Baby Sitter - Saskia
Recommended by Hazel Wallis
Saskia is a Dutch babysitter who speaks English and Spanish
(+34) 647233512
Comments:
"Saskia (Dutch, 25 years) has been our babysitter/cleaner for 1 year. She has lots of experience with children of all ages (babies to teenagers) She is fluent in English and Spanish. She is extremely conscientious, a good communicator and 100% reliable. Our kids Annabel (2) and Florence (6 months) really enjoy her company as she is very creative and energetic and always has a smile on her face. She lives in Sitges" (HW, Oct 2011)
Children´s Hairdresser
Recommended by Clare Bodgers
Masaje 1000 offer every single beauty treatment under the sun for adults and they have also got a baby range! On offer is baby massages as well as children´s hairdressers. No need to book an appointment you can just turn up as they have a quick turnaround.
Avda. Sofia 3 Sitges (+34) 938946600
Comments:
There is a little play area with ball pool so if you fancy having a haircut while you are there the babies can entertain themselves (in theory!!)
Baby Sitter / Childminder - Maria Angelica Navarro
Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw
Maria is a mother of two and offers babysitting during the weekdays and in the evening. She is Spanish but speaks fluent English and can drive. 675649442
Comments
"I have known Maria for almost 4 years now and not only has she looked after my children during this period but also those of many of my friends. Maria has an amazing way with children. She is very gentle and loving and my daughter adores her. As both my husband and I are British it was very important to have someone who could teach Sophie Spanish as we want her to learn the language before starting school but do not want to send her to a guarderia. Maria is a fantastic teacher and Sophie (19 months) now has more Spanish words than English so we are delighted. Maria is very reliable, honest and has a car. I trust her 100% and can highly recommend her. " RL (Oct 10)
Elizabeth's - cake-delivery service
Recommended by Emma Jenkins
Elizabeth's offer a delicious and unique range of hand baked cakes with flavours such as Carrot and Pistachio, Rum Lime and Coconut, Chocolate and ginger: They are great for parties and special occassions (or whenever really!) They are open to requests for any flavours. Centrally located collection points in Sitges and Barcelona
They are currently offering a 10% discount to orders by members of MumAbroad
Contact Liz on 656 365 322.
Comments:
"We tried Liz' carrot cake last week for the first time, the intention was to have it as the 'adult' cake at my Son Georges 4th birthday party, obviously I had to try it first & once the first bite passed my lips I knew that cake wasn't going ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! It was DIVINE!!!!!! Seriously it was one of the best I have had, & as carrot cake is my favorite believe me I have had many!!
The one we got was quite a large cake so it lasted well for a few days in the fridge, but I am sure she could do smaller ones if required. All in all Liz' cake was FANTASTIC & I am looking forward to trying more of her range" (EJ, March 08)
Sonia Dominguez - Childminder
Recommended by Ana Dorado
Sonia is a childminder based in Sitges. She is just finishing her Certificate III in Children Services by mail in Australia and worked 2 years as an Assistant Teacher in a Kindergarten in Australia.
