UNWIND AND RELAX

AS one of Spain’s emblematic towns - like Ronda, Toledo and Santiago - Javea rightfully counts on a Parador.

Yet, surprisingly, the popular Valencia resort has a real paucity of good places to stay. Assuming you don’t have a few hundred euros per night to splash the cash, the 1969-built Parador is out of most people’s budgets.

By far the best value option is Javea Hotel (www.hotel-javea.com) in the heart of the port, next to the stunning Nuestra Señora de Loreto church and a short 100m walk from the beach.

While some of the rooms are small, it is stylish and friendly and counts on its own restaurant on the roof with a stunning sea view.

It is also next to the celebrated VO cinema and walking distance to a dozen good places to eat, not to mention with air-conditioning and WIFI in the room.

Another great value spot is Quinta la Sal (www.quinta-la-sal.hotel-in-valencia.com) that sits right at the other end of the town in the hills above the Arenal area.

Set in pine woods, full of red squirrels and birds, it is just a short walk from breathtaking Playa de Ambolo and a five-minute drive to Granadella beach.

Each of its dozen or so casitas are well appointed and have plenty of outside space and shade, plus a nice pool to chill out by.

A step up in quality and a little bit in price is the stylish Ritual de Terra Resort and Spa (www.ritualdeterra.com), a hotel to cleanse your mind and unwind.

This dreamy spot is surrounded by nature and focuses on wellness, as well as making the most of its lovely views towards the sea and the faraway Montgo mountain. There are yoga classes twice a week, meditation classes, as well as wellness workshops and a fascinating ‘gong vibrational sound bath’ which is said to reduce stress, aid sleep and encourage creativity.

The spa counts on a massage suite, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as an indoor pool and there are plenty of face and body treatments available. With quality linen, super king size beds as well as a great wonderful central pool area, tennis and padel courts, you should end up feeling both energised and pampered.Meanwhile its new restaurant MADRE serves Mediterranean classics, with mostly seasonal ingredients.

VISTAS: Ritual de Terra is incredibly well appointed