Description
Colinas Verdes means green hills and this villa is true to its name. The location could not be better, set among beautifully maintained mature gardens with views of the striking countryside.
Over the last couple of years the villa has been completely remodelled with outdoor living in mind and redecorated by a local interior designer, with every thought and need for modern day living. Indulgent rain showers and glass sinks in the bathrooms, ultra modern kitchen, comfy cream sofas, crisp satin bedspreads and co-ordinating cushions are blended with many other cool fresh tones. The accommodation is all on one level and the design has ensured that natural light flows in from the many doors and windows.
The whole villa is perfectly set up for outdoor living. The enormous covered terrace, which runs the whole length of the villa, is the perfect place to spend the days being looked after by your chef and host. Additional shade can be found at the pool house at the end of the pool giving guests a choice of areas to sit, relax and dine during the day and evenings. Children will love the heated pool and have lots of space for running around on the spacious lawns. Colinas Verdes is an extremely safe place for children, from the hard pool cover, to the electric gates at the entrance.
The master suite situated at the far end of the house has it all. As well as a beautiful and spacious bedroom, there is a small study, a large walk-in wardrobe and a fabulous en-suite bathroom. At the opposite end of the villa there are the remaining three bedroom with en-suite bathrooms. The villa also has a well-equipped playroom with many new indoor and outdoor toys where your nanny will entertain your children while you relax.
Colinas Verdes is a five minute drive from the typical Algarve village of Bensafrim. With its strong Moorish influence and pretty white houses, cafes and shops, the village is well known for its figs, almonds and honey. The former capital of the Algarve, Lagos, is only 10 minutes away. This historical town is worth a visit, with heritage dating back to Roman times and from where the great Portuguese explorers set sail. It has a bustling marina where you can take boat trips, or have dinner one night at one of its many restaurants. It also has a good selection of shops and galleries, and throughout the summer plays host to a number of festivals.
The coastline along this part of Portugal is stunning. The beautiful long beach at Meia Praia is only a 15 minute drive away, and if you prefer a more secluded stretch of sand, drive to the west of Lagos, where there are plenty of tiny and quite often, deserted beaches.
There are several good golf courses to suit all standards within easy reach, as well as tennis, horse riding and mountain biking. Colinas Verdes' proximity to the coast means there are great opportunities for water sports. From sailing to kite surfing and from diving to kayaking, your host will be able to organise most activities. Children won't be bored either, as there are a number of water parks and a zoo in the area.
This part of the Algarve remains largely unspoilt by tourism, and is an ideal place for families. Whether you want to relax by the pool or adventure out and take advantage of the many activities around, Colinas Verdes is the perfect place to stay.
Accommodation
Master double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, sitting area/playroom, double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two twin bedrooms with en-suite shower room, kitchen, open plan sitting and dining room and covered outside dining area.
| Master double bedroom | Large master suite with a bedroom with doors to the side terrace, separate sitting room/playroom with doors to the pool, small study and a good sized bathroom. |
| Double bedroom | Pretty double room with doors to the outside terrace and pool beyond. Good sized en-suite bathroom |
| Twin Bedroom | Twin room at the end of house next to the double room. It has doors to the outside terrace and pool beyond and an en-suite shower room. |
| Twin bedroom | This twin room is the smallest bedroom in the house and is most suited to children. It has an en-suite shower room and faces towards the driveway. |
Childcare
The villa is staffed with a fully qualified nanny who is there to take care of all your childcare needs. Our qualified nanny(ies) can look after children from four months to thirteen years keeping them entertained with a variety of fun activities tailor-made to their needs and routines. The dedicated playroom is full of toys, games, creative activities and a games console for all ages to ensure all children have an endless stream of fun on their holiday! Children are as well catered for as adults and your chef will cook delicious meals that cater for all tastes and and any allergies.
Our villas are equipped with a family in mind with stair-gates, blackout blinds, baby equipment and cots as standard. You can also request nappies and wipes to be purchased in advance so that you have one less thing to worry about. Babysitting can also be arranged if you would like to go out for supper.
Facilities
Heated swimming pool (11 x 5m, 1.2 - 2m deep) with childproof hard safety cover, barbecue, satellite television, DVD, video, selection of games, WiFi, telephone, microwave, air-conditioning, and an MP3 docking station.
| Swimming pool | Heated swimming pool with child-proof safety pool cover. |
| Outside dining area | Covered outside dining area that looks out onto the pool |
| Air-conditioning | Air-conditioning throughout |
| Wireless ADSL | Free broadband WiFi |
| Barbeque | Barbeque area and sink - ideal if you'd like to do your own cooking on the chef's night off. |
| Entertainment | Satellite TV, DVD, video, MP3 docking station |
Activities
The Algarve is a mecca for golfers for good reason. It has enough to keep golfers of all standards challenged and entertained for a lifetime, let alone a week. If your preference is for tennis, boat trips, water skiing, horse riding or anything else, our Scott Dunn Host will be able to make recommendations and get everything organised for you. Children won't be disappointed either, with a variety of water parks and zoos to choose from. If you have hired a car, why not explore some of the smaller beaches to the south of Lagos, all of which are perfect for children?
| Golf | Bring your handicap card and a pair of soft spikes for the amazing range of golf courses that are found within a 30 minute of Lagos. Our personal favourite is Palmares which runs parallel to Meia Praia beach. Transformed by the American course designer, Robert Trent Jones Jr, its 27 holes are set in a breathtaking location, with five of the holes on the sand dunes. (Green fees from €70).
