We discovered the Mas de Canicatti after scouring the internet for accommodation for a last minute trip to Valencia, having planned to stay for 2 nights at the Hospes Palau de la Mar but in the end decided to spend one night in the city and one night outside Valencia and it worked perfectly.

As a rather uncertain taxi driver took us out of town through quiet towns and industrial areas, we were unsure of what we would be met with upon arrival, having read very few reviews of the property beforehand. However, we need not have worried as we approached the imposing gates at the entrance to the Finca. The long drive took us up through the 130 acre orange groves that surround the hotel until we finally reached the reception - and the view!

The original house with 9 bedrooms is charming with modern touches throughout. Through the glass door to reception, we were greeted by a charming receptionist who walked us to our room - thankfully, as there were a few twists and turns to reach the modern block that housed another 18 rooms and suites. Stunning views greeted us as we descended in the lift to our room - a Royal Suite with private pool.

Our Royal Suite was truly the most fabulous room a fan of minimalist design could imagine with a living room separated by sliding gold doors to reveal a white bedroom, super size king bed with plasma screen and enormous bathroom with jacuzzi opening to a lightwell allowing the blue sky above to be viewed from the tub! The living space had a table for 4, sofa bed, another flat screen TV, mini bar and guest cloakroom. Reasonable mini bar prices and complementary oranges and lemons from the neighbouring trees improved the taste of a gin and tonic poolside.

The living and bedroom both had large sliding doors which revealed a decked area with two chairs and a day bed. The pool, whilst not heated was very refreshing and a good size. Privacy was ensured with only the orange groves to gaze over as you relax by the pool. A useful addition to the suite would be a DVD and CD player.

Dinner in the modern addition to the hotel was delightful, taken on the decked terrace outside of the main dining room until the cooler temperatures brought us inside for coffee and petit fours. Be warned however that not many staff speak english so we struggled a little with the menu at times!

A late check out the following day allowed us to enjoy the room and try the spa, which specialises in orange/citrus-based treatments, reflecting the local environment. The staff and service were fantastic and a longer spa package would be definately be worth considering, especially if travelling out of season when the weather may not be as warm as there's a stunning indoor hydro pool and a large variety of treatments on offer.

Only 20 minutes from the airport and a world away from the vibrant city of Valencia, this is definately a place to visit for total relaxation whether for a night or if you're lucky, longer - highly recommended!