Padres Aviles

For our week in Spain, we rented an apartment at Padres Aviles, a converted old convent up in the hills near Malaga about 10 min. from the beach. To get there we had to drive up a winding, narrow mountain road. The first time we did it was quite freaky but we soon got used to it.

The property is managed by a couple who have three kids, so it was super family-friendly. We stayed in the main house area where there were two apartments; ours was on the top floor. The apartment itself had two bedrooms and was equipped with a full kitchen, washing machine & dishwasher. There was also a balcony with a table & grill. It was very comfortable living space and no matter where you looked it felt like paradise.

Aside from the gorgeous views, there was a pool down below. There was also a swing/slide set and an array of bikes, tricycles and push cars that the kids could play with it. C called it her “park”. We usually started the day off and ended the day at “the park”.

And not a day went by without a swim. K was a bit tentative at first but by the end of the week was thrilled to be in the water. C continues to be a fish and is getting more and more confident with her swimming abilities. There was a shallow area where she could stand which was nice and convenient for J & I since one of us could handle both kids in the pool. Or even let C play alone in the pool while we sat nearby (novel!!!!).

On the property were chickens that the kids liked to visit each day. One day, the owner took C on a special tour to pick lettuce and collect eggs from the chicken coop. C brought back an egg for us, still warm from just being laid.

The kids also took their try at tether ball and ping pong (although C was a bit exasperated trying to play with K).

The weather was hot & sunny everyday. We adapted quickly to the Spanish lifestyle - late lunches and light dinners that usually consisted of salad, cheese, cured meet and bread w/olive oil. There was no internet/wifi in our apartment so it forced J and I to disconnect which was actually a treat. I even started...and finished two books!

It was a great week – very relaxing and refreshing. I hope one day we’ll get back. C taking a last swing before we had to say good-bye. As my friend Kathy described it, "a mind's eye view of beautiful days and care-free ways". I couldn't agree more.

Click Here to see more pictures from our stay at Padres Aviles.