40 independent reviews for Algarve vacation accommodation
Reviews for Algarve vacation accommodation
Andreas Rösing review 15 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Lukas Zöchling review 27 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful appartment and pool2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just enjoy3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the most beautiful stays we ever had.Lucy Lyell review 31 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the spaciousness of the villa and having easy access to the beautiful pool. It was great being away from the busyness of the seaside resorts, yet a quick drive to the nearby beaches. The recommendations in the villa's guidebook were spot on and really helpful for making the most out of our stay.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Inge was really helpful with making sure we booked the rooms that would work best for our family, so I would suggest giving as much information as possible when booking, so that she can place you in the best set up. Be prepared for mosquitoes. Even though we had been in France and Spain prior to arriving, the mosquitoes here were particularly bad.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We weren't aware of any benefits to local people, though we know that is the intention of the owners to form greater links with the local community. We followed all the recycling instructions for waste.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful week. It is a truly lovely time and we really enjoyed getting to know the local area, especially learning how to cook fish on the BBQ and eating pastel de nata from the local bakery.Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for your comments, I have outlined our commitments to sustainability and the community:
Sustainability:
We use solar panels for nearly all hot water and heating
We have a solar tracking system to produce electricity. In the coming season we plan to install more solar panels as a roof of a carport (16 KW) with 2 charging points for electric cars. Also to compensate for all the additional electric equipment that was installed and will be installed like sauna and heat pumps
Back up for heating is a bio mass and pellet burner in which we also burn pellet from sustainable pine forests.
We collect rainwater from 500m2 roof and terrace surface. (500 m2 more in progress) and collect it for irrigation purposes, at this moment we have a 70.000 litres storage and are preparing the instalment of a 550 m3 water tank that will contain more rainwater to be used through the summer. In addition a filter system will be installed to treat the water for consumption. This will make us end up completely sustainable on water both, irrigation and domestic water.
We have a woodchipper so all our pruning material is chipped and put back on the land for mulching (covering and regenerating the soil also to prevent soil heating an evaporation. )
We have planted hundreds of trees.
Around the bees that we care for, we planted a mixed fruit forest (around 600 m2) in soil that we continuously regenerate, creating a haven for the bees and a small micro climate.
We use only eco friendly cleaning products (this is the reason we do our laundry ourselves)
From the coming season on we will ban all plastic inflatable toys in the pool (we have to mention this on the site)
We separate our garbage and also have a compost bin for guests
We have build additional building with clay and stones from the land in a traditional way and used recycled and natural building materials also of architectural value.
Give back to the local community:
In the folder in the guest units we only promote local initiatives, shops and markets
We only employ Portuguese staff
We have a wellness folder in which we promote local, preferably Portuguese yoga teachers, massagists etc.
From time to time we organise small scale events for which we invite local people
We share our over-production with the local community
At this moment we are planning, in cooperation with the local government, communal gardens that we will offer to the local community
Kenneth Walsh review 7 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming in the lovely pool. The beautiful surroundings and flowers and trees in the gardens of the house.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The main thing is that you need a car. It is too far to walk to the nearest beach.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The house is very eco-friendly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent vacation destination for a family. Inge is a very considerate host and the house is well-equipped.Sabira Rakhimova review 6 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just swinging in a hammock with my baby. Swimming in the lovely pool! Walking around enjoying the views, the greenery, and the animals. Traveling to the beautiful beaches, particularly in the West of Algarve.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Unfortunately hiring a car is essential, unless you are only staying for a couple of days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think mainly it served to inspire ourselves to reduce environmental impact and live more sustainably, as we think the Quinta is a beautiful example of such living possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing vacation for us and our children, lots of beautiful memories.Niall Shortman review 2 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lying in the hammock and reading my book.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t make too many plans, as it’s wonderful to just lounge around the grounds.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We mainly used local businesses in Odiáxere for groceries and there was not much environmental impact at the Quinta. More or less everything is recycled and they have their own water and renewable energy systems.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved my time there, a beautiful and relaxing place.Steve Cragg review 29 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The tranquility and bird song2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Prepare for mosquitoes3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The site is very environmentally aware, and there are a number of excellent local shops4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
