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Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 14 Aug 2012)
Charles,
Just like to thank you for putting a continuous smile on our faces. You will never know how happy you made us feel with the rental of your villa. My wife, children, grandchildren and I thank you wholeheartedly from our hearts.
The villa is well equipped and situated not too far all the amenities. I did apologise to Richard and his family if we made a bit too much noise but he said we werent any bother.
So once again I thank you.
Satty and family,
Southampton.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 14 Aug 2012)
Well, what can I say about Tavira and the Vila Alecrim? There’s only one word – superb!
My family and I have been there on several occasions now, and undoubtedly will continue going back. The villa is always clean, more-than-presentable and well maintained by the manager, Ian, under the watchful eye of Charles, the owner.
Vila Alecrim, in comparison with other villas in Tavira, is competitively-priced, and the impression that I’ve been left with is that rather than it being just another holiday home in which the owner’s profit is the overriding factor, Charles gives a great deal of consideration to its upkeep and presentation. This means that although Vila Alecrim might lack one or two mod-cons, it is homely and bears Charles’ personal touch.
The principal attraction of the villa, especially for those with kids, must be the swimming pool. My son and his pals, not forgetting me too, love to splash around in it all day, and its size is more than adequate for a good 7-8 people to occupy it at the same time without being crushed in likes sardines such has been my experience of other ‘luxury’ villas’ pools in the Tavira area, which in reality have been nothing more than glorified paddling pools. Having emerged from the pool, it’s then time to crack open a few beers, fire up the barbeque and enjoy the evening on Vila Alecrim’s capacious patio. Whilst the adults enjoy a night’s carousing, the kids can entertain themselves watching the TV which has many of the usual UK freeview channels.
The villa is self-catering, and although Charles kindly provides a welcome pack of life’s essentials for guests, it seems that an amount of beer which reflects my consumption is not deemed necessary. Fear not! Within five minutes’ drive is both a Lidl and Aldi supermarket, where all necessities can be found, including ample supplies of the local brew, Super Bock. On my last trip, I remarked that Lidl has started to sell even “British bacon”, but be warned that they place drinking and distilled water next to each other, so make sure you get the right one. The bottles with a picture of a car battery on ain’t for drinking!
The town of Tavira is a few minutes’ drive from Vila Alecrim. Parking is ample, or taxis are easily arranged. The town provides so much to do and to suit all interests. Personally, I’m not hot on beaches (forgive the pun), but Tavira has that if you want. I’m more content to stroll around the town, popping in to one-bar-or-the-other, and then choosing where to eat, for which one is spoiled for choice. On other days, we’ve taken the hire car and gone to investigate either Spain, which is not far away, or other Portuguese towns between Tavira in Spain. All-in-all, neither I nor my family has regretted going to either Tavira or, especially, Vila Alecrim.
Needless to say, we’re already booked up to go again next year, and thanks to Charles for making the villa so warm, inviting and such a home-from-home.
Ralph from Liverpool.
Review submitted by lisa from halesowen (Submitted: 8 Nov 2011)
i would definitely recommend this villa for a family holiday as it was brilliant value for money and a clean and spacious villa. the children loved the pool and it is in a safe location away from main roads. saying that i would recommend a hire car is needed if you want to explore the area and go into tavira but if you want to just laze by the pool it is ideal. tavira is a lovely town and the kids enjoyed watching the fish in the river on the roman bridge and enjoyed the castle too. the beaches are gorgeous and to get to them needs a boat or a train ride which adds to the fun. the contacts were very helpful, ian gave us some great directions and advice on supermarkets (lidl and aldi nearby!) and richard was very helpful when we had no electric!! we had a great time thanks very much.
Review submitted by Conor from Newport, Ireland (Submitted: 26 Sep 2011)
Had a wonderful time with my family and friends at this villa, would definitely recommend it to others, location is great, peaceful and quiet, only 30minutes to faro airport, which was useful as I had to do a few runs to the airport. The larger area is wonderful with plenty to see and do, hills/villages/walks/cycling/horse-riding/beaches/jeep&boat-tours. The town of Tavira is splendid for restaurants and decents bars also, town market is a must visit, go early in the day and stock up on fish for the bbq. Also villa manager Ian and his wife will let you know everything you need to know about the area, of where to go and what to do and see.Villa is more spacious than it seems in the photos and the plants and trees around the villa add so much character.
