Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Villa Quinta do Maranhao is located on a hilltop behind the long sandy beach of Meia Praia, overlooking the beautiful Western Algarve coastline. Built in local traditional style, and surrounded by lawn, the villa has original terracotta tile floors, white washed walls and feels typically Portuguese throughout. The old, thick finca walls means that the property keeps very cool throughout the summer, and its "shabby chic" decor gives it an informal feel - ideal for families wanting a truly relaxing holiday.

The accommodation is all on the ground floor, with the exception of the master bedroom on the first floor. There is a large sitting room with a pool table and a cosy TV room alcove, from where you can walk out through French windows onto the terrace and the pool. The undoubted focus of the villa is the terrace with its spectacular views of the Atlantic - there is no better place to relax and enjoy the lunches and dinners freshly prepared by your chef, and be looked after by your host.

Outside, the pool room has been converted into the children's playroom, and there's plenty of space to kick a ball, play hide and seek and generally run around. The location of the children's playroom and garden, means that parents can relax on the sun loungers, yet still see all the fun and games.

Quinta do Maranhao is a very comfortable villa, with a relaxed and informal atmosphere. There are a number of exciting indoor and outdoor improvements scheduled for completion for summer 2013. Highlights of these improvements include:

Airconditioning in all the bedrooms

Updating all bathrooms

Updating soft furnishings

New outdoor dining area

New outdoor BBQ and soft seating chillout area with stunning sea views

New landscaped gardens

The Algarve has some of Portugal's finest beaches, and the villa is a 10 minute walk down the hill to Meia Praia beach - a five kilometre stretch of soft white sand, perfect for children and those looking to try out the myriad of water sports on offer. There are a number of very good golf courses very close to the villa, including an 18 hole championship course at Penina. And for those who like to be a little active on holiday, there is no end of choice, from tennis to horse riding, from diving to wine tasting.

This part of the Algarve is ideal for families, and you'll find many of the towns and villages are unspoilt by tourism. The local town of Lagos with its cobbled streets, is a five minute drive away. It has a rich cultural history, with an impressive fort and walls that date back to Roman times. You can visit its fabulous food market, (where your chef will source much of the fresh produce), or relax in one of the many restaurants or bars. There's lots to explore - from the bustling marina to the many boutiques and galleries. Also, watch out for some of the many festivals that are held in the town.

Accommodation

All the accommodation is on one level, with the exception of the master bedroom on the first floor. The three other bedrooms are on the ground floor, along with the living and dining areas. The spacious ground floor double has French doors out onto the garden. Next to that is a small, twin room with a shower room next door (ideal for children). Further along the corridor, there is a lovely big twin room with en-suite shower. Due to the bedroom layout, this is a great property for two families or an extended family with grandparents or friends occupying the upper room. There is no air conditioning in this villa, but the thick, finca walls keep it cool throughout the summer months.

A spacious kitchen and dining room, a comfortable living room, with game area and a separate TV room, make up the rest of the accommodation, leading out to the terrace and pool.

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

The swimming pool is 10m x 5m and 1.2m – 2m deep with integrated steps, surrounded by a grassy area. Next to the grassy area is the children's playroom. There is also a built-in BBQ and a separate lawned area that is an ideal space for children to run around on.

There is a TV room alcove with satellite television (limited UK channels) with DVD/CD player, and there is a pool table in the living room. Wifi is available.

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?

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.

When to travel

Location and directions

Western Algarve, Portugal

An hour's drive from Faro aiport, Villa Quinta do Maranhao is situated in a great location a short distance from Meia Praia beach. The market town of Lagos where there is a good selection of bars, shops and restaurants as well as the impressive marina is about five minutes drive away. Palmares, Boavista and Penina golf courses and many other activities are all within a short drive.

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. We can help arrange 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.

Additional notes