Reviews of Property: Casa do Mar: a secluded, luxurious villa + heated pool and spectacular sea views
Description
Villa, 220 m²,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 3 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 3 Bathrooms
Facilities
near the sea, village,
pool,
garden,
terrace,
balcony
Tony Hughes-Lewis
+351 291-827770
+351 914-850454
+351 914-850454
Speaks: English
12 Reviews of Property 73144 in Calheta, Portugal
Mo/Jan
Review Submitted: April 16, 2009
Date of Stay: March 2009
Very pleased with this villa - it really is a lovely place in beatuiful surroundings. We all agreed we had never stopped at a place so well equipped. not once did we have to say "If only they had........" or "I wish they had a ..........". It really is a home from home and we certainly did not want to return to the UK. The pool was enjoyed by all, once we got over the feeling of falling into the sea! We all fell in love with Madeira and will most definitely return.
Will definitely recommend this property to friends.
The idiot guide on how to get from the airport was foolproof.
Will definitely recommend this property to friends.
The idiot guide on how to get from the airport was foolproof.
Recommended for:
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers
Owner's Response: Another really positive review which will be of great help to anyone thinking of booking in future. Many thanks from Judith.
Sad family from St Albans!
Review Submitted: July 21, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
We are sad because we had to leave Casa do Mar and the beautiful island of Madeira.The villa is every bit as wonderful as the photos portray. The setting is stunning and the villa is well maintained-thanks to Tony and co.,who are all very helpful. We would certainly love to return and would recommend the villa and the area it is located in.
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Late But No Less True!
Review Submitted: February 26, 2009
Date of Stay: March 2008
We spent Easter 2008 in this property, it is so lovely, comfortable and well-appointed it is difficult to think how it could be improved as a holiday home. The kids loved the pool and all the technological comforts, and I will never forget looking out at the vast expanse of the Atlantic stretching out and away from the house, or the sun slowly falling behind the horizon, or the lights of the espada fishermen's boats moored out in the inky blackness of the night. A very soulful place.
Owner's Response: This is a wonderful testimony to the magic that can be found at Casa do Mar! At the time of writing (Feb 08) it is still available for Easter 2008....
Many thanks to our Leeds guests
from Judith at Island Homes Rentals
Many thanks to our Leeds guests
from Judith at Island Homes Rentals
Wonderful Casa Do Mar
Review Submitted: November 27, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
We arrived late and was greeted by Vanda who was lovely and accomodating. The villa is beautiful, with the most amazing views, all the bedrooms are spacious, 2 have sea views, 1 with a side view. A hire car is advisable, but the villa has private, gated parking so is totally secure. The villa is very well equipped. The infinity pool is amazing too. Judith was most helpful and organised a birthday cake for us which was lovely. There is a restaurant a short walk up the hill which we recommend. It is only 5 minutes drive down to Arco de Calheta, to a lovely beach, and plenty of nice restaurants. There is also a great shopping presinct with everything you could want in the supermarket. We loved our holiday and all that the Villa and Madeira had to offer, all the staff being so nice and helpful was a bonus. We would deffinately return.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Hello Stephen and thank you for taking the trouble to submit this review. I'm delighted you enjoyed and appreciated everything so much. Maybe you'll return for Mum's 65th in Paradise.... I hope so! Very best wishes, Judith, Island Homes Lda.
holiday perfection
Review Submitted: November 18, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
If sun, sea and relaxation is what you are looking for then look no further. This house is perfectly situated to explore the whole island.The accomodation is out of this world, with its sweeping staircase, wonderful master suite with dressing area and the pool and veiws are to die for. We ate in most nights as the supermarket was well stocked and cheap and no restaraunt on the island could match the views. We will definately return.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Hello Merv, Sarah n kids! Reading your review makes me want to dive into that pool for an evening swim before an ocean-gazing supper - and I'm lucky enough to live further up the village with a pool and similar aspect! I'm delighted you all enjoyed Casa do Mar so much and had a really relaxing family holiday. You might be interested to know that from late October and throughout the winter the sunsets over the ocean, watched from Casa do Mar, are quite breathtaking. Many thanks and hoping to see you all again soon - Judith, Island Homes Lda
October 6th-13th 2008
Review Submitted: October 16, 2008
Date of Stay: October 2008
A wonderful villa in a magical island. We found the villa even better than the description with an amazing view both during the day and again when the sunset, another feature being all day sun on the gardens, pool and terraces.
Thank you Judith for advising us to have a bigger car engine - we still struggled to get up some of the steep roads even then!!
