Casa Christof - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Independent - June 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : O'Byrne family - Dublin (46,45,18,15,13,10,7)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Accomodation:- This villa was lovely, well appointed with 3 large bedrooms, the master was en-suite with a dresssing room area. A super king size bed and duvets on all the beds. The other 2 rooms had twin beds and all were well kitted out. The kitchen has washing machine and dishwasher and had everything we needed for our family. There was a sofa bed in the living room and TV with satellite etc. I enjoyed sitting in the front garden in peace while my kids took over the back garend where the pool was (have to say, we thought the pool would be a larger, wasn't much bigger than a plunge pool but we got used to it) with a jacussi area. Don't miss doing the jigsaw in the drawer in the glasses cabinet of all the bottles of beer it took me ages to finish! Linen change once a week - towels changed as well.
Resort:- Luz is small and quaint. We were able to walk to it in the evenings along a safe road beside the sea. There was a small beach this side of town that we went to which was nice for a quick dip. The main beach is a little further away and we only used it once but it's beautiful.
Restaurants:- There are a number of restaurants - the chinese is lovely,we visited O Poco a number of times and Chaplins. You could manage to eat in Luz for 2 weeks but we went into Lagos a couple of nights as well as there is a good atmosphere in the town.
Things to do:- Lagos is nice both during the day and in the evening if you need a bit more life. The sand sculptures were fabulous and we went to Zoo Marine (don't forget swimming gear there's a big pool there we didn't know about) and we went to a water park which was good - bring sun umbrellas from the house with you. There's a new Shopping Mall with European stores near Albufeira which was worth a visit for the food court. We walked along the cliff path to the right of the house to the next resort. It took about a hour and a half (with a 7 year old) and then we got the bus back. The restaurant on the beach was nice.
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Casa Christof - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: May 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Jo Lees - Hampshire (35,33,31 & 2,4)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Praia De Luz is fantastic it is a beautiful resort with a long sandy beach, with excellent facilities. There is a great selection of restaurants & bars and all are child friendly.
We would especially recommend the villa we stayed in, particuarly for two families sharing. It was immaculately maintained very sizeable with a separate annex with its own ensuite and dressing area which my husband and I especially appreciated. The views from the villa were great and we enjoyed many barbeques.
The only complaint (minor) was we wished the pool was a little bigger. Having said that my friend and I enjoyed the jacuzzi seat whilst sipping Gin and Tonics of an evening
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Luz Bay Hotel - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Direct booking January 2005
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Wilson ( 36 , 28 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
What the brochures and web do not tell you is that there is a lerge apatment complex being built outside the Hotel, and the noise from the cranes and lorries makes this a large building site.
Might we worth going back in two years time when the building of the Apartments have been finished.
Luz is a nice village, and we would go back to the village as it has nice sandy beach with a pedestrian road, no cars, and there are some nice apartments overlooking the beach with no buildings near - by.
Cant remember the apartments name but something like luzbeachapartments - the awning outside said The Travel Club of Upminster.
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Luz Bay Club Villas - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Expedia August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Cecilia Walker(49,20)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a week here-booked it on Expedia and was very pleased.
Prai de Luz is small,mainly English and Portugese and defintely not for those looking for night life.
The hotel is 4 star part of the Portugese Lumar group,immaculate-rooms cool and air-conditioned,daily maid service-this must be a new hotel as it was so well maintained.Very quiet-families,couples,peaceful.
Two good pools,lots of sun loungers.
Breakfast ok .
The resort has great restaurants-Paraiso right on the front is good for sea-food and the Bar Havana opposite is the place to go any time of day...lots of other bars/resturants including some English pubs for the die-hard footy fans.
If you want a really nice quiet break in a very unspolied part of Portugal, this place is for you-and as most of the holidaymakers were Portugese I think that says it all!
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Luz Bay Club Villas - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Emma and Lauren - Edinburgh (42, 42, 15, 12)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from Luz Bay Club and thought it was full of a bunch of nutters! The bar club music was still on at 4am which was ridiculous! Children were up screaming at all hours, and the receptionist was not at all enthusiastic. So therefore we didn't know what was going on at night. Although the trips into Lagos were very good.
Look out for the ants in your kitchen if leaving food out, but otherwise the apartments were very clean and fab!
(Also watch out for the woman who play tennis without balls for an extra laugh!)
Happy Holidays!
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Travel Club of Upminster ( Upminster 25000 ) - Aprl 2005
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Robert Acton 58 Jane acton 55
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have been comming to Praia da luz for years, and sin spite of the extra accommodation being built , the location of the beach apartments means you are unaware of the new buildings.
More buildings means new amenities, and restaurants and best of all Batistas supermarket where youi can get everything you want, and a short walk from the apartments which over look the beach.
With the new motorway from Faro, the journey by car is under an hour, and being in the West Algarve has the advanatge that you can visit the unspoilt West Coast of Portugal and easy 30 minute drive with beach bars on the cliffs. paradise for us.
We will return again next winter
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: travelk Cluvof Upminster - 2004 / 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : John and Amy Forsight (55, 52.)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is out tenth visit to the LUZ BEACH APARTMENTS and they just get better, Apartments right overlooking the Beach with NO passing traffic. Must be the very best in the whole Algarve,
Since our last visit, the management have recovereed all the soft funishings, provided ice boxes for the beach, fans for the summer, new pots and and pans, fresh juice squeezer ( we love fresh orang juice for breakfast ) lots of scatter cushions, teak terrce furniture, I coukd go on and on. Even free Ice water in the reception.... nice whe you come back from the beach all hot
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Travel Club of Upminster ( Upminster 25000 ) - May 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Mr & MrsCully 60 62
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Accommodation first class as are the staff who look after us, we had the use of the Luz ocan Cluf facilities, with an indoor heated pool. The restaurant at the Luz ocxean Club serves breafast if you are too tired to vook your own...
The location over looking the beach witha pedestrian walk way is fantastic, especially for people watching.
Good value local restaurants, easy short bus journey into Lagos, delihtful town with all ammenities and markets for good food. There is also a marina with boats doing Dolphon watching cuises and the Old Bon Dia sailing ship.
We will return.
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Travel Club - May 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Joe and JaneGoodyear and family (38 / 49 / 12/ 8 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We wanted a beach Holiday in a self catering apartment, and this is what we got. the Luz Beach Apartments are as they say right overlooking the saf sandy beach of Priq da luz. Could not be better.
Restaurants and Bars all in walking distance, only an hour by car on the new highway from faro Airport, and whist a car is usefull for dreiving 30 minutes to Sagres ( lands End of Europe ) or the West Coast to emply miles of sandy beaches, or to Monchique in the mountains, if you want tos tay as we did on this visit, our third ) then everything is at hand, and a bus to lagos, the local town with banks, shops, marina, ( day sailing etc ) is all very convenient.
High recommended for all ages, certainly for my money cut out the long haul on jets and Luz is just 6 hours from London door to door.
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Travel Club - 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Joan Hill 27 - Tunbridge
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
My parents first took me to Praia da luz when I was a teenager, and so this is a return visit, and we choose the Beach Apartments offered by the Travel Club. The studios and one bedroom apartments are right over looking the beach, with a pedestria way in front, so NO CARS and safe for children. Super sandy beach better would be hard to find.
The apartments are really super, clean, ccomfortable with TV, fans, cooker, oven, showers and bathroom with bath and a terrace right over looking the beach
The O Poco restautrnt is a minutes walk away and there are lots of other restaurants in Luz, inc the Kiwi cafe under the apartments for brreakfast and snack all day long. A well stock supermarket is 5 mninutes walk away. As an added bonus we were allowed to use the Luz Ocean Club, with three pools, tennis courts and restaurants.
We will return.
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The Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Travel Club - 2004
Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Buckle John - Essex (44,41,12)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
If you are looking for a quaity apartment in the West Algarve, with one bedroom or a studio, with accomodation in the one bedroom for two adults and two small children then this is the place to stay in Luz. Praia da Luz is for you. Right overlooking the safe sandy beach- just 5 meteres from the sand and with no passing traffic.
Very well furnished, cooking facilitities, terraces overlooking the beach and the sea, and use of the Luz Ocean Clubs swimming pools and other facilities. We have been four times and will return.
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Mayer Beach - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: EZYSUN.COM - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in Jan 2004 by : 48,47,20,22,9
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
My first time to this region and I was pleasantly suprised, The appartment was immaculate and well fitted out and the resort was fantastically clean and "family friendly".
The staff at Ezysun organised watersports and excursions for us...they even arranged the hire car.
We will be back next year...without a doubt.
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Mayer Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Direct - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : E.g Sue and Danny plus kids ( 46,40,2x11)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from our second visit to Luz and the apartments. Jan and Adrian wonderful welcome. Apartments clean as always with a good pool and pool bar. Didnt even miss the Olympics with satellite TV now in the apartments.
The beach is more crowded in August as a lot of Portugese seem to holiday here which has got to be a recommendation in itself. We went in June before and it was even more sleepy.
