Vale D'Oliveiras

[paulc]

Hello, I am intending to visit at the end of this month and about to book the Vale D'Oliveiras Quinta Resort and Spa. Cannot find any reviews anywhere though which is a bit odd. family of 5, 3 kids 10, 12 and 13. looks perfect but am twitchy as like to see what other people think usually. any help/views greatly appreciated. Thanks. Paul

[ditzy]

I think the reason there are no reviews is because it has just opened. Had a look around and it looks very nice, the indoor pool is large and there is jacuzzi and sauna etc, outdoor pools are a nice size too and nice gardens. Can't offer much more than that I'm afraid!

[paulc]

ah, that would explain it! thank you very much for the reply.

[MikeandDi]

Hi paulc - vale d'oliveiras is a beautiful resort, with excellent amenities. (We own a quarter share in a property there - so we are a bit biased!) The indoor pool is a great bonus - also the gym and jacuzzi and tennis courts. There is a first class restaurant overlooking the pool area with reasonably priced menu for breakfast and lunch, a bit more pricey for dinner but great food. There is also an outdoor cafe/bar by the pool, which wasn't open when we were there in January, but might well be at Easter. The outdoor pool is not heated so will probably be rather chilly. By the way, you are required to wear swimcaps in the indoor pool, but towels are provided. Vale d'oliveiras is situated between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, and is close to the little village of Sesmarias (5 mins drive, 15 mins walk from the resort). There is an excellent pizzaria here, by the weater tower, and a couple of cafes where they serve light meals. Also an excellent little supermarket where they sell fresh bread and a good range of products at reasonable prices. There is another little supermarket opposite the entrance to the Gramacho golf course where they sell English newspapers, postcards, stamps as well as the usual stuff. The nearest beach is Caneiros, on the road to Ferragudo - this is exquisite, particularly at low tide, when a further beach is exposed. There is a lovely restaurant on the beach, which is quite smart and specialises in seafood, but you can have just a coffee or drink or snack. There is also a separate little snack bar and toilet/shower facilities. You will find lots of restaurants in the surrounding area, particularly since you have use of a car - also excellent supermarkets - and everyone is incredibly friendly

I could go on and on about this place because we enjoy visiting so much, but if you do stay at Vale d'oliveiras, I hope you and the family enjoy the experience. and let us know is you require further info.

Di

Di

[paulc]

Many thanks for all the fabulous information Di! Now a lot more confident so am going to book this morning. will let you know what we think. thanks again. Paul

[nic askin]

I'm so relieved! We have just booked to stay here. We found the resport and thought it looked wonderful. We assumed that the lack of reviews was down to its newness but you never know. I can now look forward to my week in April with more positivity! Lets just hope the weather improves.

[shanagarry]

Is this the place at the back of Pestana?

[DaveK]

Yes, at the back of the Gramacho course. Part way though construction it had major problems with the banks and the whole thing ground to a halt for some time. Still, seems to be finished now and to a good standard too.

[MikeandDi]

Hi Paul and Nic - I don't think you will be disappointed in Vale d'Oliveiras. It is situated in a very attractive rural setting, with views over to the Monchique mountain in the distance, and the Gramacho golf course in the foreground. You also get views of Portimao in the distance, which are particularly pretty at night when all the lights come on. We have been there at all times of the year and in all weathers and have loved it every time. The accommodation is beautifully fitted out, the TV has several English channels (we also take CDs and DVDs with us), and the furnishings are very attractive and comfortable. It is easily reached from the motorway (you don't have to go through Carvoeiro - approach via the roads around the Pestana golf courses of Pinta and Gramacho); it is within an easy drive of two larger supermarkets - we prefer Pao d'Acucar (Portuguese for Sugar Loaf); which has a good bakery, excellent fish and meat counters, also a nice clothes shop attached. The other is Intermarche, also with great fish and meat counters, but the layout is a bit messy and the queues at the checkout a bit longer. A cheaper option is Pingo Doce in Lagoa - the nearest sizeable town. There is also a slide and splash attraction nearby. There's plenty of stuff to do if the weather is disappointing: there are large shopping centres and cinema complexes, the Cliff Richard winery at Guia is worth a visit but has to be booked in advance; we tend to spend a lot of time sitting in restaurants but I guess with kids that's probably not an option, but the restaurants are very child friendly. Lots of the bars and restaurants have TV's so you can enjoy a drink and footie at the same time. There are so many restaurants, it's difficult to make recommendations but if you have children I would recommend that you order early as bear in mind the food is freshly cooked so won't appear immediately (we once waited 40 mins. for a fresh orange juice!). We can definitely recommend a local drink - caipirinha - as a cocktail (the liquor they use in it is quite potent!). A lot of the wines are excellent, particularly from the Douro and Alentejo. There is a local winery in Lagoa which you can visit. Carvoeiro itself is delightful, with a very pretty beach. If you have small children it's worth walking up to the church where there is what must be the most attractively sited kiddies' playgound anywhere, with beautiful views over the coast. However, parking is difficult and you'll probably need to park some way from the centre and walk. The nearby coastal village of Ferragudo is also worth a visit, it has good beaches and excellent but simple fish restaurants, where they barbecue the fish. A lot of fish is sold by weight and is very fresh but it's wise to ask how much it will cost before they cook it. But if you want a light meal, the fish soups and sardines are excellent. Most restaurants serve a selection of bread/pate/cheese/olives as an appetiser - some charge individually for each component. This is often automatically placed on the table, but you don't have to have it - particularly if you are ordering a starter course anyway - however, it is all very tasty, and if we're not having a starter, we usually have it.

Anyway - let's hope the sun shines for you (on one of the other blogs the site http://www.accuweather.com/worldforecast is mentioned as being particularly helpful for long range forecasts.

Di

[Jaylay]

Mike and Di you are obviously great fans of this development, what made you buy there? especially as it has stood empty for a long time?

[shanagarry]

That was the reason I asked its location as I had no idea they completed it. Who owns it now?

[MikeandDi]

We bought into the resort about 4 years ago after we had been given a tour around the development. There were problems with the original management company, which have now been resolved and the resort is still owned by the original British developer. The new management team are excellent, and now that the resort has been granted 5 star status, have been able to start marketing. During this time, the landscaping has matured and the resort looks beautiful (all accommodation is arranged around courtyard gardens with fountains, surrounded by cloisters). It's great to see Vale d'Oliveiras fully operational and fulfilling the vision of the designers.

[shanagarry]

MikeandDi - wish you every success and happiness there - enjoy

[rolf66]

I believe one of the developers is an ex England footballer and TV sports pundit,anybody know who it is ?

[ditzy]

I don't know about this development but Tony Dorigo is behind the Vale da Lapa resort just up the road