MarvellousSarah Griffin review 3 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Early morning swims in the pool listening to the birdsong and watching the trees move in the early morning breeze.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring insect repellent as the mosquitos do come out at night attracted to all the plants and then you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all the cleaning products in the house were low impact, water and light consumption were kept to a minimum by timed lights and environmental water recycling. The local village and market was perfect to buy good quality local fruit and veg with a great local baker recommended to us by our hosts. The planting of trees and use of frugal water irrigation had made the area a haven for wild birds and small animals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We came back rested and happy. Good balance of seeing local areas and then returning to a homely and easygoing atmosphere at night.Jamie Paterson review 31 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lying in a hammock at the accommodation watching the moon rise!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Visit the Monchique mountains, Sagres and as many of the beautiful local beaches as possible3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The accommodation was run sustainably, waste is limited and local products are used. There was also a wonderful local farmers market in Lagos benefitting local producers.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Awesome! Beautiful part of the world. So many different and interesting areas to visit within 30/40 minutes of Lagos. We'd love to go back there, a beautiful and relaxing place to stay.Nicola Blackwell review 22 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving to sit by the tranquil swimming pool, gradually taking in the views to distant hills framed by a colourful variety of trees, cacti, beautiful blossoms, oranges and lemons. Enjoying mouth-watering fresh bakery goodies: almond cookies, honey cake and meringues from the local village.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
For a weeks stay there was enough to interest us within 5-10km, visiting the nature reserves or the mountains would probably require car hire. The comprehensive info compiled by Inge, Theo and Yorick is worth a read.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We took public transport from Faro airport to Lagos and were kindly picked up by arrangement for a small charge from the train station. We walked everywhere during the week, finding different scenic routes to the village, to the beach and to the town. The village has more charms than can first appear as there is a main road running through it. It provides all you need in terms of a daily market, bakery and family business piri piri chicken and is certainly worth supporting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!Tom Povey review 18 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peace and quiet2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to spend time at the property rather than dash off to all the many other attractions in the algave.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The property is run in ecological principles. Visitors benefit local business.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Katherine Wilcox review 27 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Collecting oranges with the kids for fresh juice every morning2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take boat rides!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
9/10BLAKE LUDWIG review 2 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Inge was such a great hostess, the place is beautiful and lush with vegetation and character, we loved staying there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You’ll need a car for getting to this site.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We really loved being able to pick fresh lemons and oranges, the fresh eggs were great!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We were really sad to leave. Such a lovely place to stay.Maggie Ayre review 25 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife and scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful.Tanya Hayes review 29 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The children were almost speechless with delight when they first saw the pool and how close it was to our guesthouse. They also loved the pizza evening with our hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You don't need to plan too many activities. We enjoyed a paddle boarding trip, visited a couple of beaches and had a day in a water park but mainly just enjoyed swimming and barbecuing at the accommodation. Note: We were there late August and definitely needed our mosi repellent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were facilities to enable easy recycling and yes, seems very much set up to reduce environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a perfect end to our travels through Portugal.Bart Bakker review 9 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Working on the land, pruning olive trees around the quinta, and meeting our hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get the feeling of Portugal in 'winter': visit the empty beaches, work on the land, enjoy the colors of the flowers and the sounds of the birds. Because it feels like spring, in December!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Instead of flying, we took the train from The Netherlands to Portugal, a very nice and easy way to travel. Also, we helped to maintain the land around the Quinta and left it a bit more beautiful than it was at our arrival.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful!Sarah Hugo review 2 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The apartment is beautiful and we got to pick oranges and a pomegranate :-) the beach near the apartment is also lovely. Algarve is pretty touristy and built up.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
