Question 1

How do I book the apartment directly?

Accepted Answer

Select your dates on our booking page, choose any extras you'd like, enter your details, and pay securely via Stripe. You'll receive an instant confirmation email with your booking summary and a link to your digital guest guide. Booking direct means you deal with your host from day one — no platform in the middle.

Question 2

Is it safe to book this apartment directly instead of through Airbnb?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's as safe as booking through any platform. All payments run through Stripe with 3D Secure, exactly the same secure card processing the big platforms use, and you receive a written confirmation email the moment you book. You're also in direct contact with your host from the start, so any question gets a personal answer — the only difference is there's no platform service fee.

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, all processed securely through Stripe with 3D Secure verification. PayPal is available on the Pay Now option only; the Pay Later and Pay on Arrival options require a card on file. UK and Irish cards work without any issue.

Question 4

What payment options are there — and is paying a deposit now with the balance later normal in Spain?

Accepted Answer

There are three options, and the deposit-then-balance model is completely standard for Spanish holiday rentals — not a scam. You can choose: (1) Pay Now — pay in full today for an extra 3% off; non-refundable, but includes one free date change up to 14 days before check-in; (2) Reserve Now, Pay Later — we securely save your card and charge it automatically 14 days before check-in (free to cancel any time before that charge, available when check-in is at least 14 days away); or (3) Pay on Arrival — pay cash on arrival, with a card held only as a guarantee and charged solely in the event of a no-show. Every option runs through Stripe, so your details are protected.

Question 5

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Free cancellation more than 7 days before check-in for a full refund. Less than 7 days before check-in, only the first night is charged and the rest is refunded; a no-show without cancelling is charged in full. If you chose Pay Later, you can cancel at no cost any time before your card is charged (14 days before check-in). Our discounted Pay Now rate is non-refundable in exchange for the lower price — instead of a refund it includes one free date change (up to 14 days before check-in). Either way, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund — including the Pay Now rate — as long as check-in is at least 7 days away. Full details are on our cancellation policy page.

Question 6

Is there a security or damage deposit?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't take a security deposit or place a damage hold on your card — you simply pay for your stay and any extras you choose. We trust our guests to treat the apartment with respect, and the vast majority do. This is one less thing to worry about compared with many holiday rentals that ring-fence several hundred euros.

Question 7

Is there a cleaning fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a one-off cleaning fee of €80 per stay, regardless of how many nights you book. This covers a full professional clean and fresh bed linen and towels. There are no other hidden charges — the price you see at checkout is the price you pay.

Question 8

Is there a tourist tax or city tax to pay in Andalucía?

Accepted Answer

No. Andalucía currently has no tourist tax or city tax, so there's nothing extra to pay on arrival or at check-out — unlike many destinations in Italy, the Balearics, or Catalonia. The total you see when you book is the total you pay (accommodation, cleaning fee, and any extras you choose).

Question 9

Why should I book direct instead of through Airbnb or Booking.com?

Accepted Answer

Booking direct gives you a better deal and a better stay. You skip the platform service fee — an honest saving of up to 20% — and direct bookings automatically apply the single best available discount (weekly, early-bird, last-minute, or returning-guest rates). You also unlock exclusive extras and concierge services that simply aren't available on Airbnb or Booking.com, and you talk to your host directly from the moment you book.

Question 10

Do you offer discounts for longer stays, and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer discounts for longer stays. Just contact us directly by email or WhatsApp and we'll put together a personalised offer for your dates.

Question 11

Do you have a refer-a-friend offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our Bring a Friend programme rewards both sides. Refer someone who hasn't stayed with us before and they get 10% off a direct booking (new guests only, once per guest, and never below our standard direct rate). Once their stay is completed, you receive a single-use 10%-off code valid for 12 months on your next direct booking. There's no reward if the referred booking is cancelled or refunded, and you can't refer yourself.

Question 12

Are there minimum-night requirements, and how far ahead can I book?

