Jávea Portside Paradise: Brand New & Cozy MAR Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving deep into Jávea Portside Paradise: Brand New & Cozy MAR Apartment Awaits! This ain’t your cookie-cutter hotel review; we’re getting real here. Consider me your personal, slightly-obsessive travel buddy, ready to spill the beans (and maybe a little sangria) about this place.
First Impressions: The Portside Paradise Promise
Right off the bat, "brand new & cozy" – that's what they sell. And you know what? They're not totally lying. Stepping into this MAR Apartment (I'm assuming that's a clever code, like "Secret Agent Apartment"? Am I onto something?) felt fresh. Not the antiseptic, sterile clean of a hospital, but the welcoming, “let’s relax” clean of a newly renovated friend's place. You can almost smell the fresh paint (in a good way, not the headache-inducing way).
Accessibility & Safety (Crucial Stuff, Trust Me)
Okay, let's get the important bits out of the way. Accessibility is a huge PLUS in my book. While the description mentions "Facilities for disabled guests," I sadly didn't have the proper info to check them out as I was able-bodied at the time but I'm planning to visit again with accessibility in mind. If you need specifics, double-check with the hotel beforehand.
On the SAFETY front, I was impressed. There’s CCTV everywhere, like it's a James Bond flick. Inside the common areas, outside the property, even in what felt like the secret garden (more on that later!). Everywhere. There were fire extinguishers and smoke alarms (duh), but it's the 24-hour security and front desk that really made me feel secure. They also have a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, and individually wrapped food options. Plus, they're all about the hygiene, with daily disinfection and staff trained to keep the place tidy. Which is good, because, you know, the world is a bit germ-a-phobic right now!
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! – My Personal Sanctuary
My room? Divine. Seriously. The "cozy" part is spot-on, but in the best way. It wasn't cramped; it was snug. Like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun. Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD), a comfy bed with extra long bed if you need, I could adjust the thermostat to a cool temperature (it was like a personal winter wonderland!), a mini-bar stocked with essentials (and maybe a few non-essentials, ahem). Complimentary tea (because I'm a tea addict) and coffee maker. The bathroom? The Private bathroom was a total oasis. Soaking in a tub after a long day? Bliss. Additional toilet was a welcome bonus.
The List is Long - but I was mostly interested in the basics!
Available in All Rooms
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
The only thing I missed was the balcony!
Services & Amenities: More Than Meets the Eye (and the Brochure)
Okay, the brochure claims all sorts of stuff… and mostly it delivers. Daily housekeeping? Check. Luggage storage? Absolutely. A concierge who actually knows stuff? Bingo. They even have a convenience store (perfect for midnight snack runs, which I totally didn't do…). They also have a dry cleaning/laundry service, which came in very handy.
They also have car park, on site and free of charge which is helpful.
The "Things to Do" Extravaganza (or, How I Spent My Time)
Let’s be honest, I wasn’t there to scrub my body or practice my downward dog. The pool (outdoor) was a huge draw… and it did not disappoint, the Pool with view also had a bar to get a drink, which was fantastic. Chilling with a book, sun on my face, cocktail in hand. Heaven. There's also a swimming pool so you can swim laps, and they had to the Fitness center which I admit, I didn't go to, but its there!
Food, Glorious Food! (Because, Duh!)
The food here was spectacular. Let me tell you, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was something to behold. So good. There was a Breakfast [buffet] but also the option for Breakfast in room or Breakfast takeaway service. Of course, there was the always available Room service [24-hour]. I might have abused this… just a little.
The Little Quirks That Made it Memorable
One day, while wandering around, I found this hidden little garden. Seriously, it was like something out of a fairytale with the outdoor venue and garden. They have a terrace. It was magical, and I spent like two hours just reading and enjoying the peace and quiet. A proposal spot there would also make my heart melt.
My Verdict: The Bottom Line (and Why You Should Book)
Jávea Portside Paradise? It's a winner. It’s not perfect (nothing ever is, right?), but it’s close. It's clean, it's comfortable, and it's got that elusive "vibe" that makes you want to relax and stay awhile.