Only down side was the number of times the electric tripped out but we soon got used to it!
I'm sure we'll be back and would recommend the villa to everyone.
Grahame and Anne
Thank you Judith for advising us to have a bigger car engine - we still struggled to get up some of the steep roads even then!!
Only down side was the number of times the electric tripped out but we soon got used to it!
I'm sure we'll be back and would recommend the villa to everyone.
Grahame and Anne
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: You chose a wonderful place to celebrate a special birthday with your friends and it's great to hear how thrilled you were with all you found, both at Casa do Mar and on the island generally.
I'm really sorry the electricity cut out so often while you were here and thanks for letting us know. The cause is the large surge of power required when the pool heater kicks in. Yesterday (16 Oct 08) my husband Tony met with the pool engineer who will install something to prevent the periodic surges and this will solve the problem.
We hope you'll be back soon to enjoy a holiday at this gorgeous villa without power cuts!
Best wishes, Judith, Island Homes Lda.
I'm really sorry the electricity cut out so often while you were here and thanks for letting us know. The cause is the large surge of power required when the pool heater kicks in. Yesterday (16 Oct 08) my husband Tony met with the pool engineer who will install something to prevent the periodic surges and this will solve the problem.
We hope you'll be back soon to enjoy a holiday at this gorgeous villa without power cuts!
Best wishes, Judith, Island Homes Lda.
Awesome views
Review Submitted: October 7, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
We were planning on exploring the island, but the views from the villa were just spectacular it was hard to tear ourselves away.
Our daughter was thrilled to discover she could watch her usual cbeebies on telly, which was a pleasant surprise.
The villa is clean and well appointed, we'd definately recommend it to others.
Big thankyou to Vanda, who settled us in well and even fitted our car seat correctly for us.
Atlantic car hire..... We wouldn't use them again, the car was scratched and dented, it had mismatched tyres, the breaks were not great, and the child seat had been put in the car, without instructions to fit it correctly.
Our daughter was thrilled to discover she could watch her usual cbeebies on telly, which was a pleasant surprise.
The villa is clean and well appointed, we'd definately recommend it to others.
Big thankyou to Vanda, who settled us in well and even fitted our car seat correctly for us.
Atlantic car hire..... We wouldn't use them again, the car was scratched and dented, it had mismatched tyres, the breaks were not great, and the child seat had been put in the car, without instructions to fit it correctly.
Owner's Response: Many thanks, Spencer and Rachel. It sounds as though you had a wonderful holiday at Casa do Mar with Laura (age 12 months). For future enquirers, we normally do not accept children under 10 yrs because of the unprotected pool and the open tread of the staircase but on this occasion we were happy for you to bring Laura, having had written confirmation that you accepted full responsibility for her while at the villa.
HOWEVER I am very concerned to hear of your dissatisfaction with Atlantic Rent-a-Car. For four years they have provided an excellent service to my guests and I have never received such bad feedback. I've had a chat with the Manager and here are my comments, for you and for future guests:
1. If you have any complaint you are advised to raise your issues with Atlantic Rent-a-Car at an early stage - their representatives speak good English. They will, for certain, help with any query and replace any car that is not in good working order - no matter how far away you are. No problem.
2. You mention that the car appeared scratched. I'm afraid that this is typical of many cars on this island (our own included!) and the condition of the cars rented out by Atlantic R-a-C is above average. Residents and visitors alike recognise that this island presents more likelihood of encountering grazes than many other areas of Europe - but don't let this put you off driving here! This is because, apart from the "via rapida" (the main dual carriage route which almost follows the coast right round the island now), roads here are narrow, often with sharp bends, very steep and often bordered tightly with buildings, walls or with vegitation and it is sometimes questionable as to who has the right of way! Having said this, we find local residents show more courtesy than in most other countries and accidents are not common.
3. The condition of the tyres and breaks on your car comply with legal requirements. I've checked this thoroughly with the company.
4. The child seat was put in place by Atlantic R-a-C and should have faced forward, with instructions in the plastic bag (not attached to the seat). A phonecall would have rectified any problems. When you asked Vanda to help she found it facing backwards. Please note, throughout Europe most car hire companies will not accept responsibility for installing child seats; they leave clients to fit the seat themselves.
