We were totally pleased with our stay and recommend it to anyone interested in a quieter break than a down-town resort would offer. We felt this was very good value for what we paid. We needed a restful place where we could combine some reading and writing with sunshine and a relaxed environment.
As we went in early April we were ahead of the main tourist season but with temperatures of 23 degrees we were able to use the pool and recliners when we were free. From the large balcony of our 2-bedroomed apartment we had a view in the distance of the sea at Lagos to the east and at Luz 3 km to the west.
These 8 or 9 apartments were completed just ten years ago. The architect and landscapers did a great job on the hillside site. The apartments are large and well equipped. Owners, Luiz and Rosaria Correia used great taste in the furnishing and decor. They are resident on the site and work tirelessly to keep everything in good condition.
There is an excellent secure Wi-fi signal down in the office of the apartment complex, free of charge, but it is not strong enough to reach up to the apartments at varying levels above. There is satellite TV but we did not use it.
For guests with a car there is free parking on site. We wanted a break from driving so Luiz arranged private transport for us to and from the airport at Faro with a company called Gentle Bee (www.gentlebeetransfers.com). It cost 70 euro each way for two people, 77 km taking one hour. However, it is possible to do this journey by bus from the airport to Faro, leaves once an hour in the early and late hours and every half hour otherwise. At the same bus station get a bus with the Eva company to Lagos, (2 hours 10 mins.) there is one about every 2 hours. Then from the same bus station taking a No. 4 bus with the Onda company (going to Luz or beyond) getting off at a stop called Quatra Estradas in Funchal (15 mins). This bus goes every 45 minutes on weekdays, but once every 3 hours at weekends. The stop at Quatra Estradas is less than 5 minutes walk to the gate of the apartments. The total cost of all three bus journeys would be only about 10 euros per person each way, but it is a time-consuming journey.
We took the Onda bus into Lagos and back several times, also to Luz, 1.60 euros per person each trip. A taxi to or from Lagos at the weekend cost between 7 euros and 10.50. Going in from the apartment you have to call one out. But there is a convenient taxi rank at the seafront in the centre of Lagos. In Luz we found a taxi waiting at the bus stop in the centre of the resort.
The apartments are self catering. What is provided includes bed linen, pillows and blankets, bathroom towels and toilet paper. The kitchen cupboards have plenty of pots and pans, dishes and glasses, cutlery and utensils, tea-towels. There is no 'hospitality tray' as you would find in most B&Bs so you might need to arrive with milk or something for a snack before going out to shop. No hair dryer is provided, but the sun was strong enough to dry it in a few minutes. When shopping you need to think of washing up liquid, napkins, a sink sponge, salt and pepper as well as food. There is a large frig and large freezer compartment, but no ice-cube tray.
There is no local shop of any kind but the Onda bus en route to Lagos stops at a large Intermarche, and there is also a smaller Intermarche on Av. de Descobrimento, opposite the marina. We found a very convenient well stocked mini-market with fresh fruit and veg in Travessa do Mar, a narrow street close to the church of Santa Maria at the southern end of the main promenade in Lagos. In Luz we found a very convenient well stocked Spar.
We enjoyed an evening at the highly recommended Cachoa restaurant, just 5 mins' walk from the apartments. Run by Germans, this is food at its best, if more expensive than what is available in Lagos or Luz. We had a wonderful couvert, glass of wine, main course and desert for 30 euros per person. This restaurant is open Wed-Sun from 6.30 p.m., booking advisable. The apartments are also close to the Boa Nova Golf Resort and Spa.
Although we were close to a very busy road, we were far enough away not to hear the noise of the traffic. There were barking dogs on a little farm nearby, beside the bus stop. They seemed to think everyone alighting from the bus was going to rob the house they were minding!
Luiz and Rosario are most helpful hosts, there if needed but not intrusive. They told us some people go there for extended winter breaks to escape the cold of northern Europe. These apartments provide an alternative to time-sharing or owning your own spot in the sun.
We look forward to returning for another short break as soon as we can.
