Caserio del Mirador February Newsletter

This year Caserío del Mirador is introducing a newsletter to keep you posted of what’s going on.  In our February edition we talk about travelling abroad after Covid and celebrate our 20th anniversary.  We recall how it all started and remember some favourite stories about the animals.  As part of trending topics, we look at multi-generation holidays and how to make it work for everyone. 

We are so excited for the 2023 season, we can’t wait to welcome back past guests and meet a new generation of young families wanting to experience our little paradise.  If you have any friends or family with young children, please send them our website link www.caseriodelmirador.com where they can subscribe to our newsletter or our page on Instagram.

Get started and click New Adventures and New Horizons – Life after Covid. We hope you enjoy the read and it takes you closer to imagining dreamy days on holiday.

Sarah and Johnny Robinson

New adventures and new horizons – Life after Covid

It’s been quite a year for anyone wanting to travel.  Less than a year ago in March 2022, travel restrictions were finally lifted for passengers arriving back to the UK.  The airports and many of the airlines then struggled to build their operations up for the summer months. This left many passengers at the mercy of uncertain travel arrangements.  Some of our more intrepid guests navigated their way back to Spain but understandably many families with young children were more cautious.

We now have a situation where many families have not travelled abroad in the last 3 years.  Going away with a little one may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.  This year, Sarah is writing a blog ‘First Holiday with Baby’.  Here she breaks going on holiday down into easy steps, making planning, preparing and packing more fun.  The blog is full of sound advice and top tips about travelling and being on holiday abroad with a baby, toddler or pre-schooler. 

Now the airlines and airports are all back up and running, travelling abroad is an opportunity to explore and have a real break.  Many will be travelling as a family for the first time. We will be reminding you why Spain is the most popular holiday destination.  Why dipping your toes in the Med is so special and why Caserío del Mirador is so unique.

Celebrate with us our 20 Year Anniversary and click to read ‘How it all started at Caserío del Mirador’.

How it all started at Caserío del Mirador

This year we are celebrating 20 years of living in Spain.  When we moved Poppy was 6, Florence 3 and Sarah was pregnant with Charlie.  Why did we sell our comfortable home in South West London and move somewhere we hardly knew?  It might seem mad, but we had found a magical property surrounded by mountains with views down to the Mediterranean coast. And we wanted to spend more time together as a family.  What started as a pretty hairbrained scheme evolved into what has become Caserío del Mirador. 

An adventure full of challenges

Every year has been an adventure full of challenges and memorable experiences.  The original challenges we faced were having no electricity, no water, no phone line or any other connection to the modern world.  But technology has worked in our favour, solar panels and mobile phones have made big advances since 2003.  Water is delivered by truck and recycled for the garden. And internet is delivered via satellite.

Other challenges were no pool terrace, or proper outside areas including our Outside Kitchen where we all eat together.  Slowly, we built all the structures and planted the gardens that took us to what we have now.

We opened to guests without any experience of running a holiday business.  Our children would play with the guest children. Lots of summer days by the pool and we would all eat together in the evening.  Summers would drift by in a sunny haze of fun and frolics.

A dream that takes you to another world

When we first saw the location, it made a massive impression and we wanted to create an extraordinary venue.  It was a dream that has grown. We still feel enormous joy today when a first-time visitor goes quiet while taking it in.  Caserío del Mirador takes you to another world, it is somewhere that we hope you will find unforgettable too.

A home for everyone

When we thought about having a holiday business we wanted visitors to feel like house guests.  As well as our home, we wanted the house to feel like home for everyone.  Where you can relax and make it your own.  Making everyone feel welcome became part of our DNA.  After a long journey when you arrive, it’s not about lining up to check in. Have a drink, have something to eat, settle into your apartment or jump in the pool.  Everything you need is taken care of, we can deal with the paperwork later.  You’re on holiday with the most important people in your life. 

Easy to make friends

The other idea was to have a sense of community.  There are a range of activities around the property that encourages interaction with children.  Once you settle in, your curiosity will lead you to explore and discover your surroundings.  You will meet other families with similar aged children, the children will naturally find it easy to make friends and play together.   It’s nice to have the privacy of your own apartment but equally good to meet other families at a similar stage to your own.