Sorry, I've run out of space and hope these comments reassure you and any future guests. Judith
HOWEVER I am very concerned to hear of your dissatisfaction with Atlantic Rent-a-Car. For four years they have provided an excellent service to my guests and I have never received such bad feedback. I've had a chat with the Manager and here are my comments, for you and for future guests:
1. If you have any complaint you are advised to raise your issues with Atlantic Rent-a-Car at an early stage - their representatives speak good English. They will, for certain, help with any query and replace any car that is not in good working order - no matter how far away you are. No problem.
2. You mention that the car appeared scratched. I'm afraid that this is typical of many cars on this island (our own included!) and the condition of the cars rented out by Atlantic R-a-C is above average. Residents and visitors alike recognise that this island presents more likelihood of encountering grazes than many other areas of Europe - but don't let this put you off driving here! This is because, apart from the "via rapida" (the main dual carriage route which almost follows the coast right round the island now), roads here are narrow, often with sharp bends, very steep and often bordered tightly with buildings, walls or with vegitation and it is sometimes questionable as to who has the right of way! Having said this, we find local residents show more courtesy than in most other countries and accidents are not common.
3. The condition of the tyres and breaks on your car comply with legal requirements. I've checked this thoroughly with the company.
4. The child seat was put in place by Atlantic R-a-C and should have faced forward, with instructions in the plastic bag (not attached to the seat). A phonecall would have rectified any problems. When you asked Vanda to help she found it facing backwards. Please note, throughout Europe most car hire companies will not accept responsibility for installing child seats; they leave clients to fit the seat themselves.
Sorry, I've run out of space and hope these comments reassure you and any future guests. Judith
rooms with a view
Review Submitted: September 30, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
The villa was beautiful,garden colourful and well kept,the pool just amazing, kept at a constant temperature of 80 degrees, we would not hesitate to recommend casa do mar to friends and family,shops and restaurants a few minutes away by car, hotel just five minutes walk very good for dinner, we shall certainly return.just two small things that would be good in our view maybe a barbecue so the men can cook and two more sun lounges as men also like to put their feet up. Thankyou to Judith all the arrangements went like clockwork including the hire car and thankyou to the staff at casa do mar
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Great to hear that you had such a good holiday and loved Casa do Mar so much! Many thanks for your comments. The BBQ question has been raised by others and I will put it to the owner again. He has a great fear of fires which is the reason there is not one yet. Happy to confirm that 4 new sun loungers were installed last month - sorry they were not there for your stay. Hope to see you back again before long. Best greetings to you all from a gorgeously warm and sunny October morning in Arco da Calheta - Judith, Island Homes Rentals Lda
5 Star Villa in a Stunning Location
Review Submitted: June 18, 2008
Date of Stay: June 2008
What can I say about this Villa, apart from WOW, it really is as good as the pictures! All mod cons but still comfy, welcoming, very clean and soft towels are even provided for the swimming pool.
The pool is wonderful (29 degrees at 7.30 in the evening), the views are gorgeous, plenty of places to eat if you can be bothered to stir yourself away from the villa, if not a cool glass of wine or 2 by the pool watching the sun go down is a great way to end a hard day relaxing.
If you want to go sightseeing or walking, it's only 30 mins to Funchal so still very easy to do. Madeira is a beautiful island and very diverse so well worth booking a trip to see some of it. But don't forget to leave time for unwinding.
Just be warned if you decide you want something from the local shop it is a fair walk uphill (steep in places) but the views make it worth it. Alternatively be lazy and do it in the car, after all you will be on holiday.
The pool is wonderful (29 degrees at 7.30 in the evening), the views are gorgeous, plenty of places to eat if you can be bothered to stir yourself away from the villa, if not a cool glass of wine or 2 by the pool watching the sun go down is a great way to end a hard day relaxing.
If you want to go sightseeing or walking, it's only 30 mins to Funchal so still very easy to do. Madeira is a beautiful island and very diverse so well worth booking a trip to see some of it. But don't forget to leave time for unwinding.
Just be warned if you decide you want something from the local shop it is a fair walk uphill (steep in places) but the views make it worth it. Alternatively be lazy and do it in the car, after all you will be on holiday.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: Nothing could give us more pleasure than receiving comments like this which confirm how much our guests love Casa do Mar and our beautiful island. Thank you so much, Melany - and come back soon! (from Judith at Island Homes Rentals, Madeira.)
2008 - Casa do Mar
Review Submitted: June 12, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
A beautifully appointed villa in a quiet rural location overlooking the ocean. Well maintained and extremely well equipped (even swimming towels provided).
Recommended for:
Age 55+
Owner's Response: Thanks for your comments, Penny, which will reassure future guests that all they see in our advertisement is as gorgeous as they will find when they get here..... and more!
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