Meet the people behind the place - Villa del Valle
Villa del Valle is more than just a vacation home; it’s a personal project for Jesse, Jessica, and their young daughter Rhodé, inspired by their love of Spanish culture, nature, and Mediterranean life. In this interview, they share their story—from discovering the property to renovating it and their vision to offer guests a truly unique, peaceful experience. Read on to discover what makes Villa del Valle so special.
Before we get into the details, could you briefly introduce yourselves?
We are Jesse (39), Jessica (37), and our daughter Rhodé (1.5). We live in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and share a love for travel, the Mediterranean climate, nature, and Spanish culture.
We’d like to share a bit about you with our customers. Could you tell us more about yourselves? For example: your interests, free-time activities, work, family, vacations?
Jesse combines a job in marketing with his creative work as a DJ, while Jessica, a former dancer and copywriter, has founded her own micro-bakery called Groentekauw ("Vegetable Munch"). In our free time, we enjoy outings with our daughter, visiting family and friends, exploring playgrounds and coffee shops, and taking holidays to Spain and other Mediterranean destinations.
When and how did this accommodation come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?
We fell in love with Spain years ago, and after many travels around the country, we decided to make our dream a reality by creating a place in the Marina Baja region of Costa Blanca. This area also has nostalgic value for Jessica, who spent many childhood holidays here.
Could you tell us more about the process of renovating and decorating your accommodation?
After viewing many homes, we found this property in the heart of a lush valley. While the house didn’t initially appeal to us due to its odd layout and dated decor, we saw its potential. Together with Jessica’s father, we undertook a major renovation to restore its authentic Spanish charm. It was a challenging process, especially when we discovered we were expecting Rhodé at the beginning of the renovation. But the final result is more beautiful than we ever imagined.
What makes your accommodation really special to you? Are there any special memories or moments that make it extra dear to you?
Villa del Valle feels like our second child, as we created it around the same time our daughter was born. The support and help from our family and friends throughout this adventure make this place especially dear to us.
How would you describe the atmosphere and decor of your accommodation?
Villa del Valle radiates Spanish culture: rustic white walls, terracotta tones, natural materials, and carefully selected traditional vintage pieces. It’s a serene and rustic space with Spanish details and a natural aesthetic.
What part of your accommodation do you find the most beautiful, and why?
The living room is our favorite place, the heart of the house. Its high ceilings and elegant arches add character and light. And the solarium with the pool is a wonderful spot to enjoy a refreshing swim in nature. It’s hard to choose, honestly!
What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?
Villa del Valle is located in a fertile valley full of avocado, orange, and lemon trees, and it’s the only area where the unique nísperos (loquat) fruit grows. It’s a quiet, agricultural area close to the beautiful Fonts d’Algar waterfalls and the charming village of Guadalest, with views of the sea.
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features of your accommodation that you are proud of?
We strive for authenticity and sustainability. Many of our materials are locally sourced and reused, and our decor includes vintage finds that reflect Spanish culture.
What motivated or inspired you to rent out your property to guests?
We want to share this beautiful, relatively unknown place so that people have a space to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that this region has to offer, far from the mass tourism.
Could you give a vivid description of the overall experience guests can expect during their stay at your accommodation?
Drive down the country road, and Villa del Valle appears in the middle of nature. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool, relax to siesta music, and start your day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea. The surrounding area offers countless activities, from hiking to Fonts d'Algar, visiting beaches, and exploring historic villages.
In what ways does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make it an unforgettable experience for guests?
Villa del Valle offers privacy, peace, and unique local experiences, like picking nísperos and seasonal fruit. It’s not a mass tourism destination but a place where guests can truly unwind and enjoy nature.
What is the nicest compliment you’ve received from a guest?
A guest once told us that Villa del Valle was one of the most special places they had ever stayed. That means a lot to us since we built it all from the ground up ourselves.
What do you hope guests take away or remember the most from their stay at your accommodation?
The peace and the feeling of reconnecting with themselves and nature. Villa del Valle offers an escape from busy lives, and we hope guests take that with them.
Do you have any recommendations for guests to make the most of their vacation? Your valuable tips will be featured on your accommodation’s page!
Visit Fonts d’Algar for a refreshing swim and go to Guadalest to step back in time. The charming Altea with its beautiful terraces and beaches is also highly recommended.