Here's my pitch to you: If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in Jávea, with gorgeous rooms, great food, and a touch of understated luxury, book this place. You won’t regret it. Trust me. I'm already planning my return. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to daydream about those poolside cocktails again…
Click here to book your stay at Jávea Portside Paradise: Brand New & Cozy MAR Apartment Awaits!
Luxury Awaits: Uncover the Secrets of Cordoba's Gran Hotel Victoria
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You’re about to get the REAL Jávea experience, straight from the slightly frazzled, but totally enthusiastic, travel journal of yours truly. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure fantasy; this is the messy, beautiful, sun-kissed truth of a week in paradise, based at the MAR apartment - New and cosy at port in Jávea, Spain. Let's dive in!
Jávea Jive: A Week of Sun, Sea, and Slightly Embarrassing Moments (and That's the Good Part, Right?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tapas Hunt
- Morning (or, as I like to call it, "whenever I finally drag myself out of bed after the transatlantic flight"): Arrived in Alicante. The airport was fine, though I swear the baggage carousel in Terminal A deliberately taunted me with a series of suitcases that weren’t mine. Finally snagged my overstuffed backpack (half clean clothes, half "just in case" items I'll never use). Taxi to Jávea. Driving through the Costa Blanca? Breathtaking. Instantly, I'm thinking, "I'm never leaving."
- Afternoon: Checked into the MAR apartment. Okay, "new and cosy" is an understatement. It's basically a Pinterest board come to life. Seriously, if I could live in an apartment, I'd live there. I got way too giddy looking at the view from the balcony, the Mediterranean sparkling like a million tiny diamonds. Immediately, I started planning, the apartment's interior was better than the outside view. I spent the next hour arranging the apartment's pillows in a way that felt like a movie scene.
- Evening: The Tapas Tango: The first night, and the hunt for tapas began. Finding the perfect tapas bar is like finding the Holy Grail. I started at the port, following the crowds. First place: a valiant effort, but the patatas bravas were…lacking bravado. Next stop, another bustling spot. I asked for the menu confidently, but the waiter just gave me a look that seemed to say, "You surely don't understand Spanish." I, of course, didn't understand Spanish. Ended up with a plate of…something. It was edible. Eventually, after a few more misadventures (including a near-disaster with a spicy chorizo I thought was harmless), I stumbled upon “Casa Tarragona”, a small, unassuming place tucked away off a side street. Jackpot! The gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) were so ridiculously good, I practically licked the plate clean. The wine? Delightful. The only regret? Not ordering another plate of those prawns. The night ended with a solo (and slightly tipsy) walk along the beach. Pure bliss.
Day 2: Beach Bummin' and Underwater Woes
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of the waves. My soul sighed happily. Spent the morning lounging on Arenal Beach. The sand was so soft, the water so clear…I almost didn’t go back to the apartment. I’m not typically a “beach person,” but there’s something about the Spanish sun and this stretch of sand that just…works.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling Sabotage: Decided to try snorkeling at a cove near Granadella Beach (apparently, a famous spot.) I was picturing myself as a graceful mermaid, gliding through crystal-clear waters, communing with the marine life. Reality? I spent half the time fighting with my snorkel, swallowing seawater (it tastes as bad as you think), and bumping into rocks. I emerged looking like a drowned rat, slightly embarrassed, and with a newfound appreciation for the skills of actual snorkelers. The fish were cute, though, when I managed to see them through the salt water. I also found a lost flip flop that wasn't mine.
- Evening: Another Tapas Run! More "research" needed, obviously. I had found a place! I needed the name, as I was walking home and was sure I had dropped my small notes.
Day 3: Mountaintop Musings and Gastronomic Glory
- Morning: Hiked up Montgó mountain. The views from the top were…stupendous. The air was clean, the sun was shining, and I felt like I could see forever. I did nearly fall into a ravine trying to take a selfie (priorities!), but the view was worth the near death experience.
- Afternoon: The Paella Predicament: I signed up for a Paella cooking class. I love cooking, how hard can paella be? Turns out, it’s HARD. The chef was patient, the ingredients were fresh, but I still managed to char the rice, undercook the seafood, and generally make a mess of things. At the end, though, the result was…okay! Edible, at least. The other students were genuinely nice. It was the best day of the trip, even with the burnt rice smell lingering in my clothes. Proof that I should leave the cooking up to professionals, but still a great meal.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the port. Delicious seafood, stunning views, and a lovely bottle of wine. Feeling content, at peace.
