CONTENTS: DIRECTIONS TO BENAHAVIS:... 2 DIRECTIONS TO THE APARTMENT:... 3 WHEN YOU ARRIVE:... 4 WHEN YOU LEAVE:... 5 TERMS OF USE:... 5 EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:... 5 ABOUT THE APARTMENT:... 6 WASHING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS:... 7 RUBBISH:... 7 AIR CONDITIONING:... 7 THE SWIMMING POOL AREA:... 8 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE:... 8 DRIVING IN SPAIN:... 8 ENGLISH SPEAKING RADIO STATIONS:... 8 THE VILLAGE:... 9 OUT AND ABOUT:... 10 Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 1/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
DIRECTIONS TO BENAHAVIS: Whether you pick up your Hire Car within the airport or shuttle bus just outside the airport - follow signs for CADIZ / ALGECIRAS (A-7 or AP-7). This is a dual carriageway which bypasses all the coastal towns (Torremolinos & Benalmadena). Approx. 22 kms from the airport the road splits: A Toll (Peaje) Road (the AP-7) branches to the left and the A-7 branches to the right. You have a choice which to take the AP-7 is a toll road costing approx 7 Euros but is quicker. Note: If using the Peaje (Toll Road) you can pay by Cash or Credit Card at the Barriers. If paying by Credit Card jump the queue by using the Turismo Solo lane. The A-7 and AP-7 join together again just West of Marbella. You should then stay on the A-7 following the signs to Cadiz / Algecerias (DO NOT rejoin the AP-7 Toll Road to Estepona). Throughout your journey you may pass through several tunnels, but approx. 65kms from the airport you will reach Tunel de San Pedro. This is an underpass which bypasses the town of San Pedro. After exiting the Tunel de San Pedro the turning for Benahavis is the second exit (the first turning is for Guadalmina) and is only a couple of minutes from the end of the underpass. Once on the road to Benahavis follow for approx. 7kms (but drive carefully!). Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 2/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
DIRECTIONS TO THE APARTMENT: Between 45 minutes and an hour from picking up your hire car you will either be on the outskirts of the village or hopelessly lost! On the outskirts of the village at the roundabout with the fountain go straight-ahead (signposted Centro Urbano ). When you arrive into the village, after the bus stop take the left fork up a steep hill. At the top of the hill on the right you will see the Las Lomas development. Find somewhere to park on this road. No 24 is the top corner apartment as indicated on the map below. From the large arched entrance a few metres on your right will be a small flight of stairs where Number 24 can be found. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 3/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Electricity The electricity may be switched off when you arrive. The main switch is on your right (behind the door) as you enter the apartment. Turn the main switch to ON. Should the electricity go off whilst you are there (which it does quite regularly!) re-set the trip switch at the main switch. If you arrive at night there is a torch on top of the coat rail which is directly opposite the door. Gas The gas bottle is located under the sink. A spare gas bottle is also provided. To fit a new gas bottle lift circular ring on valve. Press whole valve onto cylinder. Lock valve onto cylinder by pressing circular ring downwards (firmly). Open valve by turning small lever on top so that the lever with a fire symbol is face up. TIP: After replacing the gas bottle test that the gas is connected correctly by lighting one of the rings on the Gas Hob. The boiler (located in kitchen cupboard next to the window) is self igniting. If it is not working check : 1. The gas bottle is connected with the fire symbol pointing upward (see above). 2. The gas cut-off switch under the boiler is in the on position (ie pointing upwards). If the gas runs out while you are there please make every effort to arrange for a replacement. If you cannot replace the gas bottle please leave a note for the next people to organise. The cost in 2016 was approx 15Euros. Have a Good Rummage! Make yourself familiar with the contents of all the drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, storage chests and nooks & crannies. You are welcome to use anything within the apartment. For your use there are travel plugs, plenty of books, games, playing cards, buckets and spades, map of the area, brochures of local attractions, Spanish dictionary, binoculars etc. The only area which is out of bounds is the lockable wardrobe in the main bedroom which contains our personal belongings The front door and keys The front door will automatically lock behind you when shut. PLEASE BE CAREFUL NOT TO LOCK YOURSELF OUT. A spare key is provided in the wooden bowl on the mirror shelf together with the Swipe Card for the pool area. POOL SWIPE CARD: From July 2018 entry to the Las Lomas pool area is gained via a swipe card. Only one card is allocated to each apartment so please look after it. If the Pool card is lost we will charge you the cost of replacement 20 EUROS and it may take a few days to obtain a replacement for you. To replace the Gas Bottle take the empty one to the nearest petrol station (most supply gas bottles) and swap for a full one. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 4/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
