Essential Information
The following information is not intended to put you off, but is an honest guide to the way of life in Portugal. As at home, things occasionally go wrong, and whilst we have only chosen those villas which we feel will provide the perfect holiday accommodation, we cannot guarantee that things won’t happen that are beyond our control.
Weather
Weather in the Algarve is generally good throughout the summer, with a low average rainfall. Buildings are designed and furnished to be comfortable in hot temperatures, and may not be as well suited to wet or cold periods as houses in northern Europe. Humidity can be a particular problem in countries where temperatures are usually high. In very wet periods, villas may give the appearance of being damp. However, as soon as the weather reverts to normal, and houses can be aired properly, any sign of dampness will quickly disappear.
Building Work & DisturbanceAs with any country, building work in Portugal is sporadic and can start at any time. Even villas in developments that are well established, can be affected if a neighbour suddenly decides to renovate or improve. Likewise local councils may start road works with little or no notice. We do not control such work and we do not always receive advance notice of when it will begin. However, if we are made aware of any such disturbance that is likely to affect your enjoyment, we will contact you as soon as we are aware of it. If this happens, you will be entitled to exercise the options outlined in section 5 of our Terms and Conditions although compensation will not be payable unless the work is being carried out by, or on behalf of, one of our own suppliers. If building work starts during your holiday we will do our best to try to move you in resort but this may prove difficult, especially in peak season.
Security
Be as security conscious whilst on holiday as you would be at home. Do not leave valuables on view in cars, and always be sure to secure the villas doors, shutters and windows when going out, or if you are by the pool. We recommend you do not take items of great or sentimental value on holiday with you.
Mosquitoes & Other Pests
As with all hot countries, insects can be a problem. Use plug-in mosquito repellents in bedrooms, and a lotion to protect exposed skin when eating out. Uncovered food will attract hoards of ants so store all food in the fridge or in airtight containers. Ant powders will solve the problem if it occurs, but prevention is the best cure. Likewise accessible food is a great temptation for mice and other rodents so please remember to store provisions carefully.
Cats, Dogs & Other Animals
Stray cats and dogs can occasionally be a problem in some areas. Should either beg for food at your villa, however sweet they look, please do not feed them. They may not be strays – just opportunists looking for an extra meal! The next clients may not be as tolerant. Many local families keep dogs, which live outdoors and may sometimes be heard barking. Villas in rural areas may be located close to farms and smallholdings so farmyard noises are likely.
Water, Electricity & Solar Power
With little or no rain, shortages do occur which may result in a low water pressure or supplies being cut off for short periods. Please bear with it, the locals are suffering in the same way. The water is safe to drink, but may taste different and we therefore recommend you stick to bottled water for drinking and washing salads etc. Portuguese plumbing is not as efficient as we are used to and cannot cope with the disposal of nappies etc. If a blockage occurs, the floor of the villa may need to be dug up which will undoubtedly cause disturbance to your holiday. Electricity cuts, especially after storms, are not uncommon. Some properties rely on solar power to heat water and if there is insufficient sunlight, shortages of hot water may occur although there is normally a back-up system which should prevent this from happening. Insufficient sunlight may also affect the water temperature of solar heated pools.
Beaches, Swimming Pools & Safety
Where we advertise the distance to the nearest beach, please bear in mind that access may be difficult for those with limited mobility. No swimming pool is safe for unsupervised children and many villas have bedrooms with direct access to the pool. Pool dimensions, where provided, are only approximate. Swimming pools are generally 1m – 2m deep so are without a very shallow end so we would strongly recommend that upon arrival at your villa, you check the position of the shallow and deep ends. Please refrain from diving into the pool at any time. Towels for use by the pool are only provided if stated in the villa description and must not be taken to the beach.
Toys, Games & Sports
Where advertised tennis courts, table tennis, snooker and pool tables are there to provide enjoyment but please don’t expect them to be of championship standard! We recommend that you take bats, racquets and balls with you as these may not be provided. Occasionally owners and departing guests will leave toys and games for the following clients to enjoy but please exercise caution if you decide to use them as we cannot be held responsible for any accidents that may occur as a result. Please also be aware that villas near golf courses are at risk of stray golf balls entering the garden!
Damage
We accept that accidents do happen, and if you break something, please either replace it or report it to the house manager who will endeavour to replace it for you. All breakages should be paid for before vacating the villa. If you have taken our insurance, you are covered for accidental damage or breakages whilst on holiday but keep all receipts as they will be required for any claims on your return. If you are unable to obtain an official receipt, a letter from the house manager should suffice. Unreported damage or breakages will result in a deduction from your security deposit so it is advisable to report anything, however minor, before you depart.