( 34) 678650088
Comments:
"I have a 1 year old baby and Sonia has been his babysitter a few times now. He likes her very much because she is gentle and very loving, she makes him laugh a lot! She has picked him up from Kindergarten too and has given me all the info I needed at the end of the day. I feel my son is safe and happy when he is with her, I can rely on her, which is important because Im a working mum" (AD, June 07)
Paediatrician - Grup Medic Garraf
Recommended by Cat Young
Private Health insurance in Vilanova
Rbla. Exposició 97-99
08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú
Tel 93 811 58 38 info@grupmedicgarraf.com
www.grupmedicgarraf.com
Comments:
"If parents are looking for a non-judgmental, kind and informative pediatrician I can highly recommend Dra Alejandra Garcia. She works at the Grup Mèdic Garraf and we are very happy" (CY, Aug 10)
Chiropractor
Recommended by Denise Tibbey
Bret Hertz is a chiropractor from California operating in Vilafranca, Sitges and Vilanova
bretdc@hotmail.com (+34) 938921550
Comments:
"I have been suffering with back problems for many years and have seen a multitude of medical professionals including Chiropractors to try and find a diagnosis and solution for my problem. Having seen many medical practioners I can honestly say that Bret is one of the best I have seen. He was the first medical professional who took the time to thoroughly investigate my back problem and was able to give me an exact diagnosis of what was happening to my back. Not only was I relieved to finally have a diagnosis, Bret then went on to create an individualised treatment programme for me. He is a very attentive Chiropractor who genuinely listens to his clients and then treats them according to their specific needs. I feel he is passionate about his work and he does is upmost to make a difference. He is a rare find and I would highly recommend him to anyone living in the Sitges/Vilanova and Vilafranca area." (DT, May 08)
Sitges Photographer - Niamh Baldock
Recommended by Karen
Niamh Baldock is a photographer based in Sitges. She specialises in children´s and family portraits
695803811 niamh.baldock@gmail.com www.niamhphotography.com
Comments:
"A few months ago she took some pictures of our family and we absoultely love them, the grandparents have demanded copies as well. It was a rather dull day, very foggy and not the usual Sitges light, but Niamh found some great spots around Sitges and the result was fantastic. Our youngest daughter is not easy to get to smile, but Niamhs relaxed way and very child friendly attitude made her feel at ease and we have the greatest pictures of her now. Also for us it was fun and relaxed, it didn't feel like we were posing, it was just natural play and interaction with our kids." (KB, May 08)
Tutor/yoga teacher/childminder Ellen Weissbuch
Recommended by Joy Ferguson
Ellen is a certified Elementary School teacher with 30 years experience. She has also been teaching yoga to children for 16 years and is certified by International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association
eweissbuch@yahoo.com
http://ellenweissbuch.blogspot.com
Comments:
"The past 10 years Ellen has been teaching in public schools, private schools and privately in Sitges. For more information about her you can visit her blog http://ellenweissbuch.blogspot.com "Ellen has been tutoring my son Devon for the past 2 years. Her vast teaching experience has enabled her to help Devon with his math and reading while incorporating yoga and "brain gym" activities to keep the learning fun. Ellen is a professional educator and a very insightful, caring person--I highly recommend her" (Jennifer Beck, June 2011)
"When I realized my family was going to be in Sitges for 3 months, I researched where our 5 year old twins could attend school. Through this website I discovered Planet English which led me to The Olive Tree School, neither of which had openings. The director of Olive Tree recommended a teacher to work with our girls, Ellen Weissbuch. We were pleased that she had extensive experience as a primary school teacher, and the girls fell in love with her loving and playful manner. She worked with them 13 hours a week for our entire stay in Sitges. She got them excited about learning with art projects, songs, games, yoga, bellydance and coordination exercises; all the while teaching them Spanish, early reading skills (they have a list of sight words now) and simple math. She is smart, creative and flexible, and I highly recommend her" (JF, July 2011)
Photographer - Monica Panato
Recommended by Deborah Elaine Black
Based in Sitges, Monica Panato is an Italian photographer with a unique, personal style who comes highly recommended for children´s photography. She charges 150 Euros for a photoshoot which includes editing, four prints as a gift and more importantly all the photos on a cd to print for yourself.
617152344 www.monicafotositges.blogspot.com
Comment:
"Monica Panato is a very competent photographer. I chose her to photograph my children after viewing her portfolio, and in comparison with other photographers her work is by far the most original, managing to capture the children on film in a natural way with an Italian touch that sets her work apart from the mainstream photographers" (DB, Nov 08)
Baby Sitter / Childminder - Melissa Boddy
Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw
Melissa, a qualified primary school teacher, runs the Early Years child minding service near Mas Mestre.
650173807
Comments:
"Melissa looks after my son and he is genuinely happy with her. She really makes every effort to make sure he is comfortable and happy and gives lots of love and attention. I would highly recommend her for babysitting and childminding" (RL, March 08)
Paediatrician
Recommended by Emma Jenkins
Dr Rubias is based in the Centre Medic Sitges Monday - Thursday.