End of October the pool and sea are too cold for the little ones. Luz has good rock pools. We had a nice meal in Odiáxere in a cafe opposite the windmill.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Apart from the cleaners the apartment didn’t support locals necessarily that we saw- but as no meals on site you eat locally supporting local businesses. There are solar panels and changing of sheets etc kept to minimum. Lots of upcycling and recycling and only natural products used.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The apartment was a lovely space to be in with beautiful views and is planted really well. The rooms are beautifully put together with foreign / antique pieces. Inge was helpful and a good host. Veg boxes were not easily available and the beds were not comfortable for us - doubles are two singles. Overall lovely place to unwind and lovely pool area.Liz glover review 1 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peace and quiet, gorgeous gardens with terraces to sit and gaze. The beautiful pool, friendly dogs and Lola the cat who adopted us for our weeks' stay. Eating figs from the tree. The house, its comfort and lovely things , the homely atmosphere and the beauty of the setting, the light and tranquility.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The local monthly market is good to browse and get a flavour of rural life and to buy big vegetables. The bakery is beautiful- that amazing heavy loaf is gorgeous. Spend time at the apartment soaking up the atmosphere. We didnt hire a car and walking locally was perfectly fine, a good opprtunity to absorb the rhythms of village life. The boys were lent bikes so could wizz along! The beach is quite a long walk and the water was wild and exciting (the life guard keeping an eye on our adventurous teenagers!). We did an easy trip to busy Lagos by bus. Our four teenagers actually shared a room, Inge kindly making up two extra beds for them, and sibling harmony is perfectly possible! BBQs are fun too.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We ate at local restaurants/ cafes and bought local produce. The little round cheeses are good! The apartment is very environmentally conscious and recycles rubbish.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect. Loved it. We stayed with our 4 almost adult children and had a lovely family vacation. No pressure or racing about. Good food and conversation; star gazing and sitting out late on the terrace with a friendly cat on my youngest's lap. Thank you to our hosts Inge and Theo for their hospitality. A beautiful place.Reegan Byrne review 31 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Relaxing at the villa2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring mosquito spray and bite ointment3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was great. The villa owners made us feel welcome. Accommodation and setting were perfect. Really relaxed feel we had everything we needed with a short car ride into the village or Lagos.Jacqueline Precey review 4 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hosts holding a pizza party on Thursday evening, and the beautiful swimming pool.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the very helpful information in the house.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We did, Inge and Theo have set up a very well thought through environment4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As a three generation family this vacation, couple in their 60s plus our daughter and her 5 year old granddaughter, it was perfect.Simon Adams review 14 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lovely location, central to the best parts of the Algarve but right out in a peaceful hide away.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Eat at A Baragada in Lagos.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - very low impact to the environment. It really was an organic stay...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - happy to recommend.Donna Linden review 13 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time relaxing in and around the stunningly beautiful accommodation. There really was very little need to leave.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The local market in Lagos was really worth a visit for stocking up beautiful local produce.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We definitely supported local people by using local markets and local shops in the village. We only ventured to the larger supermarket for the things we couldn't source locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had the most amazing time in a simply beautiful location with stunning accommodation. Our hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful without being intrusive. I would recommend this vacation wholeheartedly and can't wait to return.Rachel Gomme review 13 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautifully created and carefully looked-after space - room, garden and terraces - that sit harmoniously in a lovely environment, full of wild flowers. The welcome from hosts Inge and Theo, always ready to help with information, and all the attention to detail.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There are walks around the area that are definitely worth doing! The salt marshes, and if you have transport, further afield. It's also easy enough to walk into Lagos if you want the town sights or beaches. Late spring/early summer is a great time to go for wild flowers, and delicious fresh strawberries.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I shopped in the local village as much as I could so hope that that supported local businesses. i also used local public transport. The Quinta is built and maintained very much with environmental concerns at the forefront, with solar power and recycling/reuse of materials, and I was happy to be reminded to use electricity and water sparingly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The weather was not as good as I'd hoped, but that's to be expected here on the Atlantic coast! I'd also like to come again in a quieter season. Overall, this was a relaxing, invigorating vacation.Angie Leonard review 15 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable was the overall ambience of the quinta especially swimming in the unique pool surrounded by beautiful countryside. This could be a 'no shoes, no news ' vacation if you wanted to make it - but you' d miss out too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book a car. The roads are easy to drive and it's well worth taking in the spectacular coastline, within very short distances.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes , all of these.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful hosts, idyllically peaceful, varied restaurants and such friendly locals.Lucy Coen review 18 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The place was totally beautiful and relaxing. The atmosphere was so tranquil.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do some research on the local areas, the beaches and make sure to do a shop so you can do your own BBQ.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the ethos was totally different to usual vacation places, it prioritised the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, would love to go back.Jill Hessin review 9 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I really enjoyed watching the kids play with Lola the cat and improve their swimming in the pool.