Good supermarket and restaurants although i thought more expensive than last time we went.
Paninis is great for pasta and pizza and very resonable.
We'll be going back again.
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Mayer Luz Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: may 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : noel buckley - coventry (66,58.
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Jan and Adrian at the Mayer Luz beach apartments give you the biggist warm welcome you could want, smashing couple. Going again next year for the third time. The apartments are lovely,spotlessly clean and very well equipped. Wonderful sea views, right next to the beach. Lovely swimming pool with good food avaliable. Try Clives Bar, best bar in Luz. Clive and welcome are great. Cocktails wonderful.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - First Choice - 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Jo Foster - Lincolnshire (36, 36, 6, 4)):
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is the 2nd time in Luz for me and our children although my husband stayed there when he was younger with his family. Luz is a perfect resort for a relaxing family or couples holiday. The Monte Sao Pedro was ok due to the villas being a perfect size and the space was fantastic. You definitely need to hire a car if you were to stay here, due to the road to Luz being not so good for walking and the taxis not being extremely reliable.
My favourite place to eat was The Duke, which was lovely and has been refurbished since last year. The restaurant is downstairs in the Duke, so when you walk into the pub, you book your table there. Most restaurants require bookings to be made prior to the evening, although if you go along early enough, you may be okay to get a table. We ate in the Duke twice, it really was very nice and they didn't mind the children at all. We also thoroughly enjoyed The Maharaja indian restaurant. The staff were very helpful and recommended a couple of dishes that we had never tried before, it was truly beautiful and we both thought it was the best indian food we had ever tasted. A definite must was the Lime Tree, the service was very laid back, although not slow, perfect for us, and the food was beautiful. Godots, okay, but wouldn't rush back. The hotel's restaurant, okay if you arrive late!
We had a fab week, very relaxing. Definitely for families, couples and not for groups of boys and girls looking for a lively, clubby, pubby holiday.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays-August/September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Olwen & Lianne-Manchester 55,27
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Mother & daughter holiday-2 weeks late booking.
Praia da Luz pretty small but cafes beach pubs etc. Larger town of Lagos is beautiful with plenty of atmosphere and a lovely marina. Praia da Luz is within walking distance and flat but along a very busy road with no pavements. We found it better to go to Lagos in the evenings. It costs i.5 euros on the normal bus which stops not far from the complex and anything between 5.5euros and 7euros for a taxi back. Be warned that the taxi service from Luz is not very good and if you ask the people in the bars to ring it will cost you as much as a taxi from Lagos.
The villas are lovely, regularly cleaned and the complex is well maintained. There is a swimming pool, tennis court, bar restaurant etc. and the people running it are friendly and helpful. The courtesy bus to Luz runs 3 times daily. It was our first time in the Algarve and it certainly won't be our last-and we would probably stay at Monte Sao Pedro again.Eating out costs about the same as in England but if you want to cook the villas are well equipped with a full cooker,fridge/freezer etc.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : brian murray - lanarkshire (31,40,64,72)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
was very disappointed with the monte sao pedro this year, we have been before and thought of it as a perfect base for a perfect holiday but this time was abysmal. the attitude of the staff was horrendous, especially in the so-called bar/restaurant. they actually make you feel as though you are intruding and as for entertainment, give me a break. completely lacking in the atmosphere and friendliness they so proudly advertise in order to procure your hard earned monies.
the villa is supposed to be four stars, if this is true then the stars in question must be 'little and large' and 'cannon and ball' because it is rubbish. i couldnt have a bath in my villa as the bath was so badly scored and eroded and the shower attachment ( call me pedantic but if i am in a 4 star property i want a separate shower unit from the bath, even if the unit is over the bath but DONT give me an attacment to the taps and call it a shower) took almost 10 minutes to reach an acceptable washing temperature and then god forbid anyone else in the villa wanting to use the tap as that just plunged your shower back to freezing. the cooker hobs were a nightmare with broken buttons and the quickest quick fix i have ever seen from the electrician/handyman/gardiner/driver.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Frank Rennie Rotherham (53 - 51)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
I booked this late with Direct who I hadn't used before and was very impressed.
I was looking for somewhere quiet for two oldies but not particularly worried where. I've been to the Algarve a few times before but only around the Albufeira area and liked it a lot so when this came up I was very interested. I also liked the fact that it was a Villa but not sure whether the quality would be right as I'm a little fussy about hotels and where I stay.
I have to say that I needn't have had any concerns as the villa we had (No 29) was excellent and immaculately clean. It was two bed, one double and one with two singles, both rooms of a good size. The lounge dining room was also very spacious with a nice comfy 3 piece suite, satellite tv and big dining table and chairs. The kitchen was well equipped and also spacious with a lovely South facing sitting/barbecue area at the back overlooking the hills. I breakfasted there in the sun every morning. There was also a small garden area with a sun lounger but I preferred the lovely on site pool area or the beach.
I'm not normally a beach person but Luz is such a lovely place with a palm lined promenade and several comfortable and friendly bars we just had to visit every day. The complex mini bus visits at 10:00 - 1:00 and 6:00 every day so it was easy to get there and back. Luz is a short 1km walk (15 mins) and with no real pavement could be risky with young kids so best to use the bus. It's fine though for adults. At other times a taxi is around 7 euros. The other way is Lagos, also 7 euros by taxi or 1.50 euros by bus where there are bigger supermarkets. Altogether the holiday was great although not being actually in a resort I missed the "promenading" and sitting in bars at night. We could have taken a taxi into Luz (dangerous walking along the road in the dark) but it just didn't seem worth it as we only had a week so we ate in the villa with a bottle of plonk.
If you're looking for peace and quiet in clean and comfortable surroundings you will not be in any way disappointed with Monte, just book it and enjoy.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays -April 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : 49,48,25,24,19,2 (N. Ireland)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Stayed in a 3bed villa with 2 bathrooms, spread over 3 floors. Initially worried about the stairs and a 2 year old but she was fine. Villa had small garden outside (with BBQ), excellent for the child as she had room to run around but would have benefited from having a side gate. When booking tried to get a villa with a pool (at extra cost) but none available - we were glad as when we got there we realised we would probably not have used it. Park, pool, bar and resturant all handy to the villa and staff were very helpful. Food in the restaurant is excellent, try the flambeed swordfish and steak. If travelling in April the water in the pool is icy - this was also the case when we went to the Splash & Slide waterpark about an hours drive away.
We hired a car for 4 days from reception(bought 3, got one free) and visited Lagos where we took an enjoyable boat trip from the harbour through caves. Also visited Sagres - not much to see there, very widy with impressiove cliffs and people selling things from stalls. Went to Zoomarine, also about an hour away - a good day out for families.
Use the courtesy bus or get a taxi into Luz if you dont have a car. Beach there is lovely. Ate in the Habana & also the Paraiso,on the beach, both good food. Visited the Bull to watch couple of football matches. If you want to cook for yourself supermarket on site is small with limited stock, couldn't get fresh milk for a couple of days. We used the large Intermarche on the outskirts of Lagos which has a great fish counter. Also used another smaller supermarket in the middle of Luz which has an ATM inside.
No downside to this holiday but be prepared for a two/three hour journey from the airport. We stayed for 1 week and would have loved 2. However if you want a lot of nightlife try somewhere else.
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Monte Sao Pedro Holiday Village - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Ratcliff (67,65,46,37,7,4)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Villa we had a 3 bed, 2 bathroom was superb, it was spotless on arrival. The on site restaurant is very good as is the Grilluz restaurtant approx 5 minute walk away. The villas are situated on a main road, so walking with children on the main road is not an option. Reception will call a taxi for 50c, 5 minute ride to Lagos which has loads and loads of restaurants to chose from. The local hypermarket were happy to calal a taxi from the customer service desk and groceries were a lot cheaper there. My only disapoointment about this holiday was the pool area wasn't cleaned every day, in fact 1 day we fetched the mop and brrom and did it ourselves.
The childrens club was exceptional with night time babysitting service offered, and a club for 2 hours some nights, the kids had a great time.
If you go to Luz of a night, pre book a taxi, one couple at the villas waitied for 1 hour to get a taxi back, the coutesy bus was a great service it runs at 10.00, 1.00 and 6.00, the beach in Luz is fantastic a brolley and 2 beds 13.00e a day. a few beach side restaurants at Luz which seemed to cater for everyone, and the Pizza place just off the front is great, makes the pizza whilst you watch, they also do take out.
The onsite restaurant needed to be booked on the day you wanted to eat, however it was August so may not be needed earlier/later in the season. the pool side bar offered chips at 2.00e, and ice creams were not a rip off at all.
