Villa Lily

Lets start with the bad things ... 1. No wifi ... for me that is no problem, but for my 6 year old that is the end of the world. Luckily the 4G coverage is strong. 2. No hairdryer ... but there was an iron, towels, dish washer, washing machine, pool inflatable, a well stocked kitchen ... 3. errrr ... that is all the bad I can think of!!! Instruction to get to the villa were fine, and they keys were where they should be. We chanced our arm a bit an arrived at 1pm, as opposed to the 4pm stated, but it was all ready, clean and tidy and empty. When we first walked into the villa we were stunned at not only how beautiful it is, both inside and out, but also how big it was. All the rooms were large. The pool was amazing, and the BBQ a god send. There was plenty of space around to feel isolated and alone, which was nice ... but we could hear kids playing at nearby villas - which was no problem as it didn't carry on late into the evening at all. There is a huge range of local shops and cafes and restaurants, and the area is very wealthy (our villa was tiny compared to most on the street!). The local beach was a 10 minute drive, and really nice, but very busy in the day. We only went a couple of times for an evening stroll to watch the sunset. The towns around the area were lovely, and became much more natural and less UK tourist the further in land you went. Everyone in the local area speaks very good English, and navigating around in the hire car was no problem. Overall A lovely location for the most fantastic villa. I would book it again no problems what so ever!

We went 21.9.14 - 05.10.14. We found the villa on google earth ( 37 03 34.41 N 8 02 19.19 W ). This meant we could do our homework i.e the route from the airport, the nearest Aldi and Apolonia supermarkets in Almancil. These were side by side, covered all our needs and were approx 7 mins drive away. When we got to the airport to pick up our hire car from europcar we were taken by van to a destination 10 mins away. Then sat for approx 1 hr waiting for our turn (as you take a ticket). They try to sell you a scheme of 240 euros on protecting any accidents - saying you will pay an excess of 1900 if not. We did not take this but took the activating of the toll transponder on the car for 18 euros. The drive to the villa was only 15 minutes. When we got to the villa, its was so exciting. Rooms everywhere and so beautiful. Very spacious and homely. It is exactly what you see in the brochure. It has everything including ironing board and iron, plenty of hangers, loads of towels. Just not a hairdryer. The TV even picked up loads of English channels. It is true that there is no air conditioning but the mesh blinds on all doors and windows meant you could get the fresh air and no midges and even though it was around 28/30 degrees the villa felt cool inside. The pool was a little cool and best to go into in the afternoons. But was large and approx 9ft at the deep end - which meant many great hours of fun was had. It was amazing having your own house, garden and pool. It was so quiet and peaceful and only a 10 min walk to the quinta shopping plaza - where you will find a small supermarket, an irish bar to eat and watch sports, a great Italian restaurant and upmarket clothes and gift shops. There were stables nearby and you could drive 5-10 mins to a choice of beaches. We loved the one in Quinta do lago, part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Where you park up next to the start of the wooden walkway to the beach.

Directions : The villa is easily found if you have good directions and map. The Thompson directions were poor and if arriving at night you would have problems finding the villa. I would google earth the location and use street view to help. The villa is down a gated road you are the last of two villas, spaced well apart. room to park two to three cars. Acesss to the villa is via coded secure key box. Code will be supplied by welcome pack. Car hire be prepared to wait after your arrival. You may also be shuttled to a different point if car hire is Eurocar Not a pleasant experience. Car hire is full tank and return full. Collision waiver is around 15 euro per day. Villa : 3 good sized rooms, only one double bed at top floor. No ceiling fans or air con but meshed windows to stop flies or mozies. A net may help if you react to bites. Coded safe top floor. BBQ area fab in the evening as shaded. Grass area large enough to play games on. Pool nice and deep one end lovely and clean. Patio area always in the welcome shade. good plastic tables sun loungers and parasols. Cleaner for house and pool called twice in one week. Beach 3k easy parking and access but would be very busy at height of season. Two small supermarkets one slightly better than the other. Petrol station close by. Summary : Private quiet relaxing holiday and would thoroughly recommend the Villa. Went with four adults and two children. Improvements perhaps : lights better to sit out. side gates as too easy access all round.