1

Both hotels are in new areas with appartments and other types of buildings that I don't know how to call in English. The hotel in Denia is closer to the old town and it's also close to a Natural Park and even closer to Denia port. Both hotels are close to beaches. Both Denia and Orihuela Costa are touristy areas.

Musts depend on your preferences, interests... Given the interests you quoted, it seems the areas where the hotels are located wouldn't be a must for you. (Inland) Orihuela could be interesting for you but it's quite away from Orihuela Costa (roughly 35kms).

2

Many thanks for your quick reply. I was starting to get the idea that the areas were touristy and being developed so your comments have reaally helped.

i would welcome thoughts from others!

3

I recommend an inland area called The Valencian Tuscany. Just google it and you'll see. I used to go there when I want to have some quiet days visiting wineries, small towns, etc. Very beautiful. It's worth it.

4

I haven´t been there, but the area of "Playa de Orihuela" looks like a classical area with a lot of apartments for tourism -aka resorts XD. The place looks nice, and the beach is just close by, but probably you will not see any of Spain there, I mean, there are complex of buildings mainly for holiday time. Probably there are some restaurants in the area, big comercials and so on, but I think that it´s a good place for relaxing and enjoy the sun. The one in Denia is closer to the city center, so you could walk around, it has some interesting spots, although the main atraction is the beach.

It´s your trip, but if your idea is being close to your relatives, then looks to me more natural to be in the same place as them or close. Anyway, all the places around are mostly quite the same speaking frankly. Close by, Javea or Calpe could be some places to visit, and Valencia in the north it´s quite popular as well.

Have fun!