Charlie has now grown up and left home to go to university.  All three children now work or study in Barcelona.  As our family has moved on, the spirit of spending time together, days by the pool and enjoying communal meals lives on.  Over 20 years we have met many families.  Many come back each year and it’s a privilege to get to know them and see their families grow.  We watch the children shine, their confidence grow and share their joy spending time here with Mummy and Daddy.

We couldn’t have done it without you

It’s been a fabulous journey.  We feel we have achieved a great deal.  Now we are rather grandly referred to as a boutique hotel but it is still a home that we like to share.  Caserío del Mirador is recognised as a leading holiday venue and has won many awards over the years.  But it is the visiting families that brings Caserío del Mirador alive and we are grateful to everyone who has helped create the magic.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  Thank you.

Click to continue ‘Meeting the Animals – Favourite Stories from Past Years‘.

Meeting the Animals – Favourite Stories from Past Years

Cats – Rosa the Grande Dame of the house

Everyone loves the animals, each with their own personality and story. 

Rosa our tabby cat was the first resident pet, who simply turned up one day expecting to be fed. 

In Spain, they say ‘You don’t choose your cat, your cat chooses you.’  The cats love being fussed over and will often come and join you while you’re having a quiet time. 

Goats – Poly and her wonky nose

Polly and Pepe were our first goats, they came from a neighbour who wanted to give them a nice home.  

We had to clear the land when we arrived which was full of brambles. It turned out the goats loved eating all the plants we cleared, so they were a huge help.  They were also quite lovable. Polly was easy to recognise as she had a distinctly wonky nose. 

Goats love eating banana skins that the children bring after breakfast. They also love eating our roses and vegetable garden which happens when they escape.  Not so good!

Pigs – Did Cheryl find love in the mountains?

Cheryl and Beryl came from a litter in the next valley. They were tiny little things when they arrived and fast moving, sometimes able to run up the stone walls.  It was difficult to catch them if they escaped and they were heavy if you wanted to pick them up.  Cheryl escaped a few times and then one day we just couldn’t find her.  There are reports of a family of little back pigs running around in the wild close by. 

Maybe Cheryl found love in the mountains? 

Donkeys – Naughty Manuel

Lupita the brown donkey was from another neighbour, a mature single man who would pose for his Tinder profile with Lupita.  He got a lot of interest from the ladies. Whether it was Lupita or his handsome looks is something we don’t know.  When Lupita came to live with us, she didn’t have any friends.  The ponies kept to themselves. Beryl wasn’t interested. So we brought her a friend, Manuel from a local donkey sanctuary.  

Manuel was a handsome boy with high spirits.  He was head strong and wilful and used to eat Lupita’s food. 

He also used to escape when he found a break in the fence and caused trouble with our neighbours.  We noticed a lot of breaks in the fence before we realised that it was Manuel breaking the fencing himself and escaping! 

Manuel had to go back to the sanctuary and has since been happily re-homed. 

We now have Josep, a white donkey who is much more gentle and friendly.

Click to continue ‘Multi-generation holidays – are they a good idea?’

 

Multi-generation holidays – are they a good idea?

Multi-generational holidays are where three different generations of the family, grandparents, parents and their children go on holiday together. 

It’s quite a generous gesture offering to share your precious holiday time with Grandma and Grandpa.  Many grandparents will jump at the opportunity to be with family. And if they’re offering to pay, even better.  If you like the idea, then you will want to do all you can to ensure that relations stay as harmonious as possible.  A good first step is to make it clear from the start what you all want from your holiday.  

Ideally, grandparents will fit in with your family and the wider group.  They will join in the fun at kids’ tea, have a drink, enjoy dinners with the other guests, perhaps do some babysitting, help with bedtime and so on.  If the holiday is not quite what one party expects, or someone is steering things that impact your holiday then it might create tension.  So setting some ground rules from the start could be a useful exercise to save any misunderstandings.

Dinner might be a bit later than they are used to, just check they are comfortable with that.  If they can be flexibile, fun and helpful, then this is a great place to be together.  There are loads of things to do with the little ones, play with them at the swings, the sandpit or visit the animals.  Watch them interact with new friends, learning to swim and grow a little each day. 