All in all we had a good holiday and would consider going back to the Villas, we asked at reception and you can be the villas directly with them!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: direct holidays - July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : billy and moira mcconnell
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
resort fantastic chaplins the best place to eat beach is so clean apartments big and clean cleaners were round every day been to oasis beach apartments in july 2006 and loved it so much went back in july 2007 would highly recomend these apartments and resort shop owners and locials verry freindly
these apartments suitable for all ages and is family run
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Direct Holidays - June 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Malc Newton - Derby (50, 49)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is now our third visit to the Oasis Beach apartments and it's starting to feel like a home from home.
Most of what needs to be said about the resort has already been said so I'll just provide an update.
We went at the end of June and the beach was empty to the point that some of the locals we talked to were worrying about business.
This year we got one of the end apartments by the road, which has a couple of minor problems. They are smaller than the other one bed (sleeps four) apartments, they are slightly noisier and the bath/shower is right next to the window facing the street so you can end up providing an interesting peep show to passers by which, in my case, would probably put them off their dinner.
In terms of restaurants, only a couple of changes. The O Portuguese has closed and a new restaurant has opened 100yds up from it opposite the supermarket and Duke pub/bar. It's called O Antonio and has to be the best place to eat fish in the resort. The food is brilliantly cooked on a grill, the prices are some of the lowest around and it's run by the nicest group of local people you could wish to meet - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Once again, I'd recommend using the sun beds to the left as you walk down to the beach. Why? Generally they're quieter as you have to walk another 50yds, the friendly patter from the attendant, Graham and the friendly guy in the white van selling ice cold beer, coffee and sandwiches at very low prices.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Direct Travel - June 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Joan & Cliff Lightfoot (57, 55)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
All I can say about The Oasis Apartments and Praia da Luz is to reiterate what has been said before in 2004/05 and 2006 so I won't go on too much
Apartments.
The apartments are massive we had three balconies on the Bedroom, Lounge and Kitchen.
Free air-con that we didn't use. Safety Deposit box we didn't feel the need for. Room cleaned and towels changed twice a week which was ample. Supplied our own soap and toilet paper which was OK by us.
My only complaint was the tea pot would not pour without dripping tea all over. (How sad is that)
Resort.
Idyllic. Small and fiendly great restaurants, I think all of them are good, the only thing to decide is how much you want to spend. My recomendations would be 'The Lime Tree' for Ramsay/Oliver type food 6.30 to 7.30 3 course set menu for ?16.95 - fantastic value. 'Royal Garden Chinese', Set meal for 2 ?24.00. 'Pizza Real' not just Pizza but Pastas and Curry you can eat in there small shed like room or you can order and go to the sea front Bar Habana (See web cam at algarve-luzbay.com)and they will bring your order to you, so you can eat outside by the beach. Drinks, cutlery and plates provided by Habana.
The only down side was the sea temperature and breakers are not suitable for snorkelling and before June probably not even suitable for swimming in without a wet suit.
Pleanty of water sports available from the sandy beach.
General
We like to fend for our selves when we go on holiday and this holiday was great for that. Very few staff around, indoor and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room etc to use as and when you want, up to 8.00pm. We left to come home at 4.50am with no apartment staff and no Holiday Rep even on the coach (Bliss).
A good day trip is the Zoomarine trip ?21.50 DIY or ?29.00 with the travel company including transport (No Rep, Hurray). (1 hour Drive away)
Just about everyone in P-d-L goes back to there apartments by 10.00pm so a good nights sleep is almost guaranteed.
Bus to Lagos e1.70 (9.50am going in and 4.30pm coming back) Taxi e7.50 each way.
We like the Greek Islands but this holiday was just as good. Not like Spanish Holiday resorts.
Enjoy
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays, May 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Murphy, Scotland (37, 40)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read up thoroughly about the resort and apartments we were absolutely delighted by our choice for our first holiday together.
The resort is beautiful with a wide soft golden sandy beach and a few rocky outlets. We found the locals and the tourists all very helpful and eager to please.
With a small selection of shops and supermarkets, there is more than enough to enable you to live for a week. Also a good selection of cafes, restaurants and bars for all tastes.
The Oasis Beach Apartments were in a great location (less than 5 mins to the beach) and was close to all the local amenities.
My partner and I stayed in a Studio (Block A, Apt E) and it was more than adequate with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower and living area was large with sofa, two beds, tv, etc.
Guests we got friendly with were staying in a 1 bed apt upstairs from us and it was literally huge. As a couple, I don't think you would be disappointed in being put up in either accommodation!
The staff were all very friendly and eager to help in anyway.
Only criticsm I have was our journey back to the airport, the rep was a complete Muppet!!! Sorry!
All round summary, fantastic location, superb accommodation and I would recommend it to all!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Declan Stewart - West Yorkshire (37, 29)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Second visit to these apartments and I am almost reluctant to give a good review because I don't want everyone to find our little secret. Great apartments very spacious and the staff are very good. A relatively small outdoor pool but more than adequate and the indoor jacuzzi is nearly always free to unwind at the end of the day (after doing absolutely nothing but relax). The supermarket in the centre (Baptista) of the resort is very good, get your weeks shopping in, give them your address and they will deliver it.
Atlantico by the church is easily the best restaurant slightly more expensive than others but worth it also worth a visit the Parisio on the beach front and there is a nice little Italian on the top road that runs through the village (with out doubt the best service and suprisingly cheap). Habana and the bar next door are ideal for a cold beer after a walk on the beach. Around the church side of the resort there is the Bull and Kellys which are fine 'Englishy' style pubs (the Bull does a great fillet steak) also worth a mention just around the corner from the apartments is the Duke formerly the Duke of Holland which has had a great refurb and the kind of bar we would visit at home but not what I would call a holiday bar very nice all the same and it looked to have a good menu.
I can't fault the apartments nor the resort a fantastic chill out destination
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Deborah and Jim Hetherington 60,51 and David 51
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was a fantastic holiday. Maid service was great. The location was supberb. We drank regularly at the Bull pub. Had breakfast at the Habana, Staff at Oasis very friendly and even the residents were a laugh. We used the Jacuzzi every night, no charge. 7 Euros for taxi to Lagos. Will certainly go back again.
Fortaluza Jazz lunch a bit of a rip of, Chaplins great friendly place for a meal. A quiet holiday enjoyed by all.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : David Megaughin - Ballymena (60,51,51)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Looked up this site before we went and it turned out to be pretty much as the other reviews said.
The appartments were clean and modern and the air conditioning (that was free) was a god send for the hot nights.
The maid came round every couple of days but really just cleaned the kitchen and bathroom briefly. Towels were changed two or three times in the 2 weeks. Be warned you only get one very small bar of soap and one roll of toilet paper to last for all your stay.
The bar was small and closed at 8pm so no late nights on site.
There are plenty of good places to eat and they are all reasonably priced. The four restaurants by the church are probably best and the staff in Chaplains all speak English. Breakfast really needs to be taken in Habana on the front and they will mix and match beans and chips etc if you want.
For a special treat go to Fortaleza opposite the church on a Sunday for the jazz and barbeque - it costs EU 25 but is well worth it for the food, music and the view.
Lagos is a EU 8 taxi ride away and has the best shops and really good restaurants so is worth at least one visit.
Over 2 weeks you get to see all of Luz so a car would be useful to get out and about for 2 or 3 days.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays July 2006
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Mandy, Scotland (16)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Being 16, I thought it would be useful to write a review on Praia da Luz through a young person's perspective. This was my third family holiday to Portugal. Arriving late at night, after receiving our keys, one of the younger guys called round to see how we were. After my mum complaining about not being able to have a cup of tea because the shops were not open, the guy who worked there persisted to go and fetch her some milk. The family who run the Oasis Beach Appartments were brilliant and really friendly. They even moved us to a bigger room so we could be next door to my cousins family who were later joining us in Portugal. The family appartments were amazing, the biggest we've been in in Portugal. The pool at the appartments was on the small side but it did the job. Sometimes hard to bag a sunbed. The poolside bar did snacks and drinks at a reasonable price. Only thing was the appartments didn't have a bar or any entertainment on at night. This didn't bother me that much to be honest but I felt my mum and the other adults would have enjoyed some entertainment within the complex. Anyways the beach was gorgeous and pratically just down the hill. I loved it and usually I'm the one who can't be bothered walking home with the wet feet covered in sand. Be sure to visit Chico watersports and have a shot on the flyfish. I though I was actually going to die on it but heehee it was fun.
I loved the freedom we got. The resort was very safe and the parents felt able to let us go our own way at night. If your young like me :) your best bet is the Mirage at night. You'll find all the young ones up there. The local teens are dead friendly and everyone mixes. the Mirage has a novelty blow up thing there every weekend. I don't no how to explain it but you'll know what I mean when you see it. One night it was like ah bungee bouncy thing you got strapped into and you have to race to the end and then it pulled you flying back lol. Only bad thing is it's about 7 euros or something for a vodka and red bull lol. After the mirage everyone usually heads down to the dancing just down from the Oasis Beach Appartments and beside the Havana Cafe. I can't quite mind the name of it. Anyways if you want in for nothing head down about half 11 coz its really quiet. I think it's about 10 euros to get in but you then get 10 euros free to spend at the bar. Good mix of music, jsut really everything you would expect to hear in the UK. Thats basically all the nightlife Praia da Luz has to offer but I would say you would prob love if if you were about 16-17. If you head into Lagos at nights its meant to have beach and foam parties. Theres more resturants and that as well in Lagos.