Accepted Answer

Minimum stays vary by season: 2 nights in low season (Nov–Mar), 3 nights in mid and high season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct), and 5 nights in peak season (Jul–Aug). You can book up to 12 months ahead, so it's easy to lock in popular summer dates early — they go first.

Question 13

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 16:00 (4 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 (10 AM). Your host meets you in person to hand over the building key and welcome you. Need more flexibility? Early check-in from 14:00 (€20) and late check-out until 13:00 (€30) are available as bookable extras, subject to availability.

Question 14

Can I change my booking dates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pay Now bookings include one free self-serve date change: pick any available dates from your guest area up to 14 days before your original check-in. If the new dates cost more you pay only the difference; if they cost less or the same, your price stays as paid. On flexible rates (Pay Later / Pay on Arrival) just message us — comparable dates in the same calendar year keep your original price, otherwise the stay is re-priced at the current rates. No amendment fees, ever.

Question 15

How far is the apartment from the beach?

Accepted Answer

The apartment is on the first line to the beach — literally a 30-second, one-minute walk to the sand. Step out, cross the promenade, and you're there. It's one of the closest beachfront positions in Sabinillas, with sea views from the balcony.

Question 16

How many people does the apartment sleep, and what's the layout?

Accepted Answer

The apartment sleeps up to 6 guests across 96 m², with 3 bedrooms (a master double, a twin, and a double/twin) and 2 bathrooms (one with a walk-in shower, one with a bathtub). There's an open-plan living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private sea-view balcony — comfortable space for a family or two couples sharing.

Question 17

Does the apartment have air conditioning for the summer heat?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every room has its own air-conditioning unit, covering all three bedrooms and the living area. Even in the peak of July and August, when daytime temperatures reach the mid-30s°C, the apartment stays cool and comfortable for sleeping. There are also fans and the sea breeze on the balcony.

Question 18

Is there a swimming pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The building has a shared community swimming pool and a landscaped garden with sun loungers, around a one-minute walk from the apartment door. It's a relaxed, family-friendly spot — perfect for a cool-off when you don't fancy the short walk to the beach.

Question 19

Is the apartment suitable for families with children?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide a travel cot, high chair, and board games free of charge on request, and you can add a children's beach toy set as an extra. The beach across the road is calm and shallow, the town is flat and easy with a pushchair, and there's plenty of space inside for a family of up to six.

Question 20

Is there parking or a garage at the apartment?

Accepted Answer

A secure private garage space in the building is available as a bookable extra for €10 per night — handy if you're hiring a car. Free on-street parking is also available nearby, and many guests find they don't need a car at all since the town is so walkable.

Question 21

Is the WiFi fast enough to work or stream from the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — high-speed WiFi runs throughout the apartment at no extra cost, suitable for video calls, remote working, and streaming. The network name and password are in your digital guest guide, sent after you book. With sea views from the balcony, it's a pleasant spot for a winter-sun working stay.

Question 22

Are pets allowed in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the apartment. We're unable to make exceptions, as the building's community rules and our cleaning standards don't allow it.

Question 23

What appliances and amenities are included?

Accepted Answer

The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, and all utensils, plus a washing machine (no dryer — a drying rack is provided), iron, hair dryer, and a Smart TV with streaming apps. Bed linen, towels, and the essentials are all provided. The building has a lift, though it doesn't open directly onto the apartment — there's one short flight of stairs (up or down) between the lift and the front door, so access isn't completely step-free.

Question 24

What are the house rules — smoking, parties, quiet hours?

Accepted Answer

We keep it simple and considerate: the apartment, balcony, and building are strictly non-smoking (please step outside to smoke), no parties or events, and community quiet hours from 23:00 to 08:00. You're free to enjoy the balcony and pool, but please be mindful of neighbours late at night. These rules keep the building peaceful for everyone, including future guests.