WHEN YOU LEAVE: Before leaving please complete the following checklist: a. Kettle Empty. b. Coffee Maker Empty and clean filter. c. Juicer Clean. d. Perishable Food Remove. e. Rubbish Bag and remove to communal bins. f. Parasols Ensure they are down. g. Patio Doors Close. h. Used Kitchen Equipment Clean all used crockery, cutlery, utensils etc. i. Spare Front Door Key Leave in wooden bowl on mirror shelf. j. Pool Swipe Card Leave in wooden bowl on mirror shelf. k. All Internal Doors - Leave Open. l. Used Bed Linen and Towels Fold and leave in kitchen. m. Bucket under the Air Con Unit on the Terrace Empty n. FRONT DOOR - ENSURE THE FRONT DOOR IS SHUT AND DOUBLE-LOCKED. TERMS OF USE: Use and respect the apartment as if it were your own. Full payment is required 14 days prior to arrival. Rental price is fully inclusive. The bath towels provided are not to be used outside the apartment (eg at the beach or pool). Only use the towels and bedding provided. Please make every effort to replace the gas bottle if it runs out. Smoking should be confined to the terraces. No smoking inside the apartment please. Do not light a fire in the fireplace (a calor gas heater is provided). If you use the cool-box or beach bag, please clean after use. Please report all damages and, if possible, replace. Before leaving follow the When You Leave checklist above. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: We hope you enjoy your stay in Benahavis. If you need to contact us while you are in Spain or have any questions before you go do not hesitate to contact us: Stuart & Lorraine Preece (home) 0044 1905 353547 Nigel & Bev Weaver (home) 0044 1905 357649 Nigel Weaver (mobile) 0044 7948 979 009 Bev Weaver (mobile) 0044 7986 954 048 Stuart Preece (mobile) 0044 7957 816 267 Lorraine Preece (mobile) - 0044 7790 995 371 Janet, our Spanish Rep (mobile) - 0034 664 046 261 Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 5/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
ABOUT THE APARTMENT: Las Lomas is situated within the heart of Benahavis. During your holiday here you will be part of the village community. The lounge area has 2-seater and 3-seater settees together with TV, DVD Player and PS2. Unfortunately as of 2014 access to the majority of Sky free-to-air channels have been disconnected across the Costa-Del-Sol so the TV can now only access a few TV Channels (incl Sky News) and a few Radio Stations (eg Heart FM). However Several DVD s and PS2 Games are provided, but you can obviously bring your own. The dining area has a breakfast/dining table with four chairs. Patio doors in the lounge area lead out onto the large terrace that has a patio table, chairs and sun loungers. On the terrace is also a storage chest containing pool and beach accessories that you are welcome to use. The kitchen contains, amongst other items, a fridge/freezer, washing machine, gas hob (no oven), cutlery, crockery, glasses, teapot, kettle, cooking utensils, microwave, coffee maker, juicer and toaster. We do not have wifi although it is available in several restaurants and bars in the village. Instructions for the dishwasher can be found in the blue folder stored under the Coffee Table. An Iron and Ironing Board are also provided. Both bedrooms are air-conditioned (see below), The main bedroom has a double bed and the second bedroom two single beds. Beds will be made up for you. A guest bed is also available and can be found under the double bed. Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and a chest of drawers. A hair dryer is provided. Patio doors from the main bedroom lead out onto the large terrace The bathroom is spacious and includes washbasin, toilet and shower. Bath towels and tea towels will be left out for you to use during your stay. You will need to provide your own beach towels. Please do not take the bath towels outside the apartment. Spare keys for the front door and Swipe Card for the communal pool will be left in the wooden bowl on the mirror shelf. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 6/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
