Excellent villa, amazing location, 5* overall!

Hi Debbie

The holiday and Casa Lia were amazing. The villa was all we hoped for and more. I would have to think long and hard to find anything negative to say about it. We all loved it. We felt totally relaxed straightaway, and enjoyed the peace and solitude. Having such a nice town as Tavira close by was lovely.

It was reassuring to have your agent, Herman, just a telephone call away should we have needed him in an emergency - it was a delight to meet him - he is very charming, and he did us a big favour getting us some shopping as it was fairly late by the time we got to the villa and we were ready for a beer!

No-one was in any rush to get up early and leave the villa so we mostly had lazy days by the pool and then got ready to go out in the late afternoon/early evenings. We only went to the beach on two days - we went over to the island on the ferry one afternoon, and another day we did the trip by the Guadiana and had a couple of hours on the river beach at Alcoutim.

We had evenings out in Tavira, Faro, Manta Rota, VRSA/Monte Gordo - everywhere was so lively with street entertainment, market stalls etc. In all we had a fantastic holiday.

Thanks for the use of the villa, we shall definitely be singing its praises to friends and relatives and would love to return some time in the future.

Kind regards

Jayne, Mark, Amy, Alex and friends

We have been to Portugal a number of times and have usually really enjoyed the country and the people. However, this was the first time of hiring a villa.

And what a success it proved to be!

It has never been easy to accommodate the very different age-related needs of our usual group.While we are our late 40s, my mother-in-law is (a sprightly) 88 and at the other end of the spectum we have our very active 7 year old daughter. In past holidays, this has not been an easy combination where everyone is kept happy! At Casa Lia, however, it all seemed to fit!

The accommodation was both very clean and spacious and was well appointed throughout. Over the small things where we needed some advice or assistance, Herman ,the very handyman was just a phonecall away. Best bits were the air conditioning, the small but very adequate pool, the entertainment systems (TV/DVD/HiFi)

Tevira is a really lovely Portuguese town where tourists are well catered for but where they are still well outnumbered by the locals enjoying their own cafe culture.

Although we didn't visit the beaches on the island at Tavira, we did visit and thoroughly enjoyed the massive and very safe beach at Manta Rota, just about 10 kilometers away and would recommend the trip. You definitely need to hire a car for your time there

My daughter has a number of food allergies and we found it both easy and enjoyable to prepare many of our evening meals using the wide range of food available at the surprisingly well appointed local supermarkets coupled with the fcooking acilities available in the villa or using the outdoors BBQ.

No printed review can do justice to the fantastic feelings of the outside space and tranquility surrounding Casa Lia at my favourite times of the early morning or evening. You'll simply have to go there to experience it for yourself!

Admittedly, there is some wind noise at night but we quickly got used to that and found ourselves well rested at the end of the holdiay.

The only real problem was that this holiday seemed to pass all too quickly!

We will definitely be returning.

We were most impressed with our stay at Casa Lia. The view over the countryside was impressive in a tranquil setting. We enjoyed glorious sunsets, as we sat by the pool. A lovely, clean pool and patio, with ample sun loungers. The large lounge had plenty to entertain us, should we have required it, and the satellite TV let us keep up with home news.
All kitchen and cleaning facilities were perfect. The bedrooms were very comfortable and the heating/aircondtioning in each room was an asset.
It was our first visit to Portugal, and it was a great way to be introduced to the country.
We would certainly use this Villa again

Arriving on a late plane, and in the dark, you do wonder where on earth you are heading for, along long lonely dusty hillside roads, but in the light of day it all becomes a new world. I found the villa to be in a wonderful secluded location with excellent and peaceful views. A short walk round the hillside dusty roads soon gave better views of the sea and Tavira. You will however need a vehicle to get about and enjoy all that is on offer. The large and roomy villa was well maintained and had adequate facilities. The owner provided marvellous customer service, and the Dutch handyman who met us in the dark and guided us to the villa is always available by phone should you need anything or have any problems. We did not want for anything as all was in ample supply, seats, loungers, towels, sheets etc.etc. The pool is deep at 10 feet, and
shelves sharply and quickly, making attention necessary for children and non swimmers.I would have no hesitation in
recommending this villa to anyone, but it is best enjoyed
by larger groups than a couple. Some people might find it a little frightening if they are not use to solitude.The area is prone to winds and at night can sound fiercer than they are.I enjoyed the ruralness, and the activity of the local farmers. Walking is somewhat off putting if you are feared of dogs as all sorts of breeds come yelping at you, but their protective barking was all it was. I had not been to Portugal prior to this visit. I will be returning. Tavira is a
lovely town and the whole area seemed an idyllic treat.