Espalter, 16 Sitges, 938944605 www.centremedicsitges.com
Comments:
"I have a great Paeditrician by the name of Dr Rubias who is based at Centre Medic in Sitges on Monday to Thursday mornings & she is in Vilanova on Friday morning. She has cared for all 3 of my boys, she speaks English which always helps if your language is not too good. She likes to chat but I really like & feel comfortable with her." (EJ, may 08)
Osteopath - Maria Cristina Parareda
Recommended by Clare Bodgers
Maria Cristina Parareda is a fully qualified osteopath in Vilanova
609934595
Comments:
"We first went to Maria about three months ago because Daniel was born (yanked into the world) with forceps and I feared that he suffered as a result. She is gentle, kind and patient with Daniel although he wriggles and squirms during every session. I like her philosophy; she takes a full history and uses a holistic approach to recovery." (CB, Oct 08)
Paediatrician
Recommended by Lorna Bode
Dra Alexandra Garcia is based in the Centre Medic Vilanova
938115837
Comments:
"Excellent English speaking paediatrician who uses homeopathy as well as traditional medicines" (LB, Sep 08)
English Speaking Dentist
Recommended by Angela Collins
Duran and Burgos is a dental clinic in Sitges
Passeig Vilanova 32, Sitges(+34) 938944479
Comments:
"This week I had to go to a dentist in Sitges and went to the new one in Oasis, Duran & Burgos on Passeig Vilanova, very friendly, modern flat screens on the ceiling, spoke English, thoroughly recommend them." (AC, Dec 07)
Party Time - Location for Hire
Recommended by Clare Bodgers
Sitges Playgroup is available for rent for birthday parties.
C. Pau Barrabeig, 16, Sitges info@sitgesplaygroup.com www.sitgesplaygroup.com
Comments:
It is the perfect space for a party with a large selection of toys for all ages, a kitchen at the back for preparing food and best of all when you get home your house looks just like you left it!!
Party Time - Bouncy Castles for Hire
Recommended by Rebecca Laidlaw
Barcelona Bounce, owned by Amanda Duval, offer a variety of bouncy castles for hire for birthdays and special occasions
606308711 enquiries@barcelonabounce.com www.barcelonabounce.com
Comments:
Great fun at birthday parties. A selection of bouncy castles, including large slides and castles. Negates the need for Mum and Dad to run around entertaining 15 little ones! Children will entertain themselves for hours on these novelty bouncy castles and tire themselves out in the process. Barcelona Bounce deliver, set up and remove the bouncy castles all in one day. They do charge delivery if over 25km from them (Vilasar de Dalt, Maresme)
Party Time - Cake Maker
Recommended by Sitges Play Group
Patricia Arribálzaga, creator of Cakes Haute Couture, is an artist who designs extraordinary birthday and celebrations cakes
626634707 www.cakeshautecouture.com/eng/cakes/cakes_kids.htm
Comments:
The cakes are really quite amazing to look at and better still they are not artificially-flavoured nor contain any preservatives. She can make a wide range of cakes with character (i.e. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Superman) designs and beautiful castles for little girls.
Fantasy Cakes, Sitges
Recommended by Maxi
Fantasy Cakes is Sitges' character cake boutique., specializing in custom made and specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers and other special events. They are freshly homemade using only the finest ingredients: Fantasy Cakes delivers cakes to your doorstep in Barcelona, Sitges, Sant Pere de Ribes, Vilanova i La Geltru and Vilafranca del Penedes.
Deliveries to Sitges, Vilanova i La Geltru, Sant Pere de Ribes are free of charge.
Telephone: +34661193452 email: cakes@fantasycakes.eu
www.fantasycakes.eu
Comments:
"They do all sorts of character cakes for children and adults. I have ordered two cakes recently and the cakes were fantastic: presentation was fabulous, kids love the colours and the little figurines on a cake. The cakes are very nicely priced for the quality you get. I am sure, next time you order a cake you will not be disappointed" (Maxi, Dec 2010)
