chose the Carrasca unit for two adults and our three- and six-year-olds. There was plenty of natural light, a lovely balcony, and a nice layout with the kids’ room separate from ours. Just keep in mind there are 9-10 steps inside leading up to their room, with a door at the top. I’m sure there’s a solution if needed, since they seem to have thought of everything. I found the place on Instagram and it looked like a perfect family getaway. Before kids, my husband and I travelled a lot, usually in a more bare-bones backpacking style. Resorts and kinder hotels have been simpler with children because they put everything in one place, though we don’t always enjoy the atmosphere. This seemed to fit that in-between space. They provide so much for little ones, including monitors, high chairs, cribs, stuffed animals, toys, books, and outdoor activities. The thoughtful touches make a difference: bread waiting on the windowsill around 8am, kitchen staples on arrival, beach bags to borrow, and flexible arrival and departure times. After dinner, Louise led the kids on little trips to feed scraps to the animals. You can also have about half your meals right there.

The chic feel and those gorgeous views made Caserio del Mirador feel like our own calm little oasis. We were always glad to get back after day trips. We spent 11 days there with our energetic four-year-old, who had plenty of chances to run off and play with the other kids. The lovely families around us helped make the holiday so relaxing, and Sarah even watched our little one so we could have a date night. The staff were all fantastic and made everything feel easy. Nothing seemed like too much trouble. We especially enjoyed chatting with Louise, Jo, and the owners, Johnny and Sarah, over good food and wine. Highly recommend for families with young children.

The dinners under the stars were a highlight for me. Once the children were asleep, the baby monitors meant parents could enjoy some adult time together. I was unsure about leaving Inés in the room at first, but the place felt so safe once we settled in. I’m quite introverted, so I expected the shared dinners might not suit me. They were relaxed and welcoming, though, and felt like a holiday with friends. You can also eat on your own terrace. I was on my own with my daughter for the last few days after my partner had to go home early for work. At a large resort, I’d have spent the day solo parenting because Inés refuses kids’ club, then been stuck in the room after bedtime. Here, the families got to know each other within a couple of days, the kids played together, and Johnny and Sarah kept the adults’ drinks topped up during the children’s teatime so conversation could flow. There are quiet corners and shaded terraces too, so we could have our own time. We usually did our own thing in the morning, then spent the afternoon with other families. Sarah and Johnny are generous, fun, welcoming hosts. Sarah would whip up surprise birthday cakes and find ways to head off meltdowns, like a modern-day Mary Poppins. I picked up some parenting tips from her. She’s great with kids of all ages and kept Inés busy while I had a massage. Inés loved cuddling the bunnies and playing with her new best friend Willa at the pool. I could keep an eye on her from a very comfortable lounger bed. Louise was amazing too, offering ideas for things to do and checking we were happy and comfortable. The food deserves a mention of its own. I’ve never had hotel food that was so healthy and delicious. It was lovely to see Inés eating broccoli and mussels instead of the bland kids’ menus you often find at resorts. Sarah’s home cooking was amazing, and Joan Marc’s paella and chef’s table night were outstanding, with Johnny’s excellent wine selection alongside them. We spent a week at Caserío del Mirador, and I’d recommend this family-friendly boutique hotel in Spain to anyone tired of noisy dining rooms and crowded resort pools. Everything for babies and toddlers is provided, so travelling is easy. You just need what you’d take on a day out and a couple of changes of clothes. It’s a wonderful place for adults too. I slowed down and properly reconnected with my daughter, and enjoyed more adult time than I expected, even while parenting on my own. This must be one of Spain’s most family-friendly hotels. I can’t imagine another being so focused on babies and toddlers. We’ll never go back to a big family hotel again.

My family spent a week here in July across three generations, and it was such a peaceful escape from the crowds. Each family had roomy accommodation with toys suited to the children’s ages. The grandchildren were happiest with the toys, pool, and feeding the animals. The food was good, and Sarah, Louise, and Johnnie were perfect hosts.