Just returned from the Costas, so thought I would post a report.
We stayed in the Urbanization region of La Marina, San Fulgencio (where's that you ask ?)... well it's about 20 mins south of Alicante airport, and a further 20 mins on to Torrevieja. The reason we went here was to see my brother-in-law as it was his 50th birthday, and no family member had been in the 12 months they have been there. He had no idea we were turning up (6 of us), so it was a great suprise for him.
The Villa
This was booked from a great site called Owners Direct. I have always had a twitch when looking into booking something like this as you read many upsetting reports of people being ripped off. Well the villa which I booked 2 months prior to going was excellent (you find the place you want on the site and it's all done with private contact of the owner).
The villa sleeps 10 with 2 top floor bedrooms, 1 bathroom, balcony to master bedroom and a large sun terrace to the rear. On the lower level is another bedroom, large lounge and excellent modern kitchen with all you could think of to make this a perfect 'home'.
In the basement is a 'granny' style contained apartment sleeping 4 with small lounge, bathroom and mini kitchen etc..
A patio area to the front had a gas & charcoal bbq and seating for 10. A communal pool 10 yards across the narrow quiet street, was perfect for sun all day with plenty of sunbeds.
A perfect place to base yourself was the thoughts from all of us.
The Area This is a large community of villas and apartments (3,000 residents), split into zones with each zone having a small but adequet selection of bars/restaurants and shops etc..
Easy to get around on foot but a car would not go amiss.
The Beach
This is where a car comes in handy - about 10 mins drive or 12 euros in a taxi. There is a bus service but never used it.
A nice place if you want a change from Benidorm type holidays etc..
Ryanair
1st time I have flown with these and also using the online check-in service (many thanks to those on here who gave me some good tips - cheers !)
Everything went smooth with no problems at Doncaster or Alicante airports, so would defo use them again.
Alicante Transfer
We used a company called Clydegrovegolf - excellent is all I can say, on time and good drivers.

Nothing much more to add other than a great week, with hot sun every day (except 1 dull one) and a few showers in the evening (Alicante had a massive hail storm - so missed that one !).With tears at the 50th birthday on our 1st night and meeting up with family members again made this a week to remember and we are looking into going over again next year also.
Spike.