I would love to go back it was brilliant, the adults in the party found it a bit too quiet though. Instead of the usual outings everyone reccommends eg Slide and Splash and Zoo Marine. I would reccommend going on the jeep safari. Its a brilliant day out. All the family enjoyed it. You get to enjoy the local firewater ;)
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Chris & Kath 39, 45)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Thanks to all who have reviewed before us. Oasis Beach & Luz lived up to all expecations. Fantastic beach and a lovely relaxed feel to the whole place.
Resturants aplenty offered all kinds of food (loved the Lime Tree and the Chinese). Did the obligatory trip to Lagos and was delighted to return to Luz (the peace the quiet, no shops!!!!).
Loved it so much we have already booked again.
Only slight drawback was we were delayed at the airport waiting for another flight to join our transfer bus. Why not just Taxi those delayed people to their resorts rather than delaying everyone.
Still not enought to spoil the stay.
Roll on June 2007
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 06
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Malc Newton - Derby (49, 48)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is the second time we've been to these apartments. Last time we had a wonderful holiday and this time was just as good.
We got a sleeps 4 apartment for a really low price which meant we got a separate bedroom and did not use the sofa bed.
Huge apartment with air con, satellite TV with UK channels so we could see how bad the weather was back home. Towels changes twice in the week we were there.
Didn't use the apartment staff or the Direct Holidays staff - did our own thing.
Indoor pool empty most days at around 5pm when we ambled back from the beach. Pool to ourselves.
Sun beds and shades Eur4 each so it cost us Eur12 per day. Use the beds to the far left of the beach. Graham - a Brit with a keen sense of humour and a very nice bloke, runs the patch. Nothing is too much trouble. Also, on the prom at that end is a white van serving ice cold beers, very good coffee and food and home made piri-piri sauce to die for. He makes is with peppers from his smallholding and fire water (a local spirit, aptly named). He also sells locally mashed fire water for a few cents a shot..very nice with a coffee but be careful!
This is a place to go chill and have some real good food, wine and meet some very nice people. Don't go for a rave-up.
We were on a budget of Eur 100 per day to cover all food, drinks beds etc and managed it without skimping in any way.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Vek - Penrhiwceiber (40, 39)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having read some reviews for the apts. and resort our expectations were high, we were not disappointed. We were alocated room A in block A, this studio is next to the pool bar and overlooking the pool area, a perfect location for us, the pool bar is not intrusive as it closes at 8:00pm. The room was spacious and well equipped with a good air con unit. The indoor pool area, jacuzzi, sauna, turkish bath and gym were never full. All in all excellent accomodation in a great location, only 5 minutes from the beach and nearest supermarket, newsagent etc.
The resort is very picturesque with a lovely beach, it retains its fishing village atmosphere, but combines this with numerous bars and retaurants. There are several British bars, the Red Bull was very good for a cooked breakfast and the Duke of Holland has just been refurbished and has a relaxed atmosphere for a meal or just a drink. The Atlantico restaurant by the Church and the O'Poco restaurant on the promenade come highly recommended, I can't remember a bad meal all fortnight.
An excellent holiday all round, Luz is a very nice resort, quiet and relaxing and a very good base for exploring the Wesern Algarve. We will return soon
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - Sept/Oct 05
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Christian Morris - Cardiff (60, 58, 33, 32, 7, 1)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Weather
For late September / early October - the locals were saying that it was hotter than August. We didnt see a cloud for 7 days. Its the best week of weather i have ever had on holiday ! Glorious sunshine and in the 30s all week.
Resort
If you want a quiet holiday - Luz is the place. Theres enough variety of restaurants and bars to last a week. If id been there longer a car would have come into the equation. Everything you need is close - Beach 5mins, bank 10 mins and 3 supermarkets where you can get all the essentials (Parents with young Kids - dont bother packing your Pampers - you can buy "Dodots" that are exactly the same).
The majority of holiday makers were either young families or older couples - but the atmosphere is very welcoming and everyone says "hello". No yobs thankfully! The locals are very friendly and helpful - and they are very very child friendly thankfully!
Beach
Beautiful. Immaculate. My photos are like postcards! But that Atlantic gets a tad choppy! If you get past the breakers the sea was like a milpond 25ft out. Beds are a few euros - but we invested in few parosols from the local shops to use for the week instead paying for canopies every day.
Accomodation
First Class. As there were 6 of us we had 2 one bedromm Appts in Block A. Both were immaculate (as was the rest of the complex) fully fitted with A/C, Satellite, Kitchen and Bidet - (which my 1 year old took great pleasure in climbing into!
Pool is quaint - with plenty of room at this time of year. The bar staff were really friendly and very laid back!
Shops
Not very many really - which was blessing as it prevented the missus from spending away the Euros in there!
Oh...and another review comments on the stall opposite Habana that rips you off - they do. They conned my other half into paying 7 euros for a bucket! The spade was extra!
3 Supermarkets - all exceptionally well stocked. Makes me realise how much c*rap they sell us in our supermarkets over here!
The even sell Cross and Blackwell Baked Beans - which you cant buy in the UK anymore !
Now if your after your duty free ciggies - i recommend you place an order with the friendly fella in the tabacconists. If you let him know what your after a few days before you go he will order them in for you (its in the arcade behind Habana and Lazuli). This is one of only 2 places where you can buy cigarettes in 200's.
Pub/ Bars
Habana is good. Gr8 staff and a quality brekkie. The Lazuli next door is good too (thats the one that no-one can ever remember the name of!)
And they have webcams - so you can ring your friewnds and family in work back home so they can see you enjoying yourselves!
The Duke is decent - with Sky for footie - but wasnt impressed with being told it was stop tap at 1am when all the regulars were allowed to stay later!!
The Bull and Kellys are at the other end of town - both with Sky - but they didnt do food in the nights. Nice enough though.
And of course Boozy Soozeys. Hidden away in an arcade adjacent to Baptista Supermarket - its the only place where you can get San Miguel - which makes a change from Super Bock!). Soozey is a top lass - and she makes a mean tuna sarnie!
Restaurants
The Chinese was quality! And we had no problem with the service. The Paraiso on the beach was also good. The Plough and Harrow on the back road was also reasonable - Steak and Kidney stew highly recommended. But if you want a good steak - Chaplins is the place. The Fillet Steak in Port and Stilton sauce is close to the beat ive ever tasted. But book a table cos its always busy!
Theres loads of other places to eat too!
Overall
For a nice relaxing week away, with kids - go to Praia da Luz. It really is idylic quiet and laid back. Personnally, i dont go on holidays with my family to end up in a roon next to a roomfull of teenaged party animals! If its tranqulity, freindlieness and cheap yet good food you want - Luz is for you. (However cheap gassy Super Bock will get to you by the end of the week - but for the equivalent of £1.40 a pint - i survived...just! :-)
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : John & Debbie - Liverpool (53, 44)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I can't add much to the other reviews here; a great place for a quiet break. Only downside was the sea temperature, which is frankly damn cold, although being the Atlantic this was hardly a surprise. Otherwise a perfect beach.
The rented beach sunbeds and shades were 10.5 euros for the two of us, which over a fortnight would set you back £100 or so, so it's worth buying your own brolly and beach mats from one of the shops, even if you leave them behind on departure, (not the "gypsy" market though, which is the first big shop you come to on the way down to the beach - even the reps will warn you off being overcharged there).
The apartments themselves were superb, with the kitchen facilities being excellent by normal standards. The only problem with the accommodation was the level of staffing. Basically, either the pool bar OR reception would be open, and frequently neither. Reception was closed both on arrival and departure (meaning no refund of the deposit I paid on the safe deposit key), and in fact I only found it open once when needed, meaning that changing travellers cheques or ordering a taxi proved impossible.
Maid service was very poor. No fresh linen or towels all week, and room cleaning was limited to collection of the rubbish from the kitchen bin. Even this was sporadic, meaning I had to chuck it out myself sometimes when the smell became too much.
The staff themselves, I should say, were most helpful and friendly...just not enough of them.
Overall, however , we enjoyed the week.
One useful tip if you're flying with Astreus airline (excellent, by the way) .... I learnt from a stewardess that the airline doesn't charge extra for meals, and no questions were asked when the meals came round. So if like us you are charged an extra £10 a head by Direct Holidays, it's a straightforward rip-off; decline the offer to pay this and you'll get the meal anyway.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Phil - Co.Durham (32,32,8,6)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just come back from a lovely 2 week holiday. The apartment we stopped in was very nice very close to bar and pool.The maid was in nearly every day cleaning and tidying up.The room had sat TV and A/C.
There was also an in-door pool + jacuzzi as well as the 2 out-door pools.