ABOUT THE APARTMENT (continued): Although the front door automatically locks if you close it for added security still use the key to double-lock the door. Adult and junior tennis racquets are provided together with a selection of beach and pool items in the storage unit on the terrace. Portable fans are available together with a gas fire (if visiting during the cooler months). When leaving the apartment please ensure that the Parasols are down gusts of wind have been known to blow them over! WASHING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS: Instructions for the washing machine can be found in the blue folder under the coffee table. RUBBISH: Please bag all rubbish and leave in the communal dustbins provided (see map on page 3 above). At the bottom of the hill by the Bus Stop there are also recycling bins. AIR CONDITIONING: For your comfort air conditioning has been newly installed in both bedrooms (June 07). Operating manuals and remote controls can be found in both bedrooms. These units are quite expensive to run so please: DO NOT leave them switched on for excessive periods of time (eg while you are out) DO NOT use with the bedroom doors open in an effort to get the lounge cool. In fact the air con units have an almost immediate affect so need to be switched on only shortly before your bedtime, siesta, shower etc. The air con units are switched on and off via the remote control which can also be used to adjust the temperature, adjust the fan speed, set the timer off function etc. There is a Night Time setting when you retire for the evening. During summer months ensure that the air con unit is set to cool mode! The air con units create condensation which for the main bedroom unit is collected in a bucket on the terrace. Please ensure that you check the bucket regularly and empty when required. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 7/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
THE SWIMMING POOL AREA: The Las Lomas communal swimming pool area is a very short walk away. Swipe Card to gain entry to the pool area will be in the wooden bowl on the mirror shelf. This pool area is typically quiet and very well maintained and has an on-site toilet. Rules for the pool area are on the entrance gate. Common sense prevails, but most importantly don t take glass into the pool area. The village public pool area and sports complex is fabulous. The pool area has a full size adult pool and large junior pool and is open 12:00 to 20:00 during summer months. It also has a poolside café where meals, snacks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, coffee, ice creams etc can be purchased at reasonable prices and you are not officially allowed to take your own food or drink. The pool tends to get busy on a Weekend with lots of locals, but midweek it is relatively quiet. Adjacent to the pool area are tennis courts and football and basketball pitch which are open throughout the year. The public pool is walkable via the lower square (approx 10 mins) or can be reached via a very short car ride (see map below). In the Summer of 2013 they introduced a charge for entrance to the Village Pool. In 2016 the midweek charge was 2 Euros for Adults and 1 Euro for children with an additional euro at Weekends. A very nice Golf driving range and putting green has opened next to the public pool complex where half a bucket of balls will cost you a 1 Euro Coin. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Should you be unfortunate enough to require medical attention while you are on holiday we recommend that you use the hospital at San Pedro as it is open 24 hours. You will require your passport and E111 form/card when attending. There is a good Pharmacy in the village and a doctors surgery which is open Mon-Fri until 11:00. The surgery can be found next to Rufinos restaurant. Directions to the San Pedro Hospital are: At the end of the Benahavis road, turn left on to the N340 coast road towards Marbella. Take th road intro San Pedro. At San Pedro, turn left past Macdonald s. At the first set of traffic lights turn right and the hospital is on your left. The main Cost-Del-Sol hospital can be found on the coast road (not the toll-road) between Marbella and Fungerolla. A massive building right next to the dual carriageway. DRIVING IN SPAIN: While driving on the Spanish motorways and dual carriageways you will see numerous exits signposted Cambio de Sentido. Literally translated as Change of Direction this indicates the junctions that allow you to get back on the road in the opposite direction. So if you find yourself going in the wrong direction don t panic you will soon come across a Cambio de Sentido! Las Lomas ENGLISH SPEAKING RADIO STATIONS: Main Square School Lower Square While on the move, tune your car radio to the English speaking Spectrum FM (91.4 FM) which seems to have great coverage throughout the Costa. New Hotel Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 8/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