Question 25

Is Sabinillas a nice place to stay — is it worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you want an authentic, relaxed Spanish beach town rather than a resort strip. Sabinillas (San Luis de Sabinillas, in Manilva) is a genuine Andalusian fishing village on the quieter western Costa del Sol — a long seafront promenade, great-value chiringuitos, weekly markets, and Spanish families holidaying alongside a settled international community. It's the 'real Spain, but easy in English' end of the coast, well away from Marbella's crowds.

Question 26

Is Sabinillas safe, and is English widely spoken?

Accepted Answer

Yes on both counts. Sabinillas and Manilva are very low-crime, with a large, long-established British and international community, so English is widely spoken in shops, bars, and restaurants — you'll get by easily even with no Spanish. Your host also speaks English, Spanish, and German and is on WhatsApp throughout your stay if you need anything.

Question 27

Is Sabinillas beach sand or pebbles, and does it get crowded in August?

Accepted Answer

It's mainly dark golden sand with some small stones in places — comfortable for sunbathing and easy for children to paddle, as the water shelves gently. It's lively in peak August, with Spanish families and sun loungers from May to October, but it never feels overcrowded the way the busier resort beaches do. You'll always find space to lay your towel.

Question 28

Are there good restaurants near the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Dozens, all within walking distance. The seafront promenade is lined with tapas bars and chiringuitos (beach restaurants) grilling fresh fish over wood fires, plus Indian, Chinese, Italian, Argentinian, and British options. La Casita is a long-standing local favourite right next door, and nearby La Duquesa marina adds more waterfront dining.

Question 29

When are the Sabinillas markets?

Accepted Answer

There are two weekly street markets, both roughly 09:00–14:00: a Friday market and a larger Sunday market on the seafront, selling local produce, clothes, crafts, leather, and household goods. Note there are no fish stalls at the street markets — for fresh fish, head to the town's pescaderías. In July and August there's also an evening seafront market with street food and live music.

Question 30

What is the weather like, and when is the best time to visit?

Accepted Answer

The Costa del Sol enjoys over 320 days of sunshine a year. Summers are hot and dry (28–35°C, July–August), spring and autumn are warm and quieter, and winters are mild — typically 16–18°C by day and rarely below 9°C. May–June and September–October are the sweet spots: warm sea, fewer crowds. Winter is ideal for a calm, sunny long-stay escape.

Question 31

Is Sabinillas a good destination for winter sun or a long stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's one of the best-kept secrets for winter sun on the Costa del Sol. Winters are mild (around 16–18°C on sunny days), the town stays open and pleasantly quiet, and the apartment has full air conditioning that doubles as heating. We offer monthly and long-stay rates for retirees, remote workers, and Gibraltar commuters looking to escape a grey northern winter — just ask for a tailored quote.

Question 32

Where are the nearest supermarkets and shops?

Accepted Answer

Lidl and Mercadona are both within about a 5-minute walk, with several smaller convenience stores even closer. You'll also find pharmacies, banks, a health centre, and fresh-fish pescaderías in town — everything for a self-catering stay is on your doorstep without needing a car.

Question 33

Can I pay by card in local bars and restaurants, or do I need cash?

Accepted Answer

Card is widely accepted in Sabinillas restaurants, bars, and supermarkets — contactless is everywhere. It's still worth carrying a little cash for the Friday and Sunday markets, small tips (rounding up or leaving a euro or two is plenty — service isn't heavily tipped here), and the odd small chiringuito or kiosk. Tipping is appreciated but never obligatory.

Question 34

Should I fly into Gibraltar or Málaga — which airport is best for Sabinillas?

Accepted Answer

Both work, and the right choice depends on your flights. Gibraltar (GIB) is closest at about 30 minutes by car, but it has fewer flights, occasional border queues, and in high winds flights sometimes divert to Málaga. Málaga (AGP) is roughly 75 minutes away via the AP-7 but offers far more routes and reliability, making it the safer all-round bet for most UK and Irish travellers. One gotcha to know: Spanish taxis cannot carry passengers across the Gibraltar land border, so from GIB you'll need a pre-booked transfer or to cross the border on foot to a Spanish taxi.

