quiet secluded location, yet central, the perfect family vacation

Our host was friendly, warm and very helpful

The two bedroom unit where we stayed was lovely with vaulted ceilings in the living areas, a wood stove, comfortable furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen. The views from the windows front and back were gorgeous - ocean on one side and mountains at the back. Marion, the owner, was an absolutely great host - kind, sensitive, super friendly and helpful! She gave us lots of good suggestions for things to do and see. Despite not having the best week of weather, we totally enjoyed our stay! Many thanks to Marion

We thoroughly loved our week stay here. Everything on the island was in easy access and a short 1.5 km walk you were in the centre of Ribeiro Grande. The apartment was very spacious and comfortable. The highlight for us was Marion’s hospitality which began with a guided 30 min tour of the village to orient us. Everyday met with friendly conversation and suggestions. A peaceful oasis.

The apartment was clean and basic. The property was very pretty. Here are the two issues we had. The driveway in and out is very, very narrow and on one side is about a 12-18 inch drop off of a concrete and stone wall. The turn from the house onto this driveway is very tight and the drop off is very overgrown. There was no way to tell it was there. Turning a reasonable distance from the house and you drive off the ledge, which we did unfortunately. No warning from the property owner. When it happened, Marion made it seem like we couldn’t drive and this never happens. Her husband let the cat out of the bag however and told us it was the third time in just a few months that a renter had fallen off the wall with their car. Why couldn’t they put up a sign of this is a repeated occurrence or some sort of barrier. Luckily we were able to get the car back on the road with a jack and some blocks. The owners, who knew this was happening to people, acted like it was all our fault. The last evening we were there we wanted to do some laundry. It was only 9:00 pm and the listing states as part of the amenities a washer and dryer. No mention that they were only available at the convenience of the host as they are inside a locked door. We texted the host, Marion, and she said she was in bed already. It was only 9:00 and I mentioned that the listing said that a washer and dryer were available. She then got up and loudly knocked on our door. When I answered it she could not have been more rude and unwelcoming. Such a difference from all the other people we had encountered in Portugal. I was shocked at how incredibly rude she was telling us how late it was. She would not let us use the washer and dryer unless she did the laundry. We ended up taking our dirty clothes with us to the next place we stayed where we had no issues doing the laundry ourselves. I would not stay here again. The rest of our stay was fine however.