Sharing your children is one thing on holiday, but sharing a bathroom might be a step too far.  So we recommend the grandparents have the smallest suite Vinya which opens on to the pool and after a swim the children can pop in there for a cuddle and a biscuit.  Or even have the odd sleepover if the mood strikes – does that sound tempting?  There is a large table and sofa nearby, the children can have breakfast with grandma and story time with grandpa and maybe they can collect the eggs or walk around the hillside together. 

Elizabeth comes every year with her crew and loves the wine, the birds, and is often found rinsing out the children’s swim wear, making sure it is dry for the morning. 

Peter brought his two daughters and their families, he liked lazy lunches and an evening beer by the pool.

There is Jack from Glasgow whose granny loves  her walks up and down the mountain.

And Lucy’s dad, the tricky eater who went home without losing weight for the first time on his holidays. Grateful for having been fed what he liked.  And a cook that listened! 

And the other Lucy’s dad, he likes to be busy.  We sent him off to the almond groves every evening with five children and a bucket.  An hour with the nutcrackers and he had his freshly roasted almonds and a cold beer.  ‘Best holiday ever!’

Are multi-gen holidays a good idea?  Think it through at the beginning, get the dynamic right and they can be the most fabulous experience.  When the holiday works for everyone, the children especially will enjoy the extra attention and love from Grandma and Grandpa.  Time with family is everything.  

Your First Few Days on Holiday with Baby

It’s a little different now

Remember lazy mornings in big hotel beds, champagne with breakfast and back to bed? It’s a little different now with baby in tow.  But with a bit of planning and a little mental adjustment, holiday mornings can still be dreamy and gorgeous.

The first few days of your holiday everyone is a bit frazzled from the planning, the packing, the leaving and the arriving. There was a lot to think about, not least winding up your affairs for a week off. You will be tired, possibly a little grumpy, probably that’s nothing new.

Freedom to fall into a routine that’s right for you

But now no one has to go to work and no one is judging if you have breakfast at 6am and again at 9. And it’s just so much easier when you have your own space.  Not like staying with grandparents tiptoeing thru the kitchen at 2am to heat a bottle. Or thru a deserted hotel lobby searching for milk. 

An apartment to call your own for a week, your own fridge, your stuff strewn everywhere, it doesn’t matter.  And when you’re ready, baby is snoozing at last, and you’re showered.  You have your cup of tea or your cold beer, and then it hits you.  We made it!  We took out baby and got on a plane and tomorrow no one has to go to work. 

Enjoy the best time of the day

I wonder what the view looks like. – One big benefit of an early rising baby is the chance to watch the dawn.  If you can turn that in to a magic moment or part of a positive holiday routine, your day can start with something special.

As the sun comes up, the valley comes to life. The goats are early risers, they’ll be queuing up for their first banana skin of the day.  Surely someone will have had a banana with their porridge by first light, pop on your flip flops with your pjs and go and meet Freddie and Fern. 

Later when you settle in for second and third breakfast, remember Beryl the pig will have your Weetabix and half a jammy croissant.

It takes a little time to settle

It may take a few days to settle in, know you’re way around and start to decompress.  But it happens easier and faster if you have a few friendly faces around to point you in the right direction and anticipate your family’s requirements. 

Different aged children have slightly different requirements.  They might not use their baby gym or potty for very long.  But having one in the room can make all the difference when your child is at that stage. 

No one wants to worry about food

And food.  No one wants to worry about where or what the next meal will be. Having reassuringly predictable nursery staples, freshly prepared and almost always available – no need to apologise for picky eaters or restrictive allergies, no guilt, no judgement, your family, your holiday. 

At Caserio del Mirador, we have 20 years’ experience looking after young families.  We are there with you every step of the way.  Our job is to make sure you enjoy your time on holiday.  You may be able to take just a week away but the memories really do last a lifetime.  Taking time to be together is everything.

What to Pack for Baby’s Holiday

If you’re packing for a weekend away its easy to pop in the kitchen sink just in case. The thought of packing for a week or two away may feel a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.  With the constraints of your luggage allowance, how much you can carry and how much you can fit in a hire car, all that adds up to probably not quite enough for what you think you need, or want to bring. So how to decide? 