Extras
Pool heating, central heating (including electricity for mobile heaters and fuel for open fires or log burning stoves) and air conditioning are NOT included in the brochure price unless otherwise stated and must be booked and paid for in advance. It should be noted that pools can take anywhere between a few days and a week to heat up. If the villa is vacant, or the clients occupying the house immediately prior to your arrival did not require the pool to be heated, then in order to ensure that the pool is warm enough for your arrival, it will be necessary to pre-heat the pool in advance. Therefore, a pre-heating charge will be made in addition to the cost of maintaining the heat for the duration of your holiday. In general pool heating will heat water between 3 and 8 degrees Centigrade above the average air temperature and the weather also has a dramatic effect on the pool temperature. Heavy rainfall or exceptionally cold nights can seriously reduce the effect of the heating. Pool heating supplements are non-refundable, irrespective of what temperature the pool reaches, as the majority of the cost is incurred in the first few days. Any cancellations will not be possible after the heating is initially switched on. It is not recommended to heat the pool during the hot summer months when heated pools can sometimes turn green with a reaction to the chemicals. This can be rectified and your house manager should be notified immediately, but we cannot accept responsibility if you opt for pool heating in July and August. Please note that unheated pools will feel cool in early and late season.
Welcome Hamper
To save you the chore of shopping immediately on arrival, we will provide an initial food pack to get your holiday off to a good start. This will be sufficient for a light meal on arrival and breakfast the following morning and will include bread, rolls, butter, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, eggs, water, ham, soft drinks, wine, fruit and salad (items may vary subject to availability). Please note that an initial supply of toilet paper, bin bags, washing up liquid and an insect spray will also be provided. Clients staying at more than one villa during the course of their holiday will only be provided with a hamper at their first villa.
Equipment
All accommodation is equipped with a fridge or fridge/freezer, cooker, kettle, iron and ironing board and sufficient utensils, cutlery and crockery appropriate to the maximum occupancy of the property. Barbecues may be gas or charcoal, fixed or portable. Extras such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, TVs, VCRs, CDs, DVDs, where they are installed, are noted in each individual villa description. Please bring your own tapes, CDs and DVDs and a small supply of washing and/or dishwasher tablets, where appropriate, as these are not generally provided.
Satellite, Cable TV & Internet Access
Please note that where a villa description contains satellite and/or cable television, where advertised, it does NOT give access to the subscription channels (e.g. Sky which includes movies, sport and entertainment). Eurosport and News are usually available but may be the only channels available in English. Some owners have provided ‘free to air’ channels which will give access to a limited number of English terrestrial channels. We therefore cannot guarantee, or be held responsible, for any specific channels that may or may not be provided. If there is internet access at your chosen villa, there may be an access charge in common with many wireless ‘open zones’ we cannot be held responsible if the service develops a fault or is unavailable for any reason.
Maids, Gardeners & Pool MaintenanceThe frequency of maid service is stated in each brochure description. The maids duties include general cleaning (but not washing up or personal laundry), sweeping the floors and cleaning the bathrooms. They will ensure clean bed linen is provided once per week and the towels twice per week. Please note that maids do not work on Sundays or public holidays and that the frequency of service includes the change over day. Therefore, if maid service is twice per week, the first clean will be on the day of arrival and you will only see her once more during that week. Maids do not dispose of household rubbish, which should be bagged up and taken to one of the many local public bins. Swimming pools need regular maintenance in order for them to remain in sparkling condition and the gardens need regular work. Our staff, however, will be as unobtrusive as possible. Sometimes essential maintenance or repairs need to be carried out at the villa but any arrangements to complete work will be made with you in advance by your house manager. Should you notice anything that needs maintenance during your stay it is essential that you advise your house manager. We will do our best to ensure that anything that needs repair or replacement will be done with the minimum amount of disturbance to you and your party.
Arrival & Departure
We will endeavour to have the house fully cleaned and ready for your arrival by 2pm on the day of your arrival and would ask you to vacate by 10am on the day of departure. It would be appreciated if you would strictly adhere to these rules, as cleaning the whole house thoroughly and to your satisfaction is a lot of work for the maid. If, when you arrive, work is still continuing, please allow the maid to finish. If you arrive on an early flight, it is sometimes possible for you to leave your luggage at the villa from 12 noon onwards and use the pool and terrace. If you are permitted access to your villa early, please be aware that your complimentary food pack may not have been delivered. We endeavour to have these delivered by 3pm on your arrival day but should you decide to go out after your arrival we may not be able to access the property to leave your hamper.
Villas
Each villa we feature is individually owned, and furnished to the owner’s personal taste. We have given each property a star rating but, as no official classification exists for villas, the ratings are subjective and based purely on our opinion and are intended as a guide to assist you in choosing the right house for you. Where we state that a bed is a double, it could mean that there are two single mattresses on a double base made up as a double bed. Cloakrooms consist of a WC and hand basin. Bathrooms have a full size bath, and shower rooms have walk-in showers. The distances quoted in the brochure and on the website are approximate and intended as a guide only.
Cots, High Chairs & Extra Beds
These are not in each villa as a matter of course but can be ordered in advance (see booking form). The cots will either be foldable travel types or standard wooden frames, but not necessarily to British safety standards. In either case, cot linen is not supplied. Extra beds may be camp beds or divans and may be supplied at additional cost, subject to the villa owners agreement.
Breakage Deposits
We understand that accidents happen but should you or a member of your party cause damage to a villa or its contents, villa owners have the reassurance that we hold a breakage deposit. Generally, breakage deposits are refunded in full within 14 days after your return as most clients treat the villas with a great deal of care and respect. The maid will have checked the villa prior to your arrival to ensure everything is in good order. Should you notice anything amiss, please report it immediately to the house manager. It is imperative to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance as charges incurred for damage can usually be claimed back from your travel insurance provider.