The Yumi House

A Timeless Costa Blanca Eco-Retreat for the Unhurried Life

With natural immersion at its forefront, this contemporary take on a traditional Spanish finca nestles between the Jalón Valley and the Mediterranean Sea in Benissa on the Costa Blanca’s Marina Alta. It offers a tranquil country stay made modern via its on-site experiences, ranging from private chefs to boat or bike rentals to yoga and meditation sessions.

Designed by Andreas Paul Scherpenbach on the outside, with interiors by its designer owners, the sustainably designed property (solar panels, energy-efficient systems, rainwater collection) harmonizes with its scenic surroundings, offering four bedrooms (two king beds, four convertible singles), each with an en-suite bathroom. The design offers an easy indoor-outdoor connection, and interiors mimic the rich natural world that extends all around.

The finca’s interior design brings the beauty of the outdoors inside, presenting locally sourced furnishings made of natural elements, and unique art and curiosities gathered through travels. Bedroom décor varies across the four rooms, each space inspired by a particular organic element (earth, air, plants and sunshine), and infused with coordinating color tones in sleek, simple spaces.

Outdoors, a 48-square-meter private pool is encircled by terraces for resting, sunbathing and/or yoga sessions within a larger, 11,000-square-meter estate offering unobstructed views of the Jalón Valley, Vall de Pop and Marina Alta. Dining tables are available indoors and out, with seating for up to eight, and there’s a gas grill for outdoor cooking. On-site private parking for five vehicles is available, and there are e-bike charging stations for two-wheeled transport.

Experiences

These include recommendations for scenic visits, local recreation, guided and personally tailored adventures, private chef services, yoga, meditation sessions, and bike and boat rentals.

Around

Located only five minutes by car from Benissa’s supermarkets and services, and ideally located to explore the coastlines of Benissa, Calpe, Moraira, Jávea, Altea and Dénia, the house also makes a great base for exploring the Jalón Valley’s vintage markets, rural produce stands, wineries and the scenic towns of Senija and Lliber.

The Mediterranean beaches of Benissa and Calpe are reached in 15-20 minutes, and there are multiple beautiful coves such as the Cala Baladrar and the secluded Cala Granadella, with its noteworthy blue waters and pebbled beach tucked between dramatic cliffs. Cala Fustera is a family-friendly sand with shallow waters and a wooden boardwalk. Playa de la Fossa (Levante Beach) is known for its fine sands and water sports activities, and offers great views of the Peñón de Ifach. Snorkelers take to Cala Pinets, a small sandy cove that involves a short hike to reach.

Hikers can depart the home directly to explore the historic Font d’Aixa or opt for a longer hike such as the Bernia Ridge Circular (20-minute drive) with its panoramic coastal and mountain views, that takes about four hours to complete. The Sierra de Olta route crosses forested paths with coastal viewpoints along the way, and the Peñon de Ifach ascent is for summit seekers. While the property offers tranquility and relaxation, those seeking a night out can dine at cozy local eateries or visit nearby wineries and tasting rooms then head to Benissa or Moraira for vibrant Mediterranean nightlife at bars, chic restaurants, and after-hour clubs.

Location

Benissa, Costa Blanca, Alicante, Spain. Nearest airports: Valencia or Alicante (1 hour)

Best time to visit

March to November