Title
Another great trip, 3rd time around

Content

This was our 3rd visit to Monte Santo since we first came here in 2013. Back then it was a bit of a hidden gem but has become more popular and from the people we have met a lot seem to be (like us) returning guests. I think that says a lot... What makes it perfect for us are the townhouses and the accompanying small pools. Sitting out on the patio or balcony you can watch the kids but remain relaxed in sun or shade and the kids can come and go as they please without all the messing getting bags and stuff for a trip to the main pool. The location is great, 10 minutes to Slide and Splash, 25 to Zoomarine, loads of beaches nearby or just relax at the resort. Make sure you hire a car, there are no shops on site and Carvoeiro is a fair walk and more bars/restaurants/tourist tat shops than supermarkets. The Intermarche has all you will need plus a great fish counter. By only issue is (like all of Europe) the prices are going up and up. Its not a cheap place and for the money I think some people may be expecting more in the way of activities, entertainment etc but for us the quiet atmosphere is perfect.

Review Date
30/06/17

Review Author
Toby Wells

Location
Bettystown

Rating
Cleanliness: 5/5
Service and Staff: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Average: 4.8/5


Title
Monte Santo Resort Carvoeiro

Content

This is a really great resort that offers pristine accommodation and the flexibility of having self catering but also an all day restaurant on site. We are a family of 4 with children aged 11 and 13 and stayed in a town house with two bedrooms upstairs, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Downstairs the houses have a spacious living/dining area and open plan kitchen which is fully equipped including a washer/dryer, dishwasher and large fridge freezer. There is a small outdoor terrace with table and chairs for 4 and sun loungers. Each set of houses has its own small pool which is really quiet if you want to enjoy a good book away from the busier main pool. At the main pool, there were always enough sunbeds and staff very good at bringing extra beds and sun umbrellas if required. My children enjoyed the choice of the outdoor pool and warmer heated indoor pool. The gym is very small with limited equipment so wouldn't be suitable for anyone planning serious gym time on holiday! We only took breakfast in the restaurant on two mornings, we found this to be adequate but not a particularly exciting breakfast buffet. We had lunch a few times and again, the choice and quality of sandwiches/wraps/salads/pasta/pizza was all ok for a quick bite. We didn't have dinner in the hotel but we heard other families saying that the restaurant food could be much better. There are restaurants and small grocery shops within walking distance but this is a resort which really requires a car to get about locally to nearby supermarkets, fantastic beaches, leisure attractions and the mountains at Monchique. Overall very pleased with the choice that Design Holidays came up with for us - the brief we had given for accommodation was for something similar to the Pine Cliffs 2 bedroom residences but at a much more competitive price and Monte Santo certainly provided us with that.

Review Date
31/07/16

Review Author
Alex Sakpoba

Location
London

Rating
Cleanliness: 5/5
Service and Staff: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Location: 4/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Average: 4.7/5