Question 35

How long is the transfer from Málaga Airport to Sabinillas, and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Málaga Airport (AGP) to Sabinillas is about 75 minutes by car via the AP-7 motorway. Our private door-to-door transfer is €140 one-way or €260 return, with a driver who meets you at arrivals holding a name sign — ideal for a family of up to six with luggage. You can book it as an extra during or after your reservation, so there's no scramble for a taxi when you land.

Question 36

Do you offer airport transfers from Gibraltar too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A private transfer from Gibraltar Airport (GIB) is €60 one-way or €100 return, with the driver meeting you on the Spanish side of the border. This neatly sidesteps the rule that Spanish taxis can't cross the Gibraltar border, so you're driven straight to the apartment door — handy for guests on British Airways or easyJet into GIB.

Question 37

Do I actually need to hire a car in Sabinillas?

Accepted Answer

Not for everyday life — Sabinillas is flat and walkable, with the beach, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and markets all on foot from the apartment. A car only becomes useful for day trips to Gibraltar, Ronda, Estepona, or the white villages. Many guests skip car hire entirely and use our transfers plus the local bus, while others rent a car for just a day or two of exploring. We're happy to advise either way.

Question 38

Is there public transport in Sabinillas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A regular bus service links Sabinillas with Estepona, Marbella, and Málaga, and the nearest stop is about a 3-minute walk from the apartment. Buses are cheap and reliable along the coast. For Gibraltar and inland destinations like Ronda, a hire car or our private transfer is more practical than the bus.

Question 39

What day trips can I do from Sabinillas?

Accepted Answer

Plenty, and the apartment makes an ideal base. Gibraltar is about 30 minutes by car, Estepona's pretty old town around 15 minutes, and Marbella and Puerto Banús roughly 30 minutes. Inland you've got Ronda and its gorge (about 1.5 hours), the white villages of Casares and Gaucín (under 30 minutes), and the free open-air Roman sulphur baths at Baños de la Hedionda near Manilva. Our magazine has detailed how-to-get-there guides for each.

Question 40

Can you help with car rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can connect you with a trusted local car-rental partner for competitive rates — a free concierge service for our direct-booking guests, often cheaper and more flexible than the big airport desks. Just let us know your dates and we'll point you in the right direction.

Question 41

What exclusive extras can I add to my stay?

Accepted Answer

Booking direct unlocks a full range of extras you won't find on Airbnb or Booking.com: private airport transfers, a private garage space (€10/night), welcome packs of local food and wine, a stocked fridge pack, early check-in and late check-out, SUP and kayak rental, beach packs, pre-arrival grocery stocking, and celebration touches like cakes or balcony decorations. Browse the full list on our extras page. Please note that not all extras are available at all times — availability can depend on the season and on enough advance notice, and we'll confirm each one when you book.

Question 42

Can I have the fridge stocked before I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Stocked Fridge Pack (€35 per stay) fills the fridge with breakfast and everyday basics so you can settle straight in, and we also offer a pre-arrival grocery-stocking service where we shop to your list (a small service fee plus the cost of the groceries). Both are popular with families and late-night arrivals — no hunting for an open shop after the flight.

Question 43

Can I add extras after I've already booked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can add extras through your digital guest guide at any time before check-in — and many during your stay too. For last-minute requests, your host will confirm availability. Anything added after booking is charged separately via a secure Stripe payment. Need to change or cancel an extra? Just contact your host via WhatsApp or the contact form and we'll sort it out together.

Question 44

Are the extras only available to direct-booking guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our full range of extras and concierge services is exclusively for guests who book directly through our website. Airbnb and Booking.com simply can't offer these add-ons, so this is one of the real advantages of booking direct, alongside the price saving and dealing with your host personally.

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