Careful Planning

If holidays used to mean floaty dresses, a different pair of sandals each day, holiday beads, holiday cosmetics and a straw hat that you want to pack rather than pop on your head through the airport, then adding a baby into the mix needs careful planning.  Now your stuff is fighting for space alongside snacks, wipes and toys. And that’s before you invest in all the kit they tell you that you’ll need. A travel potty or a sun tent, inflatables and nappies. And don’t forget teddy, and spare teddy. 

The good news is that all the baby gear you could ever need should be at your hotel already. Cot, high chair, baby bouncer and baby gym, potty, loo seat, blender, and yes inflatables, books, toys and all the snacks and milk you could want.  

Get Amazon to ship a box to your hotel

Another hack is to get Amazon to ship a box load of sudocrem, factor 50, and beach ball direct to where you are going. If it works it’s genius, add insect repellent and some fancy conditioner, maybe those sandals.  We have had guests ship box loads of tinned macaroni, worried that their child might not eat what was on offer. She was eating Paella on day two and clams at Friday tea time! Other parents forget to pack favourite teddy, or lose favourite teddy at the airport. Toys R Us Alicante to the rescue.   Most important is the comfort that if you do forget or lose something, it can usually be substituted, borrowed or bought.   

PJs are great to chill out in

I think for clothing my top tip would be pyjamas.  Holidays are about not rushing.  Get out of bed and potter around a bit. The kids have leapt outside to play in the sand with their new friends or chasing cats. They don’t want to sit for breakfast yet but when they do they still won’t be dressed. PJs are light to chill out in, wander around in and once breakfast is over, it’s out with the factor 50.  They will spend more time in their PJs than you expect, and make more of a mess in them than you would like.  So bring a few. Of course a load of laundry is not problem at all but you probably don’t want to be under pressure to get PJs laundered and back on their backs within the day. 

Treat yourself to some new  swimwear

A new bikini or swimwear is something you can indulge in for lounging around the pool, and doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase. If you need to compromise, bring one or two choice frocks and some eveningwear that you can switch around with family lunches rather than bringing multiple outfits.  Flipflops are easy to pack, one pair of sandals and wear trainers or something comfortable to walk in on your journey.

Chargers and preloaded iPads

You will need electronics and chargers, counted and organised both on the outward and inward journeys.  Many a time we have found an iPad in the bedsheets after someone has left.  It’s better for hand luggage if it is all in one bag at security.  Bring iPads but preload your movies and music. Holiday WiFi isn’t often as good as at home, so don’t rely on being able to stream CBeebies. Sometimes just being overseas means you can’t connect they way you’d expect. Websites are not always available outside of their usual domain. The IP address sometimes blocks you from sites your little treasures have to have, so be prepared.  

Just in case

Then we have teddy, blanky, beaker, and nappy bag. Just as if you were out of the house for a few hours, maybe a couple of extra nappies. And something clean to pull on just in case, and a few bags to stuff with any clothes that get hit with a mishap, snacks and water. Some ‘distractions’, stickers are good, just go ahead and decorate the seat in front, the person beside, the luggage. Pens are less good because it’s so easy for them to roll off the little tray table and once it’s on the floor, you’re screwed.  If a toy is important, tie it on a ribbon around your neck or your wrist or the arm of the chair. just don’t drop stuff on aeroplanes.  

I think the other packing essential that no one travels without is Calpol or other branded medicine cabinet stuff. It just isn’t the same when you buy it abroad.  

Don’t miss the chance for a nap

I load up my kindle, I have a nice lipstick, a hair bobble or two and ear plugs in my pocket for the flight. Just as your own child nods off and someone else’s kicks off, you don’t want to miss the chance for a nap ever.  The sound of a roaring ocean or wind in the trees may take getting used to but you’ll manage.  

At Caserio del Mirador, we have 20 years’ experience looking after young families . We have tried and tested everything to ensure your family can make the most of your time on holiday. Our own children grew up enjoying sunny fun filled days and we love sharing blue skies and our Mediterranean lifestyle. You may be able to take just a week away but the memories really do last a lifetime. Taking time to be together is everything

Booking flights, traveling, airports and car hire

Book whatever flight is best for everyone. Too early and you will all be exhausted.  Too late and a delay can really mess everyone up. Mid-morning flights arriving at your destination early afternoon are ideal if possible.  There is usually a good choice to most European destinations.  Otherwise just go with the cheapest and suck up the consequences, that’s part of travelling, unpredictable days and someone getting a bit grumpy.

