Casa Mira Luz (24 August - 3 Sept 2009)
Review Submitted: September 23, 2009
Date of Stay: August 2009
This was the perfect villa for a relaxing family holiday in the sun (children 19,17,13 and 11). It was even more luxurious that we'd imagined and exceded our expectations in terms of its location (beautifully peaceful), spaciousness and comfort. We loved the huge spiral staircase and our teenagers thought the jacuzzi bath was fab! It was secure (approached through private gates), freshly decorated, well maintained, clean and very well equipped (including clothes airer with pegs for drying laundry, cool bag and ice packs, parasol, bats and ball and pool inflatables). Apart from meals out, we ate all our meals on the huge balcony with lovely sea views, and the built-in barbeque proved useful. Groceries locally were fairly expensive, but the freshly baked rolls and local produce were delicious and very reasonable.
We hired a car for the last 3 days (we got a good deal at the Praia de Luz car hire opposite the church, returning the car to the airport). I imagine most families would benefit from a car for the entire duration of their stay (the owner advises a hire car). Buses didn't seem to run according to the timetables at all, and when they eventually did arrive they were crowded. We enjoyed the 10 minute walk from the villa to the beach, although coming back uphill with groceries and bottled water was more of a challenge, but great exercise!
We had planned to do watersports, available at Praia de Luz and other nearby beaches, but were all happy to spend our time in the pool and and snorkelling in the sea. We drove to some lovely nearby beaches, much quieter that Praia de Luz, but also much breezier (we would recommend you invest in a windbreak as the blowing sand was a bit tiresome). We did the beautiful clifftop walk to Bergau (hilly in places), which took approx 90 mins. We had a delicious swordfish supper there (in the square on the right as you approach the sea - an Englishman owns it), then caught the bus back. We also ate out in Sagres (had a good meal in the seafront restaurant on the right as you look at the sea). Also a fantastic meal at the Italian (Atlanticos?) in Praia de Luz. Most restaurants seem to get really booked up, so best to pre-book). (I think the Sagres restaurant and Italian in Praia de Luz are mentioned in the visitor book - I forget their names).
The owner provided excellent customer service and was really helpful in answering queries and recommending car hire etc... a very stress-free experience.
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