Sargacal holiday villa: Lagos

If you’re reading this review you’ve probably already looked at the details for Zimbreira – and doubtless think it looks fantastic. Well, you’d be wrong – it really is even better than it looks! The pictures simply don’t do justice to how comfortable and welcoming it is – the moment you arrive it seems to envelope you in a warm embrace like you’ve been there forever. The rooms are beautifully appointed in a way that can only have evolved over time and with a great deal of care, so everything just effortlessly complements itself. None of this can be conveyed in the pictures – in fact, there aren’t even any of the kitchen, even though this is a great room, with everything you could need for an extremely comfortable stay (including two large fridges, a washer/drier and a dishwasher). The other thing that cannot be conveyed is the seamless help that comes with the property – with wonderful neighbours to help and advise, a delightful maid and an invisible gardener! But now for the good bit… the outside. We were fortunate to arrive in the evening and were met by the stunning sight of the pool, which was aglow with the under-water lighting – it really was like something from a Hollywood film. Around the pool are so many places to relax it’s hard to know where to go – from basking in the heat by the side of the pool to the balmy serenity beneath the huge palm tree. And if you can summon up the energy there’s a fantastic tennis court – perfect for family knock abouts or practicing your serve! But if you prefer less energetic entertainment you can enjoy lazy meals around the large marble topped table on the terrace. While there’s so many more positive things that we could say about the house and surrounding area, we’ll leave all that for you to enjoy discovering, like we did. In fact, the only criticism we can rely levy at Zimbreira is that it totally undersells itself – but as we hope to go back there one day that’s probably good for us!