Just back from a perfect couple of weeks in John’s idyllic villa. It is difficult to accurately convey the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that surrounds the fabulous property in this beautiful part of the world. It was a true oasis of calm and a great antidote to our busy lives back home. The standard of the apartment exceeded our already high expectations, likewise the pool area and gardens which are all put at the guests’ exclusive disposal. The pool itself is spotlessly clean and has nice wide loungers around and a shady pool house with more seating and a table. I particularly enjoyed the terrace a few steps down from the pool which allowed uninterrupted views across the countryside for my morning yoga session. Behind the poolhouse there is a swing seat under a shady carob tree that is the perfect place to sit and read. Most of all though we enjoyed the freedom of a naturist lifestyle in complete privacy with John joining us, at our invitation, for an evening swim, beer and chat that we very much appreciated. He otherwise stayed in the background but was always on hand if we needed anything - in short, the perfect host and a true gentleman. We could not recommend this place too highly, it is truly spectacular. August 2022

“We have just returned from Portugal having had a perfect holiday at John & Denise’s villa.

The apartment was spotless and extremely well-equipped- like a home from home. The washing machine was much appreciated and the bed very comfortable.

The days were hot and sunny and we enjoyed the pool, sitting on the terraces looking at the amazing views and watching the sunsets. The location is very peaceful and ideal for a relaxing holiday. It would have been tempting to spend our days enjoying the pool and garden but we did venture out most days. We particularly liked Tavira and the naturist beach Praia do Barril is lovely with miles of soft white sand.

Many thanks to John & Denise who are the ideal hosts, giving us complete privacy but always there when needed. We had some lovely chats with them both. We hope to return!!”

September 2021

What a great discovery! What a pleasant stay rich in sensations!

A little corner of paradise perched on the peaks, surrounded by nature with a magnificent view!

A comfortable, clean and very well equipped apartment. There is a terrace and garden where it is good to rest, walk, and enjoy a pleasant drink or meal. With a swimming pool and a jacuzzi to relax in.

The natural surroundings with scents and colours we really appreciated. A calm and relaxing place where you feel so good that it is difficult to leave it to find pleasure in the evenings or for excursions.

But it is also close to Tavira with its shops, restaurants, boats, walks and beaches….including the naturist beach of Praia do Barill …and other charming places to discover.

The owners are as welcoming and available as they are discreet. Thank you to Denise and John for their welcome and all their little attentions, such as the small lunch package provided for our arrival, which showed concern for us.

We will definitely be back!

July 2021

Well we must admit we struck lucky. Having booked last minute when Portugal came off the quarantine list , we actually managed to get a week in before it went back on again! Then we were lucky with the weather which provided a week of unbroken sunshine combined with light winds that stopped it from being too hot. And last but certainly not least we were extremely lucky to have found (with our customary minimal research) the carefully crafted piece of paradise that John and Denise have created in the Algarve countryside.

Set on a hillside with panoramic views and a private swimming pool this is high end accommodation which would be the envy of many a five star hotel, but with self catering facilities that means you can have exactly what you want when you want it. 

And when you don’t want to cook there is an excellent  local restaurant 10 minutes drive away (Luis de Prego - which produced some truly excellent octopus) and a whole host more in Tavira , which is 10 minutes further on.

If you want sea and sand there’s also a naturist beach about 20 minutes drive followed by either a walk or a shuttle train ride (open carriages and walking pace speed – ideal for studying the local fauna and flora). Very easy access and plenty of bars and restaurants on the beach with excellent seafood. 

And when you are chilling out back at the house, John and Denise are the ideal hosts – they remain firmly in the background but instantly available if you need anything. 

A wonderful week in a summer which let’s face it has had more than its’ share of ups and downs…

September 2020

We have just returned from a relaxing week in these most peaceful surroundings, with their stunning views over the Algarve countryside towards the sea. The villa was well-equipped, comfortable and immaculately clean. Although the pool and hot tub were the central attractions, we loved exploring the various sunbathing options around the garden. We enjoyed memorable sunset barbecues and swims under the vast starlit skies.

It was hard to tear ourselves away from this setting but the beaches at Barril and Santa Luzia were well worth the trip. Tavira has enough history and character about it to make an interesting excursion not to mention a range of eating places.

A big thank you to John and Denise who were excellent hosts - unobtrusive so as not to impinge upon their guests, yet always available with helpful advice and suggestions if asked.

September 2019

Just a thank you for the privilege of staying in your beautiful apartment, full of character, well appointed, everything you need and more, and a most comfortable king-sized bed.

Really quiet and totally relaxing, the scenery is beautiful, in the middle of nowhere, Paul went for a walk each morning and took a different route each time, and on only one occasion saw another person, fantastic. If you cannot relax here then you most certainly have a problem!

The pool is delightful, the hot tub the icing on the cake and the garden just goes on and on with many special features. Thank you also for the welcome pack which is a nice touch.

Santa Catarina is 5 minutes away with quaint little shops that remind you of the 60s in England, you can get everything you need, the bread shop cum cafe has a magnificent array of cakes and was a hive of activity. Further afield you can go to Tavira in 15 minutes and to the outstanding Praia do Barril beach is another 10 minutes, it is a must, almost white sand, stunning.

To cap it all we used the gas barbecue almost every day because we did not want to leave the tranquil environment we were in, need we say more.

We liked it so much (if you will have us again) to book for the same time next year

September 2019