The beach was only 5 mins away even with my two kids walking.
Most of the places mentioned for eating out were very nice especially the restaurant on the beach next to the kids swings etc.We found the Bull restaurant disappointing for what we paid and the Chinese Royal Garden was the best we had ever tasted just the service wasn't very good.The Mirage restaurant was nice.Very good service and food and the italian near-by (sorry cant remember the names.)On average 2/3 course meal with house wine and desserts for 4 of us was 50 euros.
Lagos is definitely worth a look (about 14-15 euros by taxi there and back)We went a few times lots of shops and restaurants. We did find the restaurants here a bit cheaper and still very nice.
In Praia da Luz, our favourite pub was the Duke of Holland which was 5 mins walk away next to the small supermarket, which has quizs on a few times a week and the staff were always friendly.
Overall the whole village of Luz is nice(no groups of lads or lasses). Maybe teenagers might get a bit bored after a while.
Also if wanting a english newspaper there is a newsagents hidden in-between bar Habana and the next bar. Didnt find this until the 2nd week (Had been walking all the way into village centre 10-15 mins)
Would definitely go back again.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Tracy Chaplin - Scunthorpe (54,49,35,35,34,31,13,10,4,3)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
I had read all the reviews and yes I can confirm everything they say is true an more, these apartments are ace the biggest rooms any of us have stayed in, yes the pool is quite small but when you have small children we found it to be excellent, you could keep an eye on them at all times. the staff were very friendly we got checked in very quickly with help taking cases to our rooms ( how often do you get that ). poolside bar was excellent prices were good and food was fab.........
Beach was lovely and clean with a lovely breeze which was a godsend.
Our favourite restaurant by far was Chaplins, the service was second to none and the food was excellent definately try the tuna steak and pepper steak was a firm favourite with us all.
The fortralez restaurant is really beautiful but we felt that the service let us down the food was very nice but it was very busy and the staff did not have time for us.
The duke of holland pub on the hill up from the beach is really nice the staff are all very friendly and I have to say there restaurant is also one of the best i can't remember reading any other reviews on it but please please try it, the restaurant is down stairs with a small terrace off where the children can stretch there legs with no fear of wandering off, kids meals were good with free drink refils for the children which was good we did not find any where else who did this.
The supermarket near to the apartments next to the duke of holland was very good and staff very friendly, yes it was a little bit more expensive than the large one on the main road but still very good.
both the beach bars were very good for english breakfast and a late night irish coffee.
we did the trip to the water park which was very good, but beware the coach journey takes 1-2 picking everyone up so if we went again i think i would price a taxi up or hire a car for a couple of days.
oh and i must not forget pizza real it is just up the hill from bar habana they do the most delicious pizzas you must try them.
All in all we all thought that the apartments were the best we had stayed in , the resort was the best we had stayed in, the restaurants were the best we had eaten in abroad so with all that considered do not delay get yours booked, we will be doing.............
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays- June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : grace and johnny mills (45,48) donegal ireland
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stayed in a studio apartment in block (a) apartment (a) right next door to the bar, restuarant, we found the accomodation fabulous and the staff were brilliant.Dieago is the bar man and what a lovely guy and joseph at reception was brilliant. we ate a lot at the chinese as we found the portugese food rather rich, but the chinese was the best we have ever tried.The nightlife in this resort is very quiet, however we spent a lot of time in a place called the mirage staff were very friendly and the drink was good.
In all we had a great time at this resort.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : John , Debbie, Natalie - Bangor N. Ireland (42,40,5):
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
These apartments are the best I ever have stayed in.The resort is quiet but that is what we wanted.
Best restaurants, The Dolphin ( a South African Restaurant),Chaplins and a wonderful Chinese called the Resaturante Royal Garden. Didn't like The Restaurante O Portugues. If you wish to try typical Portuguese food go to a cafe/restaurante further up the hill, same side, opposite the small supermarket, called Churraqueira.
The food is excellent and very cheap.
Most of the better restaurants are around the church.Down at the beach the Bar Habana and the one immediately beside it are good for snacks.The two guys in Bar Habana really try.Didnt eat in the Paraiso on the beach but it is a great place to sit and have a drink while the kids play on the swings ,slide etc immediately in front of you.
Immediately you approach the beach you will see a large open air stall selling beach gear. DONT BUY ANYTHING.They see by your pasty complexion that you have just arrived and charge at least double the price.
Hired both Shade and Lounger from Graham on the beach for 7 Euro a day .(Left hand side of the beach) Great Guy. Tell him that the Northern Ireland Su Doku King was
asking about him.
I would recommend a visit to Lagos. The people in the appartments will organise you a taxi which will drop you off beside the main taxi stand.
All in all a great holiday. I hope to return.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : O'Connor - Dublin (42,38)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We were initially a bit hesitant to book this resort as it was such a good bargain, (almost too good to believe coming from 'rip-off' Ireland) however after reading the previous comments on this web site we went and had a great holiday. All the comments were real and accurate. Don't be put off by the transfer time to the resort as it is so well worth it. Everything we read about this accomodation and area were spot on. The Oasis Beach Apartments and resort were both excellent.
Accommodation:
We booked an apartment and it was huge. There were 2 balconies, one which caught the early morning sunshine and the other main one off the bedroom and living room which caught the evening sun or shade. We had a separate bedroom, bathroom living/dining room and separate kitchen. The furniture was to a high standard and the kitchen was well stocked - there was even a microwave. There is also Satellite TV with some English channels BBC, Sky, MTV. The apartments were quite and relaxing. You could hear the calming tones of the swallows and other little birds (sorry don't know their names) calling to one another. There is a small outdoor pool however we went down to the nearby beach (3 mins walk) each day. There is also an indoor pool , gym, sauna and steam room but we never used them - nice to have the option though!
Resort:
Praia da Luz has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. There are few shops but the supermarkets are well stocked. The beach is divided into sections where you could hire a bed & parasol or you could simply use your own umbrella and sit on your towel on the sand. There are easily accesible toilets and even an area where anybody in a wheelchair could access the beach (over wooden pathway). The are bouganvilla flowers and mint growing everywhere. We didn't have any problems with mosquitoes however we went in mid-May.
We ate in all of the previously recommended restaurants, Lime Tree, Atlantico, Portuguese and the Indian and all were definitley great value and very enjoyable. The chef from the Atlantico even popped out to say hello to his guests!
We took the tour to Seville in Spain through our agent. It is a beautiful city and definitely well worth it. It costs ?45 which includes the return bus and tour of Seville. There are orange trees with real oranges and everywhere you see mint and jasmine growing! The trip around Expo 92 and 29 are especially interesting. Also recommend the Palace/Alcazar. One warning though is the time it takes to pickup and drop off other guests from their locations along the way but don't let this put you off the trip.
Lagos which is only e7 via taxi is busier area. There are loads of shops and restaurants there. Again a lovely atmosphere. The beach there is a couple of kilometres long with white sand. We ate in Lindas which had a nice menu - I recommend the Pitta!
We will definitlely travel back to the Algarve again and recommend Direct Holidays Ireland.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays / my travel - Oct / Nov 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : glenda and bill campbell 59,60
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just back from two weeks at the Oasis Beach Apartments.All the other reviews here are true, it's a brilliant resort and accommodation.
The staff could not be more helpful and friendly without being intrusive. The beach is literally 2 mins stroll away and the Atlantic was amazing in October with big rollers crashing in - loads of surfers to watch too. One thing no-one else seems to have discovered which is a real treasure. The local supermarket Baptista not only accept your travellers cheques and don't charge commission, but they deliver the shopping for you there and then.....and wait for it......they deliver you home with the shopping too. YES freee taxi ride home ! unbelievable or what.
It's true what all the other say though Do not holiday in Praia da Luz if you want action, this is a sleepy little village with the emphasis on peace, quiet and total relaxation. Can't wait to go back.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: direct travel october 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : grant ,liz&harry 40,43,8
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The transfer time was a little off putting (2hrs) but on arrival at Oasis it was well worth it!The studio we had was in block A. Everything and more you would need for a self-catering holiday.It was quite quiet at this time of year but this only added to the enjoyment of the holiday.Carlos and Josef (the 2 guys that run the complex were very friendly and helpful.The beach is super with sand and rocks which you can lie on. Ate out at a few places, but our favourite by far was The Murajo, just down from Chaplins good service,excellent food and a very pleasant waiter.
Would go back to Luz probably at the same time of year.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Ian & Pamela - Hamilton (30, 28)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Luz. We booked a late deal and after checking this site for others opinions, decided on Oasis Beach. We did have slight reservations that the resort may become a bit boring by the end of the week but this was not the case.
We stayed in a studio which was large, well equipped and comfortable. We only used the outdoor pool as the weather was lovely. We never had any problems getting a lounger. The pool bar is small but again, we never had any problems getting a table there.
