Colina Da Lapa

We visited at the end of April. The apartments were clean, tidy, spacious and airy. The staff are friendly and could not do enough for us. We hired a car which allowed us to get about easily especially in the evening. We ate three times in the restaurant (now under new management) on site, very good food, reasonably priced and very friendly staff. I'd definately recommend this complex. We will be returning!!

R Jones, Essex
Young Couple (18-35)

We had been recommended Colina Da Lapa by a friend so knew we were going to enjoy the site. Went in mid September 2007 for 2 weeks and the only time the sun stopped shining was at night time when the moon took over. Large spacious accomodations, rooms bigger than my detached house apart from the kitchen which had everything you needed, apart from a dish washer, so I had my uses! Cooker, microwave, fridge-freezer, toaster, iron, well stocked cutlery and plates, though the cups are very small so brew up in the teapot or buy bigger cups. The pools were superb particularly the one for the small children. Restaurant service was good though we went late in the year, others have commented it was slow. We didn't find that, but it does prove things are cooked in situ, fresh. Taxi to town was only 5 Euros and very prompt. Everyone was very friendly and I propose to go back next year, what better recommendation? Maybe a car would improve mobility but it's not essential, we were quite happy taxi-ing and using the free coaches. Take the trip to the caves in one of the small boats sailing from the main Carvoeira beach. And don't be frightened of booking your transfer from Faro to Colina Da Lapa throgh Alpharooms. £59 return this year and no problems whatesoever. It also gives you an idea of how quiet the A22 Motorway is from Faro before you decide if hiring a car is for you.

Noel Eckton, Leyland Lancashire
Mature Couple (36+)

We have just returned from the Colina da Lapa Complex in Sesmarias just outside of Carvoeiro and have had a lovely family holiday. The Villa we were allocated was spacious, well equipped and suited a family of four very well. Just be aware there is no welcome pack in the villa on arrival and if arriving after the very mini mini market has closed you may be stuck for water and essentials (minimarket shuts at 8.30pm ish). The mini market is just that and a taxi to the intermarche is essential for stocking up on provisions. The restaurant was convenient but service was slow and food not wonderful. The taxi service from reception was also slow and on some occasions we waited more than an hour for one to turn up. The bus services provided by the hotel were prompt reliable and the driver very friendly, the bus was also great for a day trip to portimao or praia da rocha. The pool and surrounding areas are lovely very clean and child friendly. We felt safe for the children to use the pool and small games area, and the staff around the complex and on reception were very friendly polite and helpful. We ate in Monte Carvoeiro on a few occasions at a place called The Stone Steak and would say it's definatley worth a visit or two. On the whole the holiday was everything we wanted (the points raised above by no means spoiled our holiday in any way). I would definatley recommend Colina da Lapa and would definatley return, but would probably book independently for a better deal. July '07

Sandra Brown, Lancashire
Family with Children 11 and Under

We spent 2 weeks in Algarve and have decided to rent a 1 bedroom apartment at Colina da Lapa which is located between lagoa and Carvoeiro, on the road to Ferragudo.
First we have to say that this was a very good choice.
Algarve now is in many places occupied by a lot of buidings which are quite ugly to see and We have to say that Carvoeiro is a very good location if you do not like to see buildings evrywhere.
Colina da Lapa consists of a group of approximately 10 to 12 houses divided in apartments surrounded by gardens, with a pool, 2 tennis courts, one restaurant, one pub. If you want you can stay there without going out, as everything is there. But we would recommend to rent a car in order to be able to visit the countryside.
The apartments are very large, we'd say approximately 60 sqm, with one large bedroom, one large bathroom, one large kitchen and one large living room with TV, and are fully equipped.
Cleaning is made every day (every 2 days on week-ends) which is quite convenient and thus you have new towels every day. Some cd-roms are played and accessible for free on channel 7 of your TV.
A place to recommend !!

DELFILS, Paris / France
Mature Couple (36+)

Beautiful complex with lovely gardens and large clean apartments.  Mainly aimed at families with children.  Would need to hire a car as a couple of miles from the nearest town Carveiro. There is a once a day shuttle bus to and from town and beach as there is not much to do within a walkable distance from complex.  Also beware of the mossies, our apartment was full of them.

Anna, London
Other

Just returned from 2 wks with my wife and 4 children aged 10,12,13,and 14.
The resort is lovely and the villas spotless,however I would not say it comfortably sleeps 6 as the sofa bed is anything but comfy!! We ended up doing a 2 night rotation to spare major back problems!
The maid service is excellent and all bedding and towels were changed every 2nd day.
The pool and bar area are clean and well set out..but watch out for early morning sunbed nabbers!
My only disappointment was the lack of things for the children to do in the evening,no disco or anything just 3 nights of karaeoke.
The place is somewhat "flat" in the evenings and some nights only a handful of people were at the bar.
I would say you definately need a car to get out and about,as we found some lovely places to eat.
The rep was nowhere to be seen for the whole 2 wks..but the reception staff are lovely and will help with any problems you may have.
On the whole a really great place to holiday but not one I would  return to again.

Mac, manchester uk
Family with teenagers 12+

Just back from colina da lapa apartments about two days ago.
Didnt want to come home - accommodation was great, also complex and people great - would recommend it especially to people with children. Really loved it - booked for next year already.

nic, england
Other