We've been back almost a week after spending 2 weeks at Bajo la Maroma. It was a stressful decision to still go during the coronavirus, knowing that we would have to isolate on return and worrying about our flights getting cancelled, but we are SO glad we stuck to our guns and risked it. It was the perfect place to be completely isolated - much safer than in the UK.
We arrived late afternoon, and after stopping at the hypermarket El Ingenio (a bit stressful with masks and 40 degree heat - we did not go back there!), we then had the drive up to Canillas. Wow - a bit tense to say the least, but the kids were 'wowing' about the views all the way up the mountain. Us drivers a little shocked by the journey, but we ventured out quite a few times and actually got used to all the twists and turns, and the 1st/2nd gear. We became expert 'top gear' style drivers! Our main need to go out was shopping. The best and easiest shop we found was 'Arkwrights', the English store in Alcaucin. I usually prefer total authenticity but the siesta in the village didn't fit in with our lazy lies in at the villa - plus we had 4 big teenagers to feed, so we needed bulk buying.
The house was perfect. Cool if you kept all the shutters shut and the fans on. Lots of beautiful spots to sit and chill. Our favourite spot was the benches under the almond tree - panoramic views of the mountains - just totally surreal. We would sit there after our day round the pool and just gaze up at the mountains.
We spent every day by the pool - lazy lies in (which never happens in the UK - a sign of how relaxed we became), the only chore every day was 'suncream'. We cooked every night and enjoyed the poolside tables for family laughter (2 adults - sisters, and our 4 teenage children). The kitchen had everything we needed. The children loved night time pool time, while us adults sat and watched with our local wine (very cheap if you buy local brands).
We had some funny experiences too - lots of creatures / animals, which the teenagers loved identifying! Spiders, dragonflies, lizards, praying mantises, crickets, not forgetting of course the constant hum of the cicadas - you have to hear them to believe the noise they make!
Night times were amazing - the stars out in force, one night we could almost glimpse the milky way. Excellent for dark sky enthusiasts.
The pool man came every Saturday (and didn't bother us at all). We're quite introverted so the peace and quiet suited us perfectly. The only visitors we had were a couple of cats who took a liking to us and a friendly dog who visited every night, both of which the kids loved! The weather was amazing - 40 degrees nearly most days. My sister and I read about 5 books each - utter bliss!. The perfect way to spend 2 weeks after a year of COVID stress, both of us key workers and desperately needing a complete escape.
We had one meal out but sadly due to COVID not many places were open. We had a lovely meal but the mask wearing put us off doing much outside of the villa, so whilst we loved our meal out in Canillas, we were happier staying at the villa. It was our little haven of tranquility. We miss it already. I would do anything for that almond tree view right now. Another bonus was all of the aloe vera plants everywhere - they came in useful after a couple of us got some nasty mosquito bites. Both my sister and I are now going to buy ones for our conservatories.
So, if you're looking for total peace and tranquility, remoteness, gorgeous scenery, a well-equipped home, a gorgeous pool...this is the place for you. Thank you so much Sheila for your excellent communication, smooth booking and letting us stay in your beautiful Spanish paradise. We hope to return.
