8/10 Good
Costanza S., Basingstoke, UK
6 Apr 2019
Wonderful beachfront location, the house could do with some creature comforts.
The villa is in the perfect location for life on the beach, you step off the patio and you are in the sand, the sea only a little further away. If you love the sea this is the place for you. Be aware that it is very windy and the sea is rough so not safe for swimming.
The house is comfortable but could really do with some attention.
The kitchen is sparingly equipped, in the cutlery drawer there were some table knives, some teaspoons, 4 forks (yes, only 4!) and no spoons. Also a wooden spoon, a teflon lifter, a pair of broken scissors (literally split in two pieces) and one (!) kitchen knife also broken (the blade split from the handle). Plates, bowls and glasses were ok, and there was a bare minimum of saucepans and the like. There is a dishwasher but dishwasher tablets are hard to find so we ended up washing up, had we known I would have brought some. Honestly, the space of the dishwasher could be put to better use by putting a washing machine there instead. The only thing that stopped me from making a longer booking was the lack of washing machine. I pack few clothes, then wash and use again.
The bathrooms also need some attention, they are clean and functional but could do with some accessories, small things like a toilet roll holder, a soap dish and towel rails. In their favour I would say that they have a good light over the mirror (a rare find in my many years of renting villas), plenty of water and a good hot water supply.
The villa listing includes internet but there isn't any. You can easily buy a local sim card at the airport or in Sal Rei.
We really enjoyed the whole feel of the island, small, no crowds, no rush. The locals are really friendly, they pass you on the street and say hello. If you pass them on the road while driving, they wave.
The airport is one of a kind, half in the open air and a really original style of building. I won't spoil it, you will have to see for yourself but forget Gatwick and Heathrow!
We would be very happy to return for a longer stay.........washing machine permitting!
Costanza S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019