We ate in a different restaurant every night and found The Atlantico and The Waterside, behind the church, to be particularly good. Both served alternatives to the usual Cataplana or Piri Piri. Another restaurant to look out for is Godots. The menu here is completely different and the atmosphere is so layed back. I would recommend the Stilton burger. On average, a 2 course meal with a bottle of wine was appx 55 euros.
There are very few shops in Luz but this just adds to the relaxed atmosphere. You really feel yourself unwinding as the week goes on.
Only 2 criticisms - the towels were only changed once during the week and Faro Airport was bedlam at 0900 on Sat morning. We waited 75" to check in and 15" to go through to departure lounge after that.
The positives far outweigh the negatives and I'm sure we will return to Luz.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Paul & Louise (30's/20's)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just got back from a great holiday at The Oasis Beach Apartments in the Algarve.
Accomodation:
The accomodation for a 3* complex was very good. The complex is small with only about 40 or so studio's and apartments, in a very quiet area of Luz. Blocks A and C are the quietest with B, being close to the very small bar/cafe and pool. We stayed in a end apartment in Block C, and found it overall to be very quiet (which is what we wanted). We had a small seperate modern, clean kitchen, a reasonable size modern bathroom and a sitting room/bedroom, again whihch was a good size with pine furntiure in it. We also had a balcony and little terrace at the back.
The rooms were cleaned 3 times in the week, with the towels changed once. The bed linen wasnt changed while were there, which I felt was unusual and would have preffered.
The pool was small, as others have commented on, but I think OK for the size of the complex. Could have been bigger, however as it had a small indoor pool and jacuzzi, I think this made up for it! The bar was small, serving limited food. However this was fine.
The staff at Oasis were very friendly, never obtrusive, and seemed quite laid back.
The apartments were about a 2 minute walk to the beach.
The Resort:
Praia da Luz is a small town, with a fabulous beach. It has a good selection of restaurants to eat in. The restaurant on the beach (sorry cant remember the name) was great for lunch, and we enjoyed eating at The Fortralez (Brazilian restaurant, overlooking the sea)and the Lime Tree (Modern English/Meditteranean food. We enjoyed trying out local Portugese food, which was served at most restuarants. The resort only has a small selection of bars, which we went to every night, and 1 nightlcub (Prive) which we didnt go to.
Again the majority of the staff in the bars and restaurants were really warm and friendly. With excellent service provided. Wwe only had 1 poor meal in 7 nights!
We also went out a couple of times to Lagos, which is only 7 euros from Luz by taxi. There we ate out at a couple of very nice restaurants, and also drinking at many of the bars. The nightlife here is a bit more active, with a good selction of places to eat and drink. Definately worh a visit, and we would go back to.
Travel:
We travelled with Mytravel/Direct Holidays and overall they were very good. The journey to the apartments on our way to Luz only took about 1 hour 30 ins by a modern minibus. The way back was longer, as by coach and with more stops (approx 2 hours 30 mins).
The flights were on time and only 2 hour 30 mins, and had films shown in both directions, which passed the time away.
Overall I would definately recommend Oasis Beach Apartments and Praia da Luz if you are looking for a quiet holiday. This is not the place to go if you want to be out drinking to 6am every night. You will find out of season when we went, that it is mainly couples of all ages, young families (pre-school children) and all nationalities. Luz itself is fine for a 1 week holiday, I think if you went for 2 weeks, I would recommend hiring a car out, and seeing some sights, as may get bored. However we will definately return to Luz in the future, and can strongly reccomend it.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - September 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Fiona & Jason (30's)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a very relaxing holiday in the beautiful resort of Praia la Luz. Pleased to report that all of the other reviews on this place are true - our one bedroomed apartment was clean, comfortable & spacious. The kitchen was equipped with more pots & pans than we ever got round to using and the maid visited every day except Sunday.
We didn't spend any time by the pool at the apartments - on holiday I lack the necessary discipline to get up at 7am to put my towel on a sunbed! However, the beach at Luz is wonderful and only % minutes stroll away. Plenty of room, mostly families & couples of all ages with a quite a few locals so it must be OK. There are sunbeds and sunshades for hire on the beach for about 3.50 euros each per day. We bought an umbrella which for 9 euros paid for itself by day 3.
The sea is very bracing - so a paddle to cool down was all we managed but the indoor pool at the apartments was great for a swim later on & generally there was only us there.
There are several supermarkets dotted round Luz & thery all stock a variety of food with similar prices so it just depends how far you want to carry your shopping- we used the one closest to the apartments. The assistants are very polite & patient dealing with holiay makers fumbling for small change in euros!
Eating out there are a selection of very similar restaurants offering similar menus of meat/fish. The best of these we found was the Portuguese restaurant which is opposite the top of the road leaving the apartments by the side gate. The service is excellent & try out the cover which includes flambe pepperoni.
For cheap & cheerful Pizza Real is also worth a visit. This is primarily a takeaway but has a small restaurant attached & they do an interesting selection of salads, pizzas & curries.
Far and away the best restaurant we visited in Luz was the Lime Tree which is up near the church (turn left just past the Bull & you'll see their sign). The food here was excellent with some really interesting dishes and a good wine list. Price approx 60 euros for two - I would recommend booking to avoid disappointment as we were unable to get a table the first night we tried. This restaurant is owned by an English couple & this is the first season they have been open. We are hoping that they will be there for many years to come as we would love to go there next time we visit.
The Oasis Beach is an excellent place to stay to enjoy Praia la Luz which is a laid back resort with low key night life & real village feel to it - we will definitely be back!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Callie - Liverpool
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Over the summers we went on a family holiday to Pria de Luz, Algarve. the Flight took about 2 hours and the transpher 45 mins. I would easily recommend this Hotel as it has a turkish bath, Sauna, Gym and Jaccuzi which nobody goes into so you're the only people there.
The pools a little small and if you get a studio it's small but if you get an apartment (like I did) they are extremely spacious with a large balcony, kitchen and lounge area. If you don't fancy being at the hotel all day you can take a stroll down to the long, sandy beach which has clear blue seas (but is a little chilli as it's the Atlantic). If your looking for a quiet place, Praia da Luz is a great place to go. Pizza Real is a very cheap restaurant with stonebake pizzas which are very tasty(not to mention the curries).
If you want somewhere to go for a snack go to the Havana bar which have very nice burgers if your a burger lover like me. Another good one if The Atlantico restaurent but make sure to reserve your table. If your just after a quiet glass of beer go down (or uphill) to the Bull pub, where you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the spectacular views of the bay.
All in all we enjoyed our stay at the oasis and will definetly return.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : John and Ena (49,48) Scotland
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our first time in the Algarve and we couldn't have picked a better introduction. The resort was quite small, but the beach was beautiful and the restaurants were exceptional.We had a one bedroom apartment that was very spacious with a separate kitchen area with 2 rings,microwave, toaster and full size fridge freezer. Both the living area and the bedroom had patio doors onto a large balcony. There are only 48 Apts. in 4 blocks each 2 storey's high. The staff couldn't do enough for you and were friendly and approachable.
We particularly enjoyed the Jazz Lunch at the Brazilian restarant opposite the church. We ate in 4 other restarants and they were all very good, including the Haddock and Chips in Chaplin's (we were beginning to miss Scotland a little by then)
The taxi into Lagos (7 euros)was well worth it. This is much busier with more night life and a better selection of shops. The area around the marina is well worth a stroll and there are a few bars to quench the thirst. At the opposite end of the harbour there are a few large rock formations about 50 or 60 feet high. Many young daredevils take the opportunity to jump or dive into the sea from the top (not me!)
We happened on an excellent restaurant in Lagos - Restaurante O Patinhas, it can be found just up the hill past 'Mullins' and turn right. The owners are Ian from Elgin and his wife Isobel from Lisbon. The chef there takes great pride in cooking to your taste and if you want to vary a dish a little from the menu then it's no problem. It is great value for money and Ian serves an excellent local red wine for 4.50euros a litre.
Ian and Isobel couldn't be nicer and they take time to chat to every customer just as if you were eating in their home.
Well, that's enough, you'll be thinking that all we did was soak up the sunshine, eat and drink - and you wouldn't be far wrong.
We will go back to the algarve - soon!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : David & Lorraine 46, 44
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
I would not hesitate to recommend these apts. We stayed in a 1 bedroom apt. which was very spacious and well equipped. The proper air con. was needed and worked very effectively.
Resort smart and friendly with quality restaurants for those who did not mind spending a little more. Ate 3 times in the Green Lime Restaurant and enjoyed first class quality food and service.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Malc Newton - Derby (47 & 46)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from the Oasis Beach Apartments in Praia Da Luz and have to report that it was the best holiday in years! The reviews on this site were instrumental in helping us make the decision to go there. How many other holidays get Very Good or better rating for the resort and accommodation?
The only snag was that we were worried about how good all the reviews were and suspected holiday company involvement - but the reviews were accurate and very useful.