Bring an easy folding buggy

Online check in, bag drop and priority boarding for families make life easier. Bring a cheap folding buggy. If you are delayed or if baby falls asleep or wants to eat then the buggy is the safest place. It’s no fun carrying a sleeping baby for miles and then having a stiff shoulder for the rest of your holiday.   Worst case it’s a handy place to hang your bag, a few duty-free bottles and all your toddlers stuff.  Wheel your family all the way to the gate.

Make it fun

No amount of careful planning can account for slow check in queues, security lines and sudden last calls to gate 301. Generally, families are handled with consideration and care and its very rare for a family to have a stressful airport experience but a few tips can make a big difference.  On the day anything could happen, so keep this in mind and allow some flexibility to any daily routines, and if there are delays try not to worry, your family will manage, be a little creative and make it fun. 

Car hire

Car hire gives you independence, flexibility and some autonomy during your holiday. Don’t aim too small (suitcases and buggy won’t fit in a flat 500).  You will want to visit the beach and explore a bit, even if it’s just to buy an ice cream or a piece of cheese. Or worst case an emergency trip to a pharmacy. You don’t want to rely on anyone else for transport. 

At Caserio del Mirador, we have 20 years’ experience looking after young families . We have tried and tested everything to ensure your family can make the most of your time on holiday. Our own children grew up enjoying sunny fun filled days and we love sharing blue skies and our Mediterranean lifestyle. You may be able to take just a week away but the memories really do last a lifetime. Taking time to be together is everything.

What to look for in a Baby and Toddler Friendly Holiday venue

All the baby and toddler equipment you would expect

A baby and toddler friendly venue should have all the facilities and equipment you would expect without having to ask. Night lights, blackout curtains, baby monitors, highchairs, sippy cups, blenders, sterilisers, microwaves, etc. These should be standard so that you can relax and feel at home. Normally they would ask the age of your child and provide the right sized cot or bed, toys, games and books. 

Staff who care

In smaller more intimate venues staff will take a real interest in the needs and comfort of your family and can make all the difference.  An impromptu cuddle with the housekeeper while you take shower. A swim or a yoga class doesn’t need to be planned or booked or even paid for.  Big venues tend to be more impersonal, both in getting to know other guests and finding experienced staff who recognise the priorities of your child.  When staff know who you are and recognise you as a family rather than a room number, they care more.   This is when your family knows you have found your special place for a few years and everyone can relax and enjoy being together. 

Easy to make friends with other guests

Other guests can also make a huge difference and many become lifelong friends.  Children of similar ages, parents at a similar stage of life, and your family sharing a nurturing environment. Somewhere everyone has similar values and is aware of the people around them makes for a venue you can fall in love with. 

Stunning location that takes your breath away

Other than the practicalities, you want to find somewhere magical that takes your breath away when you arrive. Somewhere you can imagine yourselves having fun and sharing good times, somewhere different that will give you a unique experience.  You want to be able to tell your friends what an amazing time you had and take home memories that will bookmark this special stage in your family life.  That is the goal, anything less really isn’t worth the trouble.

At Caserio del Mirador, we have 20 years’ experience looking after young families . We have tried and tested everything to ensure your family can make the most of your time on holiday. Our own children grew up enjoying sunny fun filled days and we love sharing blue skies and our Mediterranean lifestyle. You may be able to take just a week away but the memories really do last a lifetime. Taking time to be together is everything.

So where, when, and how to go on Holiday

Nice weather

Climate and temperature are pretty important.  Sunshine and beaches in August aren’t for everyone. If you don’t have to travel when temperatures and prices are at their highest, stick to June and September for summer temperatures without the crowds. May and October if you want to wear sunglasses but not necessarily be poolside all week.     

Somewhere easy to get to with good infrastructure

Long haul is more challenging, the food less predictable, and the weather too sometimes.  Its more expensive to fly to far flung places although for deep winter sun it may be necessary.  If Spring and Autumn suits you well then Southern Europe has much to offer. There is some comfort with a little one that the diet, the healthcare, the attitude and the welcome being somewhat predictable. 

