Description
Set in two acres of grounds with landscaped lawns, herbaceous borders and natural olive groves, Quinta do Calma is built in the style of a Portuguese manor house. This villa provides luxurious, spacious accommodation and has been carefully styled by the owners who have ensured that even the smallest detail has been thought of - from the impressive typically Portuguese vaulted ceiling to the clever mix of natural stone blended with walls of earthy tones and many locally sourced finishings. Each beautifully furnished bedroom is spacious, comfortable and comes complete with a state of the art surround sound system.
An enormous outside terrace runs the whole length of the villa down to the pool. It is interspersed with several soft seating areas including a beautiful loggia, decorated in a Moroccan style with low cushioned seating and fireplace - a perfect place to relax. And wherever you are in the villa or garden you cannot fail to enjoy the most wonderful views from the property, which reach as far as the Atlantic.
Quinta do Calma is one of Scott Dunn's flagship villas, where you will be truly spoilt and looked after. Delicious meals, with locally sourced ingredients, and crisp wines will be served wherever you wish, and you won't need to lift a finger. On the chef's night off, they will recommend and book a local restaurant or even prepare some marinated dishes for you to barbecue.
Twenty minutes from the bustling town of Faro, Quinta do Calma is a good base from which to explore. For nature lovers, there is the Ria Formosa, a protected nature reserve covering 40 miles of coastline, and a beautiful labyrinth of lagoons and dunes. From here you can take a ferry to the outer islands and swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic. The nearby village of Santa Barbara de Nexe and town of Loule, both rich in history and local tradition, are interesting to explore. And you will usually be able to find a festival or local celebration during your stay.
There are a number of excellent golf courses within a short drive of the villa, including Quinta do Lago and the championship course of Vale do Lobo. Or if you'd like a morning horse ride, a game of tennis or maybe a day kitesurfing, your host can tell you all the best places and arrange it for you.
Accommodation
The villa has six spacious bedrooms, two on the ground floor and four on the first floor. Each room comes complete with a state of the art surround sound system and air-conditioning.
| Master double room | The master suite is a fabulous spacious area. The bedroom has its own terrace and wonderful views of the pool, gardens and beyond. There is an open plan sitting area next to the bedroom, a dressing area and a bathroom (separate bath and shower). |
| Twin bedroom | This room is connected to the master double room via a corridor with no door and has its own en-suite shower room. (NB it is not possible to see one room from the other). |
| Double bedroom | This is a pretty room overlooking the pool and garden with a bathroom en-suite. There are stairs in the room leading to a mezzanine area. |
| Bunk room with additional single bed | This is a children's bedroom. If guests prefer, the ladder of the bunk beds can be removed. Please note that the lower bunk is a 'cabin' style. This room has its own shower room en-suite. |
| Downstairs guest double room | There is a guest suite downstairs at the far end of Quinta do Calma. This double room is beautifully styled and shares a shower room and living space with the adjacent twin room. This guest suite area makes an ideal independent family area. |
| Downstairs guest twin room | This is a pretty room with doors out onto the terrace. This room shares the shower room and living area with the double room next door. This guest suite area makes an ideal independent family area. |
Childcare
The villa is staffed with two fully qualified nannies who are there to take care of all your childcare needs. Our qualified nannies 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
Solar heated swimming pool (12 x 6m, 1 - 2.5m deep), barbecue, satellite television DVD, video, CD, telephone, fax, internet connection. Surround sound in each bedroom. Air conditioned throughout. Selection of games and books.
Activities
The Algarve is a haven 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, your Scott Dunn Host will be able to make recommendations and get everything organised for you. There are a couple of water parks locally, so children won't be disappointed either. If you've hired a car, why not explore some of the villages around the villa?
| Golf | There are a number of golf courses within a 20-30minute drive to choose from. The two courses at Quinta do Lago (North and South), designed by Mitchell and Roquemore have lovely views and the latter has been used often for the Portuguese Open. They have chipping and putting greens, driving range and a golf academy. Green fees are approx €142.
Vale do Lobo has had a strong influence in placing the Algarve as a destination in the golfing world. The holes wander through pine trees with wonderful views of the sea. Some of the holes take you along the cliff top with the blue Atlantic sea as the backdrop. Green fees are approx €155.
You'll need soft spikes and your handicap certificate for all courses. |
| Children's acitivities | Near Loule, Atlantic Park is a water park perfect for small children. Or swim with Dolphins at Zoomarine, about a half hour drive away. |
| Boat trips | There are a number of boat trips available from the marina in Faro Old Town. It is also possible to hire boats independently. |
| Exploring | You can explore the beautiful lagoons of the Ria Formosa - by boat or kayak to observe marine wildlife, or go on a birdwatching tour, or take a catamaran trip to the ilhas of Farol and Deserta - the barrier islands that protect the lagoon. |
| Swimming and garden games | The large pool in the garden is great for children, and there is a fully equipped playroom. We have toys and activities for children of all ages. |
Services
Quinta do Calma is a fully staffed villa with a chef, host and two nannies 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 that perfectly mixed gin and tonic.
A continental breakfast and fresh tasty lunches are provided six days per week and gourmet dinners are offered on five nights per week. On arrival you will receive a selection of local wines and a Laurent Perrier Champagne reception will be served on an evening of your choice. Our Flagship bar is stocked with a selection of spirits, beer, soft drinks, and mixers. Additional wines and speciality drinks and spirits can be arranged locally at an additional charge.
Above all though, your stay at Quinta do Calma 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 holiday.
Tenancy times: Check in 4pm. Check out 11am.
| Flagship features | Quinta do Calma is one of Scott Dunn's flagship properties. As a flagship villa, enhanced services and facilities are offered. This includes the following:
· Upgraded welcome drinks hamper to include spirits, champagne and upgraded wine including dessert wine
· Afternoon tea (sweet and savoury light bites)
· Mid week linen change
· Towel changes on request
· Private airport transfers (not SD vehicle) to meet one arrival and one departure flight.
· Complimentary car hire delivery to/from the villa with Autos Jardim (car rental cost is extra)
· Freeview/Freesat TV
· Xbox 360
· iPad
In addition, the following may be arranged at an additional cost:
· A la carte wine list and wine tastings
· Additional airport transfers
· In-villa beauty treatments |
| Private nanny | Your villa comes with up to two private nannies/activity specialists. It is possible to arrange additional nannies at an additional cost, subject to availability. |
| Additional nanny | If you would like an additional nanny, this is possible at an additional charge and is subject to availability. |
| Scott Dunn chef | 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 for example serving and clearing at meal times, appetisers by the pool, providing knowledge of the local area to name a few. They are there to ensure the smooth running of the holiday. |
| Maid service | The villa has a maid service for six days per week, excluding Sundays and any public holidays. |
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
Villa Quinta do Calma is 20 minutes by road from Faro Aiport and situated a short distance from the small local village of Santa Barbara de Nexe. The nearest beach and golf course is at Quinta do Lago approximately a 20 minute drive away. Quinta do Lago also has a selection of designer shops and restaurants.
How to get there
The flight time is around 3 hours from the UK to Faro. Faro airport is served by a number of major and regional UK airports including a regular service with British Airways from Gatwick. We can help arrange your flights. 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.