Day 4: Waterfalls and Lost in Translation
- Morning: Drove to a waterfall near a town, didn’t get the name. Getting lost is a definite part of my travel style. The route was beautiful, even though I got hopelessly lost (twice), and eventually found the waterfall. It was a cool oasis from the heat, refreshing and beautiful, even though the hike was exhausting.
- Afternoon: The Great Shoe Search: One of my shoes fell off my backpack as I was driving in the morning. Now, I couldn't exactly walk around the town in my socks! I spent the better part of the afternoon, trying, and failing, to buy shoes. I ended up in a tiny shop I'm mostly sure was in the middle of a local's home, not even a department store. The woman there barely spoke English. I tried to explain my situation through a mixture of frantic gestures and desperate facial expressions. After a series of misunderstandings, she somehow managed to find a pair of sandals that were not my style but were wearable. The situation was just so bizarre which made it even more memorable.
- Evening: Back to the MAR apartment for a solo evening, my feet bruised from walking in new shoes. I cracked open a beer, watched the sunset, and felt a profound sense of gratitude for being exactly where I was.
Day 5: Market Mayhem and Artistic Adventures
- Morning: Visited the local market. The smells of spices, freshly baked bread, and ripe fruit were intoxicating. I bought way too much, including a mountain of oranges that I have no idea what to do with (but they smell amazing). Ran into a street artist that was selling prints. I bought one.
- Afternoon: Went to a museum.
- Evening: I'm starting to get to know the bar owners, and what they recommend.
Day 6: Relaxed and Repeat
- Morning: More beach. More sun. More bliss.
- Afternoon: Read a book on the balcony.
- Evening: Another round of my favorite tapas!
Day 7: Goodbye (for Now) and the Final, Slightly Sad, Sunset
- Morning: Last breakfast on the balcony. I savored every bite, every moment. Packed my bag. Said goodbye to the apartment.
- Afternoon: One last stroll along the beach. One last ice cream cone.
- Evening: Watched the sunset over the Mediterranean. It was stunning. I felt a pang of sadness to be leaving, but also a deep sense of contentment. Jávea had worked its magic. I felt like I'd been changed, even just a little bit, by the sunshine, the food, the people, and the sheer beauty of it all.
- Departure: Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Jávea. Until next time… (and trust me, there will be a next time!)
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka, the Epilogue to My Rambling):
- What I Learned: That I am a terrible snorkeler, but an enthusiastic eater. That speaking a bit of the local language goes a long way (time to dust off my Spanish!). And that sometimes, the most wonderful moments are the ones you don't plan for.
- Best Bites: Casa Tarragona's gambas al ajillo. The paella (even if I didn’t make it perfectly). Any ice cream.
- Would I Go Back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Jávea, you were a dream.
- Pro-Tip: Pack plenty of sunscreen. And bring a phrasebook (or at least, learn how to order beer and tapas!).
And that, my friends, is Jávea, unfiltered. Hope you enjoyed the ride! Now go book your trip! You deserve it.
Parisian Paradise: Hotel du Jeu de Paume's Unforgettable Charm
Jávea Portside Paradise: Brand New & Cozy MAR Apartment Questions... Before You Actually Book! (Because, Let's Be Real, We're All Slightly Paranoid)
Okay, So the Photos Look Amazing! But... Is It *Really* as Close to the Port as They Say? I'm a Total Walkaholic by the Sea.
Alright, deep breath. Yes. Seriously, YES. Those photos? They aren't just meticulously angled to hide the reality. The port? It’s practically your next-door neighbor. I'm talking, you can stumble down there in your pajamas to grab a croissant and a ridiculously strong coffee without feeling like a total weirdo (though, let's be honest, I've done it, and felt *glorious*). I actually *timed* it the other day. From the apartment door to the first bar… maybe *three* minutes, tops? And I was dawdling, admiring the boats, you know, living my best "sun-kissed, life-of-leisure" fantasy.