The Sir Henry Cotton designed championship course of Penina, considered to be one of the most classic courses in Europe is only a 15 minute drive from Lagos. The course has hosted five Portuguese Open Championships. (Green fees from €80).
Founded in 2001, Boavista is one of the Algarve's newest courses. It has a variety of attractive and interesting holes and is great for the average player. (Green fees from €60).
You will find putting ranges, driving ranges, chipping greens and lessons at the majority of these courses. Lessons for half an hour tend to start from €25. |
| Boat trips | There are a number of boat trips available from Lagos. The marina is lined with companies - from dolphin watching, to fishing cruises, or simply trips to see the stunning coastline. It is also possible to hire boats independently. The waters round Lagos are perfect for sailing and there are lots of companies that offer sailing courses and sailing trips. Lagos has a sailing club and Hobie cat rental is available from Meia Praia beach. |
| Water sports | The western end of Meia Praia beach offers a good selection of water sports during the summer season. The surf is perfect in the morning for those who'd like to take advantage of it, and the steady breezes during the afternoon are great for kite surfers. If it is flat and calm, the water is perfect for wakeboarding.
The clear waters of the Algarve are ideal for diving and snorkeling, and the Lagos diving schools offer courses for both beginners and more experienced divers. Full or partial rental equipment rental is available for day and night time dives. |
| Further activities | There are lots of trails for mountain biking in the area and you can either hire a bike and be independent or join a guided group.
There are a couple of horse riding centres which cater for beginners as well as more experienced riders. You could have a lesson or go for a long ride in the Algarve with a picnic lunch.
If wine is more your thing, there are plenty of wine tasting tours available. The Algarve has always produced wine, but latterly is concentrating on quality rather than quantity, and there are several vineyards across the region that are open to visitors. You will normally need to make a reservation. |
| Children's activities | Slide and Splash Water Park is near Lagoa (about 20 minutes from Lagos). It caters for children of all ages and adults!
With over 120 animal species, Lagos Zoo is a great day out for the children.
Or swim with dolphins at Zoomarine, a beautiful family theme park, about half an hour from Lagos. |
| Swimming and garden games | The villa's heated pool may make you decide to never leave the grounds, whilst your children will have endless fun playing in the spacious garden. |
Services
A fully staffed villa with a chef, host and nanny to look after you during your holiday. Our team pride themselves on their ability to ensure that every aspect of the service is seamless and to anticipate your every need. Your private chef will serve mouthwatering dishes from a menu tailored to your tastes. Your hosts will manage every aspect of your holiday, from restaurant bookings to keeping your glass topped up with wine or a perfectly mixed gin and tonic.
A continental breakfast is served daily; gourmet dinners are offered on five nights and fresh healthy lunches are provided on six days. On arrival you will receive a hamper of local wines and soft drinks.
Above all though, your stay will be crafted as a home from home experience so everything will be personalised for you and we will endeavour to make your stay your perfect family holiday.
Tenancy times: Check in 4pm. Check out 11am.
| Airport meet and greet | This is offered on arrival day. In the event that groups arrive at different times, the meet and greet will be offered to one party member. This service is usually undertaken by the villa nanny. The nanny is able to help with the children and provide them with cold drinks and snacks whilst car hire formalities are taking place. You will be able to follow the nanny and lead car back to the villa, assuring a stress-free arrival. |
| Maid service | Maid service is available 6 days per week, excluding Sundays and any public holidays. |
| Private nanny | Your villa comes with a private nanny/activity specialist. It is possible to arrange additional nannies at an additional cost, subject to availability. |
| Scott Dunn chef | The Scott Dunn chef provides gourmet, bespoke meals to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. |
| Scott Dunn host | Your Scott Dunn host takes care of all the hidden touches like serving delicious appetisers by the pool, providing knowledge of the local area, booking restaurants on the chefs night off for you and giving you top tips in order to enhance your stay. |
| Additional nanny | If you require an additional nanny, this should be possible, subject to availability. There will be an additional charge for this. |
When to travel
The Algarve has a mild climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. It is generally warm and sunny in May with the evenings being quite cool. By June the weather generally settles in a pattern of long hot sunny days and balmy evenings, especially in July and August. Rain is unlikely but it can happen from time to time. Throughout the summer months it can be windy especially during the afternoon. June and September are particularly pleasurable months.
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Location and directions
Algarve, Portugal
Colinas Verdes is approximately one hour from Faro Airport. It is five minutes drive from Bensafrim with its shops and cafes, ten minutes drive from Lagos and 15 minutes drive from the long and beautiful Meia Praia beach.
How to get there
Faro airport is served by a number of major and regional UK airports including a regular service with British Airways from Gatwick. The flight time is around three hours from the UK. Once there, we will meet you and help with luggage and children. We recommend hiring a car, and we can help organise it with our preferred supplier. Car seats for children can also be arranged.
Additional notes
Villa opening datesThe villa is generally open from the beginning of June to mid September each year