The holiday was a great beach holiday with very good accommodation and plenty of excellent, reasonably priced restaurants. We wanted a quiet time and got it. If you want to spend a holiday round a hotel pool and have a busy nightlife avoid this place.
The transfer from the airport was 2.5 hours on an air-conditioned coach. This is not as bad as it sounds because you get to see some of the places you could have been staying - high rise, miles from the sea and looking like prison blocks. Also consider is it worth two journeys of 2.5 hours in a week or two to get an apartment that is 5 minutes gentle stroll from the beach or do you want a half hour transfer and then spend half an hour trying to get to the beach each day?
The staff at the apartments were very welcoming and give us a very useful free map showing supermarkets and restaurants etc. The one bedroomed apartment was excellent. Large lounge/diner, separate kitchen, separate bathroom, separate twin bedroom and a large balcony. Air conditioning in the lounge/diner would cool the bedroom if the door was left open. There was satellite TV which would pick up BBC1, 2, 3 and 4 plus the BBC 24hr news - great fun watching the floods back home! Big fridge freezer in the kitchen plus a couple of cooker rings, a microwave and toaster.
The Outdoor pool and pool bar would probably be a disappointment if you are a pool holiday person. Both were small and the pool was heaving with kids. Sun beds were all 'towelled' by the time I surfaced at around 9-10am.
But we were there for the beach so the state of the pool was no worry to us. The beach was literally a pleasant five minute stroll away - though not the 50yds claimed in the brochure. The beach was busy but plent of room for everyone. If you wanted a sunbed and shade you could get one at any time of the day. If you wanted to spread your towel, there was plent of room for that also. Sunbeds were Eur3.5 as were shades so it cost us Eur10.5 per day. Not bad. The guy tending the beds over the left side of the beach was a middle aged Brit called Graham. Always friendly and a born comedian. He also gave us useful tips like the van just 30yds from the beach had iced beer at Eur1 and fresh sandwiches at less than Eur2. One day we had ham, cheese and salad sandwiches with beer for Eur5.5 and that was for two of us!
The beach was very sandy - very pleasant. The sea was cold if the wind was northerly, a little like Devon! If the wind was Southerly for a couple of days the sea warmed up a treat, the waves grew a little and there was some seaweed. Just remember that this is the Atlantic not the Med. That said the sea was refreshing.
The beach was also family oriented so no naturists to put you off your lunchtime hot-dog! There were young families through to elderly couples - a real mixture but no 18-30s crowd. Typically most people were either Portuguese or Brits and all were well behaved.
When we returned from the beach we used the indoor pool and jacuzzi to cool off and get a little exercise. Most times we were the only people in there - it was like having your own pool! Also tried the small sauna, which was fine, but the small steam room was somewhat lacking in steam. There was also a small gym in the complex which we didn't try - too much like hard work! All these facilities are included in the holiday price - not extra.
Food etc in the supermarkets was reasonably priced. Local beer was less than Eur4 for 6 330ml bottles. Avoid the Cristal beer unless you like Bud - not the best beer in the world but acceptable on a hot beach. A reasonable bottle of win was Eur in the supermarkets and around Eur11 in a restaurant. We found 5 litre flagons of house wine in the supermarkets for Eur6!!!!! And it was drinkable. They did have some at around Eur3 but there are limits!
The restaurants were generally very good though tended to have similar menus. In high season they filled up around 7-8pm. Booking is advisable at those times though getting a table at 9pm didn't seem a problem. Typical two course meal for two with wine and coffee around Eur55 including a tip. You could eat cheaper though Eur30 or less for two was achievable. The restaurants we liked the best were the Portugues (about 5 mins from the apartment) and the Atlantico up near the church. All were good but these two had good atmosphere and food. All meat and fish oriented menus - not great for vegetarians.
As a guide, we spent around Eur80 per day on food, drink and sunbeds.
So, we had a great time and got it all around half price because we booked only a week before we went! The icing on the cake.
We will go again.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Direct July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Alan Kitching Bedlington (54,47,14)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We would concur with the positive statements sent in by holidaymakers.The apartments at the Oasis Beach could not be faulted -spacious,clean and well located.
At least 2 internet cafes in town for those who need to keep in touch, with the chance to have a beer whilst surfing!
The highlight for us was finding the Lime Tree retaurant in Rua de Abril just off the centre of town.The food here was simply outstanding and by far the best we experienced during our stay.The Lime tree has been open only a few weeks and the English proprieters are keen to establish a reputation for quality food at a fair price.We ate 3 times here so good was the fayre and hope to find the place well established on our next visit.
Also the "Sitio do Rio" at Carrapateira was a real find.Watch the chef pepare and cook the food as you anticipate the best of local produce fresh to your table!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : 30, 28
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Oasis Beach are excellent apartments. It's a small complex of 42 apartments with a swimming pool and sun loungers with matresses an indoor pool and sauna, steam room and a small library all of which are in the reception block. In Direct holidays brochure it said they were 3* I would rate them 4*.
We stayed in a ground floor studio which was spacious with a seperate kitchen and bathroom. There was also a nice terrace with a table and chairs and a clothes horse for drying your towels after a day at the pool or beach.
The kitchen was very well equipped with lots of cupboards, a marble worktop counter, a table and chairs, 2 ring hob electric cooker, large fridge freezer, microwave, toaster and every utensil you could possible need. There was even a chopping board and a wine opener. There were lots of crockery and cutlery 4 or 5 of everything even though there were only 2 of us which was great you didn't have to wash up the minute you had used a glass.
These apartments are brillant for the enthuastic self caterer. We however only had breakfast and a light lunch in the apartments and ate out ever night in one of the many nice restaurant. To name but a few my favourites were Mariujoes at the very end of the promenade turn left there are 3 or 4 restaurants together and it's the first one I think and I really liked a lovely Italian restaurant very close to apartments on the road to the post office called Pizzas and Panninis.
The beach is really close down some small streets I'd say less than a 3 min walk. The first day we were there we decided to go to the beach around 5 in the evening, we were not prepared for the sea breeze. I had brought a beach mat and tried to sit on it but it blew away and eventually when we did manage to sit down the sand cut the back off us blowing in the wind. So my advice is to go to the beach in the morn or very early afternoon. The sea is the coldest I've ever experienced but despite this we did manage to play ball in it.
The evening time can get very cold which we didn't expect, again its the sea breeze so bring a light top. I had a hoddie top that I wore the night we arrived and every night I needed it going out to the restaurants as we liked to sit outside on the terrace of the restautants.
Praia da Luz is a beautiful quiet resort with some really nice restaurants and a lovely beach, don't go there if you are into shopping or the like as it's non exsistent. We spent a week there and to be honest if we were staying another week we would have been bored just sitting by the pool and going to the beach but hiring a car or doing sone of the organsied trips and we would have easily managed another week. If you are thinking of doing any of the trips there is a small tour office run by an English lady across the road from the nearest supermarket to the apartments it opens at 10am approx. and it has all the trips at a cheaper price, the water park is 15% than going with Direct Holidays rep. so check it out before you decide.
We would highly recommend these apartments they are in a great loaction very close to centre of town, spotlessly clean and well run. If you are hesitating don't, you will have an excellent holiday in Oasis Beach apartments Praia da Luz.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : George Allcock Wallasey (55 54)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartment was excellent, just a studio, but very big with a separate kitchen, containing, a fridge freezer, 2 ring electric cooker, toaster and a microwave.
The really plus for the apartment was the air conditioning. It was genuine unit not just a ceiling fan, and was great for returning from a day on the beach. I always set it on economy before getting into bed at night, ensuring a good nights sleep.And you could keep your doors and windows closed, thus stoping those pesky flying things getting into the room. The tv in the room also had a digi-box, so you could get lots of stations.
Only two not so good things. Firstly, only 2 bath towels to last a week, and secondly, we ordered an early morning call for the day we were going home, and are still waiting for it.
The resort itself is not as small as we thought it would be, and there was plenty of bars and resturants to try. My favorite bar was Boozie Soozies, but it was not the wife's. So its down to personal choice.
We enjoyed the pipes of pan musicians who played daily on the promonade, such a relaxing sound. Beach was good too.
Something I noticed, there is a lot of British people with businesses there.
We would return, and also reccomend the place and appartments.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May-June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Clifton Family, North Yorkshire (50,44,13)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from Praia da Luz. Had a fantastic holiday. Luz itself is quiet, but there are enough restaurants to choose from, especially if you are into fish (I,m not but still had some nice food). La Concha, with the fantastic view is a little more expensive that others (56 e for 2 Adults and 1 13 year old inc. drinks) but the view was worth it! Also the fort restaurant is different it's like eating in a medieval banqueting hall.(49e for meal & drinks).There are actually 2 restaurants when you walk through their gate. Turn left for the upmarket one and right for one which has a buffet and less pricey menu.
