10/10 Excellent
Tommy L.
Oct 13, 2018
Lovely spacious apartment with access to a shared pool. Fantastic area.
We spent 11 nights here in late September/early October, the first 8 nights shared with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. We've been to Portugal a number of times but this was our first trip for 6 years and the first self catering trip for around 20 years! Portugal has definitely become busier and more expensive over the years but there is still a feeling of being relatively unspoiled. We were also fortunate in that our stay coincided with a late season heatwave and the weather was fantastic. October also meant that the complex was very quiet and there were only a few other people around on occasion. We contacted the owners on a couple of occasions and received almost instantaneous responses. That included allowing a later check out as we had a late flight - superb service.
The apartment is spacious and well equipped with excellent beds and bedding. The apartment is the largest in the complex and has 3 (linked) outdoor terraces. There is a gate giving access to the pool area. Be aware this is primarily a residential complex so the beds and umbrellas around the pool typically belong to other apartment owners. However, the apartment has a number of sun beds that can be moved up and down to the pool area as needed.
The area is lovely with ready access to a number of beaches and the complexes at both Vale Do Lobo and Quinta Da Lago. A car is a necessity and if you arrive late at night do a bit of pre-planning to find an open supermarket. We didn't and while we did manage to find take away food we couldn't get to a supermarket until the next morning. The owners kindly arrange to have a bottle of wine in the fridge which was great after a long days travelling.
There are any number of restaurants within a reasonable distance. It is possible to walk to some close by (we used Xenia and Casa Pituxa on two occasions each) but being prepared to drive in the evening opens up any number of possibilities.
For those hiring a car and coming to Portugal for the first time. Do some advance preparation to understand how the (somewhat arcane) toll charging system works and the various options. We have been to Portugal a number of times previously but hadn't driven for a number of years.
Overall, a great holiday in a great apartment.
Tommy L.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2018