thetravellingwilbennetts

Once we had decided on The Algarve for our summer holiday we needed somewhere to stay.  I was keen on the Carvoeiro area of the Algarve based on recommendations but also a longing to see the gorgeous beaches and caves along the coast.  Our friends that joined us for part one of our Italian Adventure last year were coming along and collectively we had decided on a villa with our own pool so the search began.  We had a couple of key requirements ideally 10 days and to be walking distance to a bar/restaurant shop.  We didn’t need it to be in the thick of it but a choice to walk if we needed.

My friend and I got searching and sharing villas – back and forth we went over a couple of weeks across various websites.  We were however struggling to get our 10 days and walking distance to amenities within budget so we decided we would do 7 days in a villa and finish with a few days at the end in a hotel.  We found and fell in love with Villa Deborah (about 3 km from the centre of Carvoeiro) which was finally sourced through Algarve Coast Villas through AirBnB so we booked our flights and confirmed the villa.  Happy Days.

For our last few days we opted for Vitors Village in neighbouring Ferragudo (read review here)

Pre-Arrival

The communication with the agent was great throughout and the instructions we received prior to arrival were really thorough so it was a good start.  Coupled with the fact that we could order a few things to be delivered (including a personalised birthday cake for Ella) we were feeling excited about getting there.

Now whilst I think I am an eternal optimist –  I am also a realist and knowing we chose the villa based on the gorgeous pictures as well as the location we were expecting these professional pictures to be in the favour of the agent and not necessarily the holidaymaker.  I have to say from the off that if all the agents photos represent their properties as well as they did for Villa Deborah then if you at planning a villa holiday in the Algarve then this is the company to go with.

Inside the Villa

Suffice to say we were blown away.  We entered the property and the space and size of the property was apparent straight away.  On the ground floor there are 2 large en-suite bedrooms a double and a twin, a separate downstairs toilet and an open plan living/dining room with huge sliding glass doors to the patio.  There is full size table football which was well used over the week and a great addition – particularly when it became a little hot for the children outside and a PlayStation got a bit of use particularly by the two bigger boys.

 

There is a large kitchen with a good sized island and stools around.  The kitchen is so well stocked with everything you could think of being supplied and more sliding doors outside.

Upstairs there are 2 more en-suite rooms another double and twin – again great sizes and both with sliding doors on to a private terrace overlooking the patio/pool area with great views over the area.

Outdoors

Then for the outside area – it is just amazing.   A brilliant pool (cleaned twice whilst we were there over the week), plenty of beds, parasols and an outside covered table where we ate all the time and such a good social area.  There is also a table tennis table, football goal and BBQ.

It would have been easy to just spend the week relaxing around this pool and not really go anywhere as they really had thought of everything.

Location and Amenities

As for location it was in the middle of a private housing complex and close to a small 9 hole golf course.  There were a number of restaurants within walking distance and a small mini-mart at the Rocha Brava Resort (only 5 minutes walk away) which has delicious pastries available for breakfast (and still warm if you get there at the right time).  There are a couple of large supermarkets within 10 minutes drive and as for beaches you are pretty spoilt – Praia Centeanes is only about a 20 minute walk from the villa by path (don’t do what we did and walk along the cliff top unless you are well stocked with liquid and don’t mind a 2 hour walk) then there is Praia Carvelho definitely walkable but probably better to drive with little legs.  Further afield is Benagil and Carvoeiro  beaches.  All the beaches are gorgeous and the water clear and calm so perfect for smaller children.

Summary

We had an absolutely brilliant time at Villa Deborah and as I mentioned we could quite easily have stayed put for the week but our adventurous side took us out.  The villa is stunning with everything you need and can think of provided.  Furnished to a very high standard and immaculate.  Would I recommend – without hesitation.

The only downside – a bit of construction work going on next to the villa, a little noisy but I managed to block it out and it wont last forever.

When we head back to the Algarve – which I am sure we will I will be straight on to Algarve Coast Villas to book our next private villa.