Review submitted by David from Wilmslow (Submitted: 20 Sep 2011)
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the villa - it fully met, indeed exceeded, all our expectations as set by the information on the website. Ex pat Brits who maintain the place - Ian and his wife - gave us excellent local low down about Tavira on our arrival and the villa and pool provided an excellent base for our two families throughout the hols.
Review submitted by Iain from St. Albans (Submitted: 17 Aug 2011)
We had a wonderful stay at the Villa Alecrim. It has everything you could want. A brilliant outdoor space and swimming pool. The bathroom could do with updating but this was not important to us. The living room and kitchen were lovely. The bedrooms were spacious. We will definitely recommend to our friends and revisit the villa again.
Tavira is very nice and unspoilt, we would recommend this area for a visit over the rest of the Algarve.
Review submitted by M from Bishops Stortford (Submitted: 16 Aug 2011)
We had a very restful time- quiet surroundings, lovely big pool area, well-equipped villa. You must have a car, though.
Review submitted by Debbie Jeff from Bristol (Submitted: 7 Jul 2011)
Had a fantastic holiday in this Villa and already checking the prices to revisit next year. Idyllic position. Just felt at peace with the world as soon as we arrived. Received great help and advice from Charles the owner and felt we were very well informed about all aspects of the Villa and surrounding towns. The bathrooms certainly need updating and felt the some off the patio furniture has seen better days but this did not detract from the super week we spent there. Thankyou Charles hope to visit again in 2012
Review submitted by Derek and Rose from WINSFORD (Submitted: 2 Nov 2010)
The property was in an excellent position, safe and comfortable with everything you could want for an enjoyable stay. Ideal for families or a couple who want to have a base for touring around the many local sites, or staying in and around the Villa just relaxing.
The neighbour was very helpful and the maid and pool guy were friendly. Tavira is a lovely place to look around and short drives way are several shopping centres and places to visit.
Review submitted by H from Lake District (Submitted: 10 Jun 2010)
This is a great base for a holiday for family and friends alike. The Villa accommodation is very good, well equipped and a great location - very peaceful and quiet but with excellent transport links close by. A welcome pack of food essentials & drinks is provided by the Villa Owner, and we found this very welcome indeed on the day of arrival. Pool is a good size and the kids especially loved it.
The Villa has had a few updat es for this year with refurbed kitchen with pretty much all the equipment you need to make for a relaxed holiday. Bedrooms and lounge have also had a freshen up. Just needs the main bathroom updating to complete the set - although it is clean and perfectly functional.
Communication with the Villa owner and information provided by him is also excellent, which proved very useful during the course of the holiday.
Overall very good value and a good place to spend your holiday.
Just book it! Youll have a great time.
Review submitted by john from southend on sea (Submitted: 26 Aug 2009)
Lovely villa with pool, everything that we needed was provided.
Very quiet area, but within easy reach of civilisation.
Review submitted by Peter from Bristol (Submitted: 24 May 2009)
My girlfriend and I have just returned from a week’s holiday here and loved it. A very short drive to Tavira with its shops, bars and restaurants, and beautifully set in a quiet location amongst orange groves. The villa itself was excellent – very spacious, private pool, and very well equipped. We would definitely recommend to anyone.
Review submitted by Ronald from Bradford (Submitted: 16 Sep 2008)
Everything was excellent from booking the villa, directions to the villa and finally leaving the villa.
Would certainley recommend your web site and the villa we booked.
We would like to thank you for making the whole experience of booking our accommodation an easy process.
The accommodation was just has the write up stated and more.