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely hire a car and bring mosquito repellent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt encouraged to use local shops and restaurants which we enjoyed, the furniture was upcycled and I think that reduces environmental impact4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful family vacation, we didn't feel over crowed or isolated so it was just perfect for us.Vicky Mollart review 26 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The design of the homestay, its buildings and gardens. To wake to birdsong was wonderful and after a hot day out to come back and have a cooling swim in the pool was heaven. The welcome and generosity of the hosts make this a very special place.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need a good amount of bottled water, the Chapel Suite has a very small fridge so you need to buy food daily. The bakery in Odixere is superb. Relax and enjoy the hammock!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the homestay's 17 hectares are a haven for flora and birdlife. We used and were encouraged to use the local stores, markets and restaurants. Recycling was well organised and clear.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 stars - it was one of the best vacations we have had.Cathy Fox review 2 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Finding an amazing beach on the west coast and a gorgeous lake 15 minutes drive north of the accommodation. The bakery in the local village was another bonus- fab bread, cakes and quiche.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire a car. Luz car were great in Lagos. The roads are narrow and often don't have pavements; I wouldn't have liked to walk them. Even if you want to just stay at the house and use the pool you'd need to go to the local village for supplies. I wished I'd taken insect repellant and was very glad I'd remembered my sun hat!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
These vacation houses recycle rubbish and water and have an ecological source of electricity and water. They also provide eco cleaning products, a small hand made soap and a bottle of locally produced wine.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The accommodation hosts was very welcoming, relaxing, beautifully decorated inside and outside, the gardens are lush and varied. The pool was fab.Rosanna Pye review 23 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming in the lovely deep pool with our five year old daughter, with no one else around.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you don't want to hire a car then you can get taxis to beaches and back fairly cheaply, the taxi service Inge recommended were great.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the commitment to ecology is very clear.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful. Beautiful place and everyone working there was so friendly and helpful. Very relaxed but with a luxurious feel. Would recommend.Silvia Raviscioni review 12 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable part was the quiet and the peace, we stayed in april and we found a really quite place, with flowers fruit trees birds and sun, where you can take a break, breath and enjoy the nature and yourselves.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your time, we have been there just three night and 2.5 day but that is not enough to really appreciate the atmosphere which is unique (A car is needed).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, thet had solar panel for heating the water and for power, they used just natural cleaning product and gave us natural soap and a really tasty biologic wine, moreover they were situated in a not turistic area and gave us many tips for local markets resturant and activities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect for families but also for person alone which are seeking for some time to think and relax.Tasha Kalisher review 8 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This is a stunning place to stay. It has been beautifully restored and rebuilt by the owners and they have filled it with old and interesting pieces of furniture and art. It was incredily comfortable and nothing was too much for the owners. They provided a big box of Lego for my son and a guitar for my partner and plenty of hammocks for me to read my books in so we were all happy. It is in a very convenient location so easy to explore the area - that is if you can tear yourself away from the pool. We will definitely be coming back!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring mosquito repellent3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As the place we stayed is off grid and they grow a lot of their own produce and recycle everything it felt very environmentally sound.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Five star - we loved it!Andy Sayers review 26 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most exciting part of our vacation was seeing the property and our room for the first time. It was truly magical.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The Quinta we stayed in was quite remote ( which made it special) but I would say a car is essential to get around. Also, be aware that August is very busy and beautiful looking beaches are crowded.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the Quinta is very eco friendly and the owner encourages visitors to use the local shops and restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation was one of the best we have ever had. The Quinta and owner are very welcoming and helpful whilst being unobtrusive and we had a fantastic time and will be back.Alison Battles review 8 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was wonderful from start to finish - a warm welcome, a beautiful house, lovely pool, fantastic views. The best bit was being outside all of the time, we could sit out for meals, wander about picking flowers, lemons and herbs, stroke the cat, visit the horse - it really was idyllic. The children loved the pizza night and we enjoyed meeting the other guests too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We were lucky enough to spend two weeks here so could relax by the pool some days and explore on others. You will need a car really but there is plenty to do nearby so you won't feel like you're spending your vacation in the car. Wonderful beaches close by, Lagos is touristy but nice for a wander around and has a good selection of restaurants. Would definitely recommend exploring the coast if you can drag yourself away from the peace and tranquility.