THE VILLAGE: Benahavis is a picturesque Andalucian village nestled in the mountains. It enjoys a lifestyle far removed from the hustle and bustle of the coastal resorts. Once a farming community the village now boasts dozens of first class restaurants, cafes and tapas bars, art galleries and pleasant squares. The village also has a number of shops grocery shops, pharmacy, butcher, banks, art gallery, jewellers etc. Supermarket: For the big shop a Mercadona supermarket has recently opened 5 minutes from the village towards the coast road. After leaving the village at the next roundabout turn right and the Mercadona is immediately on your left. Shops: There are a few small shops in the village where essential provisions can be purchased including an English newspaper! Restaurants and Tapas Bars: The village has many restaurants and Bars serving tapas. People all have their favourites and you will no doubt find your own. They are all very good, reasonably priced and the main course is traditionally a large portion, so although the starters are superb only tackle one if you have a big appetite! Not all restaurants have a children s menu but most will do half portions for the kids - medio para los niños A great English breakfast is served in the square at Las Canas Viejas. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 9/10 www.laslomas.co.uk
OUT AND ABOUT: There are many towns and villages in the locality. Most have beaches. San Pedro and Estepona both have long pleasant sea front promenades and large beaches. When you reach the N340 coast road at the end of the Benahavis road turn:- Right for Estepona (15 mins) and Gibraltar (45 mins) Left for San Pedro (5 mins), Puerto Banus (15 mins), Marbella (20 mins), Ronda (60 minutes) An evening stroll around Puerto Banus is recommended. Always lively, there are numerous, reasonably priced, restaurants around the harbour where the multi million pound yachts are docked. Puerto Banus also plays host to an impressive shopping complex called Corte Inglese. Marbella is also worth a visit. Work your way up the narrow streets to the famous Orange Square. The sea front promenade provides a pleasant walk. We normally park in the underground car park in the Via Del Mar and if you cross the main road here it takes you up to Orange Square. Traffic and parking in Marbella can be busy. Gibraltar is approx. a 45-minute drive away. There is sometimes quite a long delay in coming back into Spain so it may be advisable to park on the Spanish side and walk through the border. There are numerous buses just inside the frontier to take you to the town centre. The dolphin trips from Gibraltar are impressive. The spectacular cliff-top town of Ronda is a must see. Less than an hour drive away, the mountain road to Ronda provides magnificent views but keep your eyes on the road! There are many other mountain villages closer to home. For example Casares and Mijas can be reached in approx 30 minutes They both have ruins of an ancient castle and church, stunning views and traditional bars and restaurants and are a world away from the commercialisation of the del-sol. Tarifa is also well worth a visit. This unspoilt, laidback area is about an hour drive away (just past Gibraltar) and provides some of the best beaches in the world. Our favourite beach is approx 14km outside Tarifa at Bolonia where the sand is perfect and the sea blue and crystal clear, with the Atlantic waves providing great fun. For the really adventurous, a day-out in the North African city of Tangier will provide you with a memorable experience. We advise that you visit as part of an organised coach trip and tickets can be obtained at numerous locations along the coast between Estepona and Gibraltar. Macdonald s restaurants can be found at San Pedro and Estepona! There are many local markets held throughout the week on the following mornings: Sunday Estepona Port Wednesday Estepona (next to the Football Stadium) Thursday San Pedro (turn at McDonalds) Saturday Puerto Banus (next to the Bull Ring) For the serious fashion shopper, the out-of-town air conditioned La Canada shopping complex is open until 10pm (5 mins past Marbella take the Ojen turn-off). Comments on some of the above, and more, can be found in the comments book in the apartment. If you visit places of interest please add your own remarks to the book. Updated: 24-July-2018 Page 10/10 www.laslomas.co.uk