Set a plate of local delicacies (nougat, stuffed olives, chocolates and dates) as well as a carafe of regionally produced wine on the table out on the terrace and watch as the crowd begins to gather. Your traveling companions make their way from the swimming pool, from the Jacuzzi, and from the recent cocoon of an afternoon nap in order to congregate on this sun-dappled patio and share in the joy of a leisurely afternoon. Catch up, share the day’s events, and enjoy the chance to be away from your usual surroundings alongside the people who can make you feel at home just about anywhere.

This scene isn’t so far-fetched; all it takes is picking out the right destination and an accompanying vacation rental that will serve as the foundation for the kind of getaway that you deserve. In this case, Alicante, Spain looks like a good fit, and any one of the dozens of villas, apartments or chalets might be the canvas for the vacation that is to become your masterpiece. The end result will make people think of you as a holiday-planning genius, but pulling it all together really won’t be too hard.

Start by going online to learn more about this gem of the Mediterranean coast as well as the vacation properties generously sprinkled throughout the region. Alicante is a historic town that has become a favorite among seekers of authenticity and leisure, and its attractive beaches and vibrant cultural scene have cemented its reputation as a fine place to take a few days off. In contrast to whatever a regular day looks like for you, Alicante could be a shock to your system – in a very good way, of course.

With a whole wide world of vacation destinations to choose from, Alicante speaks to those who seek quality and depth of character along with their sea scenes and sightseeing adventures. Securing a vacation villa in command of a breathtaking view and just down the road from one of the sparkling beaches helps to take advantage of Alicante’s essence while allowing for plenty of moments like the one described above. Privacy, intimate conversations and quiet afternoons (or not-so-quiet, depending on the personality of your friends and the amount of wine you pick up at the Central Market) will be the glue that holds it all together.

Larger houses allow everyone to have plenty of room when it comes to unpacking their bags and making themselves comfortable. The common areas (like the kitchen, living room and said terrace) entice paths to cross without demanding that they do too often and simple trips to the grocery allow plenty of snacks and drinks to be kept on hand. All of this means that shopping trips, castle visits, kayaking adventures and sun tanning sessions on San Juan Beach will provide a reason to leave the comfort of your home away from home without feeling like you’re escaping a dark dungeon or a mediocre lodging situation. All elements come together to create a consistent mood of contentment – perhaps one that has escaped you during other trips.

Accomplishing all of this requires a little research but mostly just the desire to treat yourself and your companions like the important people that you are. Vacation time should be spent well, and taking flight for Alicante, specifically an Alicante Vacation Rental, is a swift way to reach the lofty goal of making everyone in your group happy while seeing a lovely little stretch of Spain. Exotic, thrilling, relaxing and comfortable; these are the words you could soon be using to describe the view from your window and your own frame of mind.