Review submitted by simon from great yarmouth (Submitted: 9 Sep 2008)
Property could do with a bit of updating however it is still a lovely place to stay, nicely secluded with plenty of room. A car is a must even just to get to do food shop etc as we found the taxis turned up when they felt like it or even sometimes not at all. We had a lovely holiday at this villa, quiet & relaxing
Review submitted by Sean from Emyvale, Co Monaghan, Ireland (Submitted: 15 Jul 2008)
This was the utmost in a relaxing holiday area, no clubs, bars or noisy neighbours. This is our idea of a perfect holiday location, near the town with plenty of shops to cater for our needs and of course the traditional holiday presents. The weather was fantastic during the whole of our stay (21st June to 3rd July 2008). The villa was excellently maintained and the large pool was great for the kids (and us) and the large patio area.
I would highly recomend this villa for anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing hoilday with your family, no funfairs, gaming machines to tempt them.
Easy to find and near the motorway to visit waterparks or just go for a drive and see where the road takes you.
Review submitted by Tony from Cambridge (Submitted: 21 May 2008)
The patio area is superb and gets the sun from sunrise to sunset. The pool was an excellent size and the children were in there all day. We loved the market on the edge of Tavira which sells fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. We went there every morning to get freshly caught Tuna and produce for the barbeque. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely go back to the villa.
Review submitted by leanne from llandybie (Submitted: 20 Oct 2007)
the villa was fantastic. we thoroughly enjoyed and we will definitely go back again. the wether was also fantastic for the time of year (we went in october).
Review submitted by Alan from Cuckfield (Submitted: 3 Oct 2007)
The booking process was quick and easy and the confirmation email from the owner Charles arrived within 24 hours. The downloadable information pack had all of the necessary info regarding directions and the villa itself; and also served as a comprehensive guide to the local area.
The villa was clean and tidy and had everything you could need for a week away. We arrived late on the sunday night and found a welcome pack of essentials (bread, butter, bottle of wine etc.) which was a nice touch, especially as the supermarkets had shut.
The villa is in a very quiet location at the end of a small lane and is a 10 minute drive from the center of Tavira. Whilst the property could be brought up to date with respect to decor and furnishings, we found everything to be in working order and comfortable and would certainly rent the proprerty again or recommend it.
The villa manager, Richard, lives next door and proved to be very helpful with restaurant recommendations and directions! The maid came and serviced the villa every couple of days and the pool was cleaned whilst we were there.
To finish, we had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay. Thank-you!
Review submitted by Jane from Leeds (Submitted: 21 Sep 2007)
We have had a very enjoyable stay and would have no hesitation in returning.
Whilst the property is internally quite basic & probably getting near to requiring a total re furb it is well equipped and certainly nothing I would complain about. The pool & patio area are large and ideal for parties!! with loads of sun loungers, chairs and parrasols.
The location was as we expected ie quite rural but within short driving distance to all amenities. Unlike other reviewers we did find the animal noises disturbing - it wasn't the cockeral/hens but the dogs who began barking at first light. Maria, the cleaner, is lovely and although she didn't speak English we managed to comunicate to each other.
There is a local shack a short walk away where all the locals go to drink and play cards (a small provisions shop is in one of the rooms), this is quite an eye opener and probably not to be recommended to the faint hearted but we loved it and found it hard to spend money there it was so cheap.
All in all good value for money
Review submitted by Patricia from Hornsea (Submitted: 11 Sep 2007)
I would just like to say a BIG thank you for the hire of your Villa. It was lovely. We all really enjoyed the stay. I hope we left the place in decent order for you.
Review submitted by Ian from Stevenage (Submitted: 10 Aug 2007)
This villa is in an excellent location with a really big pool area and a good size pool. The villa is quite rustic and basic but we really enjoyed that aspect. It is quite a big villa and there was more than enough space for us as a family of five. The upstairs shower will not accomodate a giant but apart from that everything was really first class. It was a really peacefull break (there is a farm across the way but the animal noises were quite funny and not a nuisance at all). It was a short car ride to the town and to the supermarkets and there are great places to eat all around. Plus good base for Markets especially one in Loule. Finally a mention for the two cats that visited us during our stay. Really freindly loveable cats and we all wanted to take them home. All in all well recommended holday.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 2 Feb 2005)
This Villa is in a quite and very peaceful position, nice people next door with lots of useful tips of were to go to eat and places of intrest, the inside of the villa was basic but overall very enjoyable and relaxing holiday hope to return one day.