Hotel Vale Do Garrao Villas (Almancil, Portugal)

It's a home from home (*you wish!) in a well equipped and decorated property with spacious gardens. The general response is that the property and services actually exceed what is pictured and described in the publicity.

Here you can enjoy peace and quiet, knowing that the delights of Vilamoura are only 20 minutes away. If flying in, the airport is within very easy reach and a similar, very short, journey. Couldn't be better.

The local beach is also known as ‘Julia's Beach'. She wasn't daft and opened the first beach bar in this area of golden sands, dunes and - now - lots of sun loungers and water sports.

It depends where you are, but there are some spots here that aren't totally impressive. The truth is that it's a ‘renter's' market. If disappointed, shop around and get something much better.

Furniture and fittings can be a big let-down and very disappointing. You book expecting to stay in someone's home, with all home comforts. Instead, it's furnished to a low standard and with the holiday trade in mind. Poor value. These are individually owned though, so you could easily be  thrilled, rather than disappointed.

Unless you are intent on dining out all the time, it's as well to plan ahead and do some food shopping during your days out. That way, you won't be faced with an evening trip to get a pint of milk ... or a bottle of wine!