Villa 8a Cave, Quinta da Saudade
Guia, Portugal

The Quinta da Saudade is a small British-run estate of privately-owned villas occupying approximately twenty-four acres about five miles west of Albufeira. Nestling in the peaceful country setting of an old hillside farm estate and set amid orange, almond and olive trees, the Quinta is about forty-five minutes drive from the Airport at Faro. The nearest beach, less than two miles away, is a magnificent long stretch of sand, bounded by dunes, where it is always possible to escape the crowds, even in August. There are two swimming pools, a children's play area and pool, tennis court, restaurant and bar, mini-golf course, table tennis and petonque. There are Riding Stables at the Quinta with fabulous horses that can be taken our for gallops across the dunes or slow hacks through the countryside. There are attractive country walks in the vicinity and there is a wetlands nature reserve nearby with a wealth of bird and plant life not commonly found in the UK. Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Alpine Swift, Bee Eater, Red Necked Night Jar, Azure Winged Magpie and more. Villa 8a is a spacious two bedroomed villa that has recently been totally renovated and refurnished throughout to a very high standard. Accommodation at the villa consists of one double bedroom with en-suite shower room and a twin bedroom with separate bathroom. There is a well-equipped kitchen. Amongst its equipment is a washing machine, fridge/freezer and microwave oven. The sitting-room has a television receiving BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC Choice, BBC News 24 plus others including Portuguese television. For Winter occupation, there is a good stove/open fire in the sitting-room. There are tables and chairs for eating out as well as sun loungers and umbrellas. Bedding and towels are provided but not towels for the beach or pools. Villa 8a also has a separate and self-contained studio (or Cave as it is called although that is where the similarities end!) It has a double bedroom, bathroom, sitting/dining room and a well-equipped kitchen. This has also been recently renovated. There is a terrace with chairs and tables for al-fresco eating. Villa 8a and Villa 8a Cave can be booked separately to sleep up to 5 and 3 respectively or together to sleep a total of 8. Extra beds or cots can be put in for a child or baby at an extra cost of £50 per week. The villa rental is inclusive of maid service (except Sundays), hot water and cooking gas. Electricity and logs are also inclusive, exc