We called at very short notice but the English owners of this accommodation very kindly managed to accommodate us between bookings. This was our first visit to Yavanna and although we know this part of Portugal quite well this lovely hidden valley was new to us. The accommodation was truly delightful and of a very high standard indeed. The attention to detail was outstanding - the kitchen was very well equipped with everything you could possibly need and the beds were of the sort usually found in expensive hotels. Our accommodation had a lovely patio overlooking the landscaped gardens where you could sit and unwind. Although the houses are near to each other the garden layout allows for considerable privacy and peace. You may greet your neighbours round the beautifully designed swimming pool but they might be off visiting the stunning coastline nearby for the day and you will have it all to yourself. We brought back very happy memories of this short visit and we would certainly book to visit there again. It would be lovely to book as a group of friends or a large extended family but it was also lovely for a couple as it was so private and relaxing. Northern Portugal is a beautiful area and the wonderful landscape is matched by the warmth and kindness of the people you meet. This accommodation provides a wonderful base to explore the region and now we have found this wonderful base we will be going back more often.

Heather
Kingston upon Thames
Yavanna heaven!
Left on 08/05/2011 for a stay in July 2011
I feel very lucky to have had the Yavanna experience for the last 2 years.
If you are looking for a little bit of paradise then this is the place for you. Yavanna is so peaceful and beautiful, with outstanding views across the valley.
The house has been tastefully styled and is worthy of a 5 star rating.
Eunice and Mark are the most hospitable hosts you could wish for, they have a wealth of local knowledge and nothing is too much trouble.
I hope to return to Yavanna many more times and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this idyllic retreat for those who enjoy the finest things in life!
Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

Me and my family stayed here for 14 days in the beginning of June. We were 6 kids (3-14 years) and 6 grown-ups.
We brought 3 cars, which all fit on the parking ground infront of the houses. The rooms were all nice and clean, and well kept. The bathrooms kept an excellent standard. The garden is huge, and has lots of room for the kids to play around on.
The pool area is perhaps the best part of this place, a delicious salt-water pool (no Chlorine) that is also kept very clean.
The hosts live in a house on the premises, and are all very nice people. Without getting intrusive in any way, they look after you and make sure everything is OK. Being English, they were very easy to communicate with, at least for us Scandinavians.

If I am going back to northern Portugal, I wouldn't hesitate to use this facility again!

Beautiful, thoughtfully designed cottage, garden and pool. Wide view across the valley, caring hosts and range of things to do locally and further afield.

A family of five, there was always enough going on, plenty of space and choice for everyone. This including long spells of doing not much in relaxing surroundings. Not one, but two countries to explore on the doorstep, an open coast, broad river, lively markets and late night festival we will not forget

Yavanna is a wonderful warm place in northern Portugal. Eunice and Mark created a perfect atmosphere, where all from 8 - 80 feel at home from the moment you set foot on the property. The garden is lovely, the pool is splendid and the cottages are lovingly decorated and perfectly furnished. Yavanna is also the perfect starting point for day trips: to Porto, Braga, Guimaraes or Spain, or a visit to one of the beaches and the river. We will definitely return, both for the house, location and climate, but also for Eunice and Mark who knew how to help us make the most and more of our stay. Yavanna even better than the pictures on the web.
Yavanna is een heerlijk plekje in het noorden van Portugal. DE eigenaren, Eunice en Mark hebben er een fantastische warme en welkome sfeer gecreeerd waardoor je je meteen thuis voelt. De tuin is heerlijk en ruim opgezet , met tafeltennis en zwembad, een groente tuin waar je je tomaten en sla kunt plukken. De huisjes zijn perfect ingericht, met oog voor detail en luxe. Dagtripjes naar Porto, Braga en Guimaraes zijn goed te doen, Spanje is een must en slechts 10 minuten rijden. de stranden en rivier zijn binnen een half uur tot een uur te bereiken. Wij komen zeker terug, al was het aleen maar vanwege de het kunnen weerzien van Eunice en Mark, die weten hoe je de verwachtingen van vakantiegangers kunt overtreffen. In het echt is het nog beter dan de foto's al doen vermoeden

Wij hebben het geweldig naar ons zin gehad in het "Casa Gabriel" in Yavanna. Natuurlijk was het ook prachtig weer, maar we hadden alles wat we hadden kunnen wensen. Een fijne kamer met een mooi uitzicht over de vallei. Het gebruik van keuken, huiskamer en een prachtige tuin met een groot zwembad. We zijn gastvrij ontvangen en kregen uitvoerig informatie over alles wat van belang was.
Ook was Yavanna een springplank voor uitstapjes in de prachtige omgeving en kleurrijke steden en dorpjes in de buurt. Je kan er goed tot rust komen, maar ook heel actief zijn.
Beslist een aanrader.

Joke & Coen.

Our family including three teenage daughters enjoyed a fabulous week at Yavanna in May 2011. We all immediately stepped in to ‘chill’ mode of relaxing by the beautiful pool or in the amazing hammocks in the lovely gardens. No shops or bars nearby – no problem! We could easily have spent the whole time at Yavanna, however the beach at Caminha is great and a fantastic day trip to the Spanish town of Baiona also went down very well. The house was very tastfully kitted out and extremely comfortable. Thank you Eunice and Mark - we’ll be back!

What a delicious way to relax. It is rare that you can feel so settled and peaceful so quickly which is perfect for a short break. The surroundings are beautiful, listening to the faint sound of bleating goats and bird song while lying by the splendid pool is hard to beat.

I loved the local restaurant - very authentic and cheap! You must go.