Where you can relax together

One thing to get your head around is ‘what is there to do?’ This is where a change in mindset may be necessary.  Gone are the holidays of jungle walks, adventure experiences, white water and white powder. Taking time off work to be with your family is exactly that. Being together in an environment where you can relax and enjoy each other, without the distractions, personal challenges or adventures. This is family time.  When guests ask me what is there to do, I say ‘there is a sofa by the pool, and a bar fridge with a beer, and a brick trolly to push.  We have a sand pit and several playgrounds.’  Bit by bit, parents find their groove. They read the paper on the iPad for a bit, but then they play Lego, feed the goats, engage with their little ones and let the magic happen. 

Smaller scale for little feet

Resort hotels, all inclusive, spa and day care, may sound convenient but there are hitches.  Corridors for one, you can’t just step outside your room and be by the pool.  You can’t head to the dining room and leave baby sleeping, and room service doesn’t really work when baby is sleeping in the room.  Formal hotel dining rooms are nightmare with a stroppy toddler. European feeding times may not suit your family. And milk, the 24 hour requirement for milk that may not be understood by a jobsworth barman. 

A private holiday rental may suit you but spending a week in a villa alone as a family might feel a bit isolated and self-catering, that’s not really a holiday at all.  Organising a group of friends to be more fun could create complications with cooking and the dynamics of a baby.  And actually, it’s just not special enough for your first holiday together.  

Family Friendly makes it easier

Many first-time parents opt for baby friendly or toddler friendly holiday venue where they have the experience and facilities to cater for all the various needs of young families.  This takes much of the uncertainty and anxiety out of booking a holiday.  No need to worry if you forget something, or if there’s milk in the fridge when you arrive. It will all be taken care of, and you should be able to step away from day-to-day pressures without disrupting you baby’s routine.

We have 20 years’ experience running Caserio del Mirador, moving to Spain with our young family to find blues skies and a Mediterranean lifestyle. We know the ropes, we have tried and tested everything. Our children are living Spanish speaking proof of the happy, sunny fun filled days that make for special holiday time together. You may be able to take just a week away but the memories really do last a lifetime. Taking time to be together is everything.

Taking your baby on holiday, is it worth it?

Shake up the routine

Taking some time off work, leaving home for a few days, shaking up the routine and spending some time together, is it worth it? 

Time together

Holidays are the special time we spend together, when days don’t need to be planned and schedules can be cast aside for a moment, and lasting memories are created.  The last few years has been a tough time getting away. Covid lockdown followed by uncertainty with flight cancellations and overrun airports has tested even the most hardened traveller.

Traveling is getting easier

It might seem daunting but holidaying abroad is becoming easier and more normal.  Traveling with your baby or small toddler offers a wonderful adventure that you can share together.  With the right preparation and planning, you can book the holiday, take time out, and catch up on some serious memory making moments.

It seems like a chore, leaving the house is a chore, going away for the weekend feels like a military exercise, how can going on holiday be relaxing?

A change of scene

First of all, no one has to be out of the door on time, no one is going to work, there doesn’t need to be a plan, no dishwasher, no laundry, someone else makes the beds, the sun may even shine.  The kids potter around in their PJs half the day.  What shall we do for lunch? Who wants to play? Any chance of a siesta, all of us?

And the days pass in a blurry round of sunshine and lunch and beautiful early mornings and lazy early nights and a few fuzzy glasses of wine and a siesta or two if you are lucky.  And it’s a change.  A change from the routine of office, laundry, nursery, put on your shoes, we are late, we are tired, it’s raining.  What’s for dinner?  Why aren’t we all in bed yet?  Did we survive another day?

Yes, it is worth it!

With life on pause for a few days, their vocabulary changes, their confidence builds, they do things they haven’t done before while you are there to watch.  And those memories last a lifetime and make marks in your family’s story.  The simple, unexpected, happy little moments that you talk about in years to come, remember when we were in Spain and she…  Who needs golf and or a walking tour when baby will be running you ragged all day anyway? Just follow, sit and watch for a while, someone else will make lunch, someone else will decide how the afternoon takes shape, take a real day off and let baby decide.

Sarah Robinson has 20 years’ experience running Caserio del Mirador, moving to Spain with her young family to find blues skies and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Her own children now have flown the nest, but sunny fun filled days still offer families special holiday time together and lifelong memories. Traveling is getting easier