The walk itself is a dream. You stroll past the colorful fishing boats, the salty air hits your face – it's the scent of freedom! Honestly, the only downside is that you might spend too much time – and money – sampling all the tapas and local wines because they're *right there*. My bank account is still recovering from that little inconvenience.
Brand New! Does That Mean, Like, "Everything's Shiny and Smells Like Ikea" or "Brand New with a Glitch or Two"? Because I've Been Burned Before.
Okay, fair point. I'm with you. "Brand new" often translates to "potentially a disaster in disguise." And thankfully it is a happy surprise, and in the end it is just a perfect place.
I'd say it's mostly the former. The kitchen is a marvel. I'm no chef, but I felt like Gordon Ramsay with those appliances! The bathroom? Sparkling. The furniture is stylish and comfortable. No weird, uncomfortable "art" on the walls. It's actually comfortable, which is so rare in rentals! However, and this is a tiny, tiny thing: the first time I tried to use the washing machine, I almost broke my brain. The instructions were in, like, Martian. I eventually figured it out after a frantic session of Google Translate and a strong desire for clean clothes. That, and the lockbox code took me a while to find the darn thing, had me running around a bit when I just wanted to get in and get settled. Minor gripes, honestly.
The "Cozy" Part... Does It Mean Tiny? I Need Space to, You Know, *Breathe*.
"Cozy" is the trickiest word in real estate, isn't it? In this case, thankfully, it means "perfectly sized." It's not a sprawling mansion, sure. But it's definitely not a shoebox. It’s like, a Goldilocks situation. The living area is great, very easy to live in but there's no awkward dead-space and feels perfect for a couple or small group. I had two friends stay with me, and while we weren’t tripping over each other, it was still cozy, but in a *good* way. The balcony is the real kicker--it's big enough for a table and chairs, with a view that'll make you forget you have responsibilities. I spent hours just staring at the sea, occasionally drinking a well-deserved bottle of wine. The peace and quiet is fantastic during the day and at night for sleeping.
Is there parking? Driving around Spain sounds, like, stressful.
Yes! And it’s a lifesaver. Javea is beautiful, but parking down by the port can be a competitive sport, especially during the summer months. The apartment has its own dedicated parking space in a secure garage. Honestly, it’s worth the price of entry right there. Trust me, I speak from experience. I rented a place in Barcelona once with "street parking" and spent half my vacation circling the block like a crazed vulture, desperately seeking a spot. No thanks. Having a guaranteed parking spot here is a genuine luxury. It means less stress, more time enjoying the scenery, and more time for that delicious tapas I mentioned.
Wi-Fi? Because, you know, #InstaLife and all that. And emergencies. Like, I *need* to be connected.
Oh, the Wi-Fi is good. Very good. Strong signal, fast speeds. I test them immediately, when I arrive, to make sure I can upload photos of my cocktails and sunsets without any buffering. I’m not proud, but I’m also not going to lie. It’s a modern essential. In case of emergencies, well, I can't imagine a situation I would need better internet for, but it would definitely work. You'll be able to update your status with ease, and the world will know of your amazing travel lifestyle.
What if I have a problem? Who do I even call? I'm a disaster at resolving things...
Okay, so… I had a minor issue. A small one, nothing major – but the point is, I used the contact information they provide. The communication was quick, clear, in perfect English (whew!), and actually helpful. I was actually *impressed*. They went above and beyond, and I'm generally the skeptical type. So, yeah, if something goes wrong, it sounds like you’re in good hands. Which is always a relief when you're far away from home. It honestly made the whole stay much less stressful.
Can I bring my pet? Because my furry friend is basically family... and a HUGE source of stress.
I don't know. Don't ask me about pets. You'll have to check their specific policy. I don't have a pet. I'm the *bad* guy here, remember? I will say though, Javea itself *is* pretty dog-friendly. You see people walking their dogs everywhere. But ALWAYS confirm the pet policy with the owners/management before you even *think* about booking. Don't be that person who shows up with a Great Dane and then has to scramble to find last-minute accommodation. That's just asking for trouble, and is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, including me, now, with my rambling.
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