So apart from a front door and a few shutters that were a bit stiff the villa was great. The check in we rated 1 star because we arrived at night and the receptionist gave us directions to the villa. There was no lighting and we had a 2yr old in a pushchair. We couldn’t find the villa and had to return to the receptionist. He then came himself and couldn’t initially find it either,all the while saying he was only the receptionist. Not a great start, but we woke up to sun and a lovely location and villa.

Lovely villa in a great location close to bars, restaurants and beaches. Communication with the owner was excellent and he agreed to a late check out which made our last day very relaxing.

We have just returned from our family holiday staying in Richards villa. Me, DW and two sons 20 & 17. I consider myself fair and honest with details I’d like to know so bear with me. From the outset Richard was prompt and friendly with correspondence. A few weeks prior to our arrival I received villa location and entry details plus useful info on where to eat, nearest beaches etc. When we arrived and collected our keys we made our way round to the villa. Although situated within the Balaia complex, you enter the drive of the villa via a public road to the left of reception if using google maps, which for me wasn’t an issue as the road is quite quiet but some people might like to know the villa isn’t completely within the Balaia grounds. Just to add, we never had any issues from the public road, only my inability to reverse onto the drive (which is recommended as the gates are quite tight). My wife found this hilarious as I am a Police Traffic Officer. Oh how I laughed with her.... The villa itself is huge, three good size bedrooms that would easily accommodate six adults. The decor is lovely especially the master bedroom. Good quality kitchen with lots of items left by previous renters such as cereals, salt, pepper, and washing machine detergent. I guess this could be a bit hit and miss as to what is left. Nice big tv in the lounge with lots of UK TV channels including many sky and BT sports channels for those silly enough to go on holiday during the footy season (six times). The villa has a lovely terrace and grassed area to the rear. During our time the sun was in the rear garden from around midday onwards until around 1830hrs. DW would be down at the pool by 0830 and would return to the garden around 1300hrs. The walk from the garden to the pool took no more than 30 secs. Through the rear gate, along a short path and through a man made hole in the hedge. Pool was lovely as well. All in all we had a lovely time and have no complaints. Just a couple of minor observations from me. The villa is suitable and advertised for six people but only have four loungers with only three having cushions. Also the boiler didn’t seem to have the power to heat enough water to run more than one shower at a time. Not an issue for us with only one female but may be an issue if you have a group of ladies preening themselves for 30mins at a time... Other than these two minor “issues” we had a lovely time and if we return will happily rebook Rich’s villa.

The villa was lovely, on a beautiful complex and in a great location for beach, bards and many restaurants. It offered the perfect combination of a peaceful location, while being close enough to everything we needed. We will definitely be back.

A lovely property (that needs a little tlc) on a stunning golf resort

I have stayed in several properties on Balaia Golf Village and this was by far the nicest. It has lots of space , both inside and out. The private garden and roof terrace were great for sunbathing, while the main pool and bar/restaurant was only a few yards away. Inside the open plan kitchen and lounge with large TV was ideal for evenings in. I also liked the fact that everything we needed , from supermarkets, to the beach, bars and restaurants was within easy walking distance meaning that we did not have to hire a car (I do enough driving at work, so appreciated the break). All in all it is a great place to stay and we will definitely be back.

It was lovely to arrive and not be disappointed. The villa was an ideal base. The bedrooms were a good size, open plan living room and kitchen which was equipped with everything you need. It was great having a restaurant a few minutes away. The staff that work at the complex were all very helpful and courteous. I would definitely go back..

The villa is nicely and conveniently situated within Balaia Golf Village and was spacious enough for six adults. It had its good points but we wouldn't call it "luxury". It is one of the older original villas on the site and needs a bit of time and money spent on it to fix a few wear and tear problems. We have provided feedback to the owner so hopefully he will address these in due course. We spent the previous week in a villa in Vilamoura which was, without a doubt, luxurious and this, I'm afraid, didn't stand comparison.