Overview
We discovered the Relleu valley in the 70’s. Its location behind the coastal chain of sierras and between Cabezo d’Or (ancient frontier of the Moorish kingdom of Murcia) and the massif of Puig Campana, give the landscape a rugged mountainous feel softened by terraces of almond and olive trees.

We decided then to one day create an Arts and Literature Centre here which the magnificent local scenery provides a perfect backdrop for. After five years of hunting for the right property we discovered the Almàssera Vella hiding behind a derelict garage structure in a dramatic position opposite the castle mound and with views of Sierra Grana, Aguila and Cabezo d’Or.

We started building in 2000 literally on the first day of the new millennium with the design fully intended to satisfy all the needs or a residential art centre. Our inaugural course was run in May 2002 and we now have a regular programme of creative days and weekends as well as week-long, all-inclusive residential painting, writing, and photography courses. In addition to that we provide artists with a 'Retreat' - should you feel the need to re-charge your batteries or search out inspiration, then why not spend some time in our beautiful and peaceful surrounding on your own terms as part of an art retreat.

Our Painting courses currently scheduled include:

Sue Whitmore returns to mentor another inspiring week at the Almassera. A week suitable for artists at all levels. Plenty of guidance and instruction available - but there is no formal tuition. Limestone mountain scenery, olive/almond/lemon groves, rustic architecture and a general , relaxed and Mediterranena ambience.

In 2004 accommodation facilities were extended with the opening of the casa rural annexe at 69 Carrer de la Mare de Deu del Miracle, opposite the Almàssera Vella. The annexe is now available for writer's and artist's retreats. We also run Walking Holidays such as our 'Walking the Marina Baja Mountains'. To find out more look at our Walking Holidays in Spain entry.

Pricing
Painting in the Marina Baja with Sue Whitmore	£495
Painting in A Spanish Village with Andy Walker	£495
The price of your holiday is fully inclusive of accommodation and all meals including wine.

Accommodation
Almàssera Vella was designed as a home and as a centre for residential creative writing, photography, art and other cultural courses.

The relaxed open living areas of the house are complemented by an enormous terrace and pool coupled with extensive grounds. Bedroom accommodation is comfortable with both single and double rooms available.

Further accommodation is available in the annexe at 69 Carrer de la Mare de Deu del Miracle, opposite the Almàssera Vella. This charming three-storey casa rural is completely refurbished and offers cottage and self-contained flat accommodation for restful holidays as well as being perfect for comfortable and secluded artist's and writer's retreats.

Retreats:
We offer low season rates for retreats in the casa rural annexe at 69 Carrer de la Mare de Deu del Miracle.

The annexe cottage has three double bedrooms each with private shower-room and the flat has a single and double bedroom, with mountain views, a shower-room and an optional separate private entrance. Both cottage and flat have a cosy day-room with stove, and a fully fitted kitchen. The cottage has a separate study area with balcony.

Your Hosts
Marisa Lillo-Verdú is an Alicantina so her moving to Relleu from Buckinghamshire was very much coming home. She manages all the catering and accommodation on courses. Her kitchen specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with a strong emphasis on local dishes. She is an expert seamstress and interior designer.

Prize-winning poet Chris North acts as mentor on some of the writing courses. Christopher North is a published and prize-winning poet. He was short-listed for the Forward prize for ‘Best First Collection’ in 1999. Formerly a surveyor in Buckinghamshire, he also ran a poetry workshop for ten years and spent the last six months before the move to Spain as ‘Poet in Residence’ with a local newspaper.

Location
Almàssera Vella is located in the south east of Spain within the ancient village of Relleu. There is significant local evidence of Roman and Moorish origin and the village has a number of sites of historic interest including the ruins of an 11th century castle, one of the oldest pantanos in Europe and the remarkable cultivation terraces (known locally as ‘bancals’) which ascend up the sierras to incredible heights. There are a number of dramatic mountain walks accessible from the village. The village has a modern pharmacy, general stores, four bars and good mobile phone connection (in the unlikely event of you needing it). The coast at the picturesque front and beach at Villajoyosa is a half-hour drive away. Alicante is a 50-minute drive away, as is Alicante airport.

Relleu is at the southern part of the mountainous area of the province of Alicante known as the Marina Baja. This comprises a rugged complex of limestone mountains including the highest in the province ‘Aitana’ (1558m) and the most dramatic: ‘Puigcampana’. In the high valleys there is ‘secano’ cultivation mostly comprising almond orchards, olive groves and plantations of lemon and orange trees.

Getting There:
From the airport, Relleu is about an hour's drive away. Taxis are of course available and car hire from the airport. Alicante airport is two minutes drive from a connexion with the A7 autopista. This motorway (autopista) runs along the coast all the way to Barcelona. The exit (salida) you need is number 66, the Villajoyosa turn. From the motorway junction to the Almàssera should take about twenty minutes.