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Inge and Theo are working hard on all of this. We were encouraged to recycle everything and the coloured bins really help - the children loved taking the rubbish out!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great vacation and we hope to return.Amelia White review 25 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The swimming pool is a tropical paradise.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire car is definitely needed. You can walk to the village in 30 mins but in 40 degrees heat as it was in August, it was hard work.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, as despite the heat, we were comfortable without aircon.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Was an amazing place to stay. Gorgeous pool. Inge was very friendly and helpful. Just need a car next time.Kerstin Lindley-Jones review 5 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Inge was incredibly welcoming and helpful all the time. We celebrated a birthday while there and she was happy to lend us a cake tin. We decided to invite the hosting family as well as the other guests to our little celebration and had a great time by the pool. A few days later Inge put on a pizza party by the bread oven. She made the dough and sauce and we all brought toppings and drinks. Apart from guests of the quinta there were also young volunteers from a nearby permaculture farm. It was really a great evening with enthusiastic and inspiring people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow yourself time to just hang-out at the quinta. It's so relaxing and there are plenty of places to sit/lie while reading yet another good book. A true possibility to stop life for a bit.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We went shopping in the local village and especially appreciated the bakery. Inge also gave us a bottle of organic wine produced by a neighbour as a welcoming present, and we bought more from her later on. Very nice wine. We particularly enjoyed being able to go out in the garden and pick herbs and the odd pepper or tomato (whatever was ripe at the time) for our cooking. It's clear that Inge and Teo are very concerned about conservation, so e.g. there were very clearly designated bins for different kinds of recycling. And they are off the grid producing their own electricity from big solar panels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful time, even though we unfortunately all suffered from bad colds that we'd brought with us from the UK. The place was a perfect place for restoration and recuperation, so even though we didn't have the vacation we'd planned, we were all very happy with the experience we did have in this wonderful, warm and relaxing space. We've been lucky to be on other equally wonderful vacations, so don't want to say this one is The Best. Hence the 4 rather than 5 stars.Jayne Ross review 26 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We spent 10 nights and it was all really great, friendly and helpful hosts and beautiful, clean accommodation. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the garden (not being a gardener myself) the plants are beautiful and there are so many different places to sit, with each providing a different view. The pool was fantastic, great toddler areas and also big enough for swimming. The location was also very good, we were able to do lots of trips out and still have plenty of time relaxing by the pool.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire a car via Inga and stop on your way from the airport for supplies especially bottled water.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The accommodation certainly does no harm to the local area, we ate locally at restaurants that were recommended in the large folder of information and also bought bread from a local baker who came to the Quinta to bake in the bread oven. The gardens are a great habitat for insects and birds.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It exceeded our expectations and we plan to return in the next couple of years.Patricia Brenchley review 16 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peace and tranquillity of the surroundings. The wonderful welcome shown by Inge and Theo. The freedom to wander their land, pick oranges, lemons and apricots. The beautiful swimming pool with a natural rock surround which all three generations used every single day. All the space that the Vivenda cottage and grounds offered us. The wonderful hospitality of all the local people in the fish market, the small supermarkets and small cafe's/restaurants. Lunch at Chico Ze an absolutely amazing lunch time only restaurant set in a wonderful grounds restored and set as a museum with school room, chapel, farm buildings a wonderful place for our almost 3 years old grandson to enjoy. The meals were superb and the service outstanding.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire a car through Inge's contacts at Marina Car Hire, no waiting around for hours like others had to, take good walking shoes but mostly sit back relax and take in all that there is to see and do.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Apart from once shopping in Lagos at a larger supermarket we bought locally daily, ate local and only travelled locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
100%. Exactly what we as a family of three generations, age range from almost 3 to 71, were looking forMonika Wolkers review 1 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great place, great people!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Relax and lean back. enjoy sitting on the terras and doing nothing. owners are superhelpful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very nice - also perfect place to be with kids!Tracey Smith review 5 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The accommodation is faultless and very beautiful and the hosts are welcoming and friendly.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
My daughter is vegan and while Portugal is hopeless for vegans, she had a great time picking fruit and nuts from the trees and buying vegetables (local and cheap) in the markets.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a lovely time!Rachel Turner review 7 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The location - so tranquil and perfect hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The accommodation is perfect for getting away from it all, but with facilities nearby when needed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best!Accommodation Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