The accommodation was very nice. Clean, spacious and well furnished. As with the other comments made about this accommodation the only down side was the outside pool area. Admittedly it was the may 1/2 term week, but there were lots of "little darlings" who seemed to think that the pool was for their use only. When we ventured in to the indoor pool we had the place to ourselves and managed to get in some semi serious swimming. The jakuzzi was lovely, and my husband and son used the limited gym and steam room. I must admit when I saw in the brochure that Oasis had indoor facilities I did wonder why when you were going to the Algarve's weather, but it was a real treat!
Went on the Direct Holiday trip of Historic Algarve - Long day, but a good trip. Also did the Slide and splash Great for the kids (and Dads) I found shelter under an umbrella. It was a very hot day. We were told it was 38 degrees!
Our friends stayed about a mile down the road at the Sao Pedro Villas. Also very nice. Used their large pool on a couple of occasions.
A 7e taxi ride takes you into Lagos. Very nice.Also went in one evening for a change of resaurants. Well worth it. Lots to choose from and a lot cheaper. (38 e)
All in all very good holiday. My son rated it 14 out of 10. Having said that we did have friends with children of similar age, if we hadn't gone with them there would have been nothing for him to do. Thank goodness for Gameboys!
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays April 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : David Wright -Reedley (60, 50)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Accomodation could not be faulted. towels change 3 times. The complex was kept spotlessly clean. Pool area will get busy in high season. Sauna, jakuzzi, indoor pool good fun, Gym vary basic.
Praia is a vrey friendly welcoming place. But it is on a hill and the streets are cobbled.
To eat. O Poco was our favourite. Do not be put off by the exterior. Try the Sole Algarvin style and the Litre jug of wine for 6 euros! We are certainly planning to return to Praia.
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Oasis Beach Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - April 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : Ant & Mich - Manchester
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had a brilliant Easter week at Oasis Beach - excellent weather but think we were particularly lucky.
Oasis is very clean and tidy, the staff very friendly. Pool area quite small but there is a fab beach less than 5 mins walk away.
Resort is small, friendly and family oriented. A handful of restaurants and bars - all with the same menu! The traditional Portuguese Restaurant was good and Godots did the best Fish Cakes in the world (and had a more interesting menu than most). O Poco and the restaurant overlooking the bay provided overpriced food that was average at best.
We had the best and most relaxing holiday in ages - well recommended.
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Ocean Apartments - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Burgess - Darlington 48,50
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
After 2 false starts to our holiday we finally made it to Praia Da Luz. It was a long journey from Faro to the accommodation but worth it We were given an apartment just behind the reception which was great. The living room and kitchen were on the ground floor with a big balcony and the bedroom and bathroom were downstairs. We had a garden area outside the patio doors from the bedroom which was full of honeysuckle etc, it smelled wonderful. The kitchen was well equiped even tea towels and a kitchen towel.
We were behind the adult pool which was great, very quiet relaxing experience. We had two weeks with glorious weather.
We had a meal at Chaplins which was very pleasant, staff made you feel like you were a regular diner. We also went to Lagos quite often, this is a smashing place to wonder around. Had a meal at the Navigator. Good friendly service and lovely food. Also the Steak sandwich shop (if you can find it) for lunch. Even the touting for boat trips was a pleasant experience.
We even went to Alvor for the timeshare presentation. Weren't interested but weren't pressurised. We were picked up by Philipe, he was a lovely man, pointed things out to us on our journey, even took us to the car hire shop where we could pick up a 'smart car' then lead us back to our village.
All in all, we were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and laid back the Portugese people were. A definate return is on the cards.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: thomas cook - May 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : daniel kent,sandhurst,berks
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
we arrived on 31/05/07,the weather was superb,we collected a car from avis and drove to luz using the great new motorway,it took about 50 mins,we arrived at ocean club and found the apartment to be as new,and spotlessly clean,the staff were all very polite and helpful,the cot we had asked for was very good and clean,the pool areas on site were all lovely,surprisingly well kept and not a bit of litter anywhere,we ate at several places locally but were particularly pleased with the habana bar on luz beach(where the webcam is situated),they did a superb range of dishes including freshly made pizzas,and a fabulous lasagne with garlic bread and a delicious salad,we also ate at the ancora restaurant in begau just 2km away and this was excellent too and definately worth a look,lagos,just 3km away is also worth trying as it has an array of bars and restaurants in a pavement cafe style,we also had a trip down to albufeira (40 mins in car) and this was nice too,a large town square surrounded by bars/restaurants,gift shops etc.
For days out,we went to zoomarine,which took around 30 mins in car,we have a 18 month old son and this place is very geared for littlies,it has a great dolphin show and sea lions etc plus rides/attractions,also we tried slide and splash waterpark which is also very good for smaller children,discounts for both these parks can be obtained when purchased in ocean club reception.
One thing we did notice around town was that when you go into a restaurant they bring you bread/olives etc which appear to be complimentary but are actually charged at around 6 euros so if you don't want this,then tell them to take it away again,also,if you are a smoker,the cigarettes at the airport are no cheaper than local prices,in fact some are cheaper locally so shop around!!
On the whole,this is a fantastic resort for young families,not for teenagers,no loud music bars in luz,which is lovely if you just want to relax and let the littlies play and swim etc,we will definately be returning,we met several people on their 2nd/3rd,even 12th stay there.
The only thing i didn't like was as we checked out,i noticed we had been charged 20 euros for the cot hire,why charge for the baby's bed when they don't charge you for our double !!!but anyway,this is a really good resort and definately worth trying,quick journey to airport,lovely and quiet,clean,tidy and great value!!
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - aug/sept 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : pearl beniston and family - birmingham/sandwell
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
My family and i have just returned from our holiday.with Thomas cook oceon club apartments praia da luz algarve portugal we got there on the 19th aug and by the 20th we had been burgled we found out later 3 other familys had allso been burgled from the same apartmentents praia da luz reminds me of alcatraz everywere you turn there are metal shutters and bars over every window. make sure you get a safty deposit box at reception as soon as you arrive .praia da luz is more for older couples with out children very quiet lots of resturants with great food at a good price however if your looking to find bars with sum music you will be looking for 2 weeks and you still wont find any
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Ocean Club Waterside Gardens - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Mark 47 Karen 48 Sophie 15 Jade 13
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
As anticipated, after reading the reviews posted previously, we had an excellent weeks holiday at the Ocean Club.
The pools and poolside areas were very clean and tidy. The resort itself was busy but not noisy and full of, nice, well behaved families and some couples. Best restaurants were the old Fort, Atlantico and Chaplins. Only downside was the lunchtime service at both family pool bars, where had to wait over 20 mins to order. Slide and Splash water park is well worth a visit and good value.
If hiring a car you must visit Cape St Vincent near Sagres, also, visit the beaches on the west coast eg. Amado / Bordeira, very quiet and picturesque. If on a lunchtime flight like we were, Avis (via rep) encourage! you to drop off the hire car near the airport, it only took an hour via the motorway.
Lagos is worth a visit for the shops, it was very busy when we were there and certainly seems livelier than in the brochures.
Don't let the transfer times deter you from visiting this lovely village.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Laura 50, 45, 23, 22, 12
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from a wonderful week at the Ocean Club. Staff at the main restaurant were excellant, very helpful and friendly. Reception staff could be a bit rude at times but aal information and help was forthcoming. We stayed at the Ocean Club part next to the largest of the pools. Plenty of sun beds and shades for those with kids. Luz village very pretty but quite. Would recommend the Kiwi Cafe, very friendly and good section. We did one of the dolphin trips, well worth it saw 30 doliphins. Guide even said that they some tines see up to 100!.
Highly recommended.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - May 2006
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Clare - 32, John 41, Ellie 3
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a week at Ocean Club. A thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable holiday. We went mid May and the weather was perfect, a little chilly in the evenings.
The apartments were clean and ideal for what we wanted, furniture a little dated perhaps, but kitchen very well equipped. We stayed near 24 hour reception and was handy for all amenities. Complex spread out, very clean and gardens very well kept. Pools very clean but cold, but lovely once you got in. Lovely peaceful adult pool for those hours while the kids are at Kids Club, but pricey for drinks and food. Great playground right next to the kids pool, lots of sunbeds, and bar very handy. The supermarket was very well equipped.
Luz itself is quaint and pretty, and very clean, fairly quiet and not for those seeking night life. Shops closed in the evening, and only a few there during the day. Restaurants were scattered over the village, and fairly similar in price. The restaurants near the church (I would highly recommend Atlantico (?), next to Chaplins) are traditional and menus extensive. The restaurant right on the beach front (I forget its name) is ideal for families as there are swings and slides on the beach.
The beach is gorgeous. The sand is very fine, and very clean.
Would recommend a trip into Lagos (about 8 euros by taxi). Lots of restaurants and shops. A trip to Zoo Marine is enjoyable if you have kids.
All in all a wonderful holiday, perfect for families, and I am sure we will be taking another there in the not too distant future.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: Deborah - Hampshire - April 2006
Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : 53, 40, 9,10
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have never been on a package holiday before and I did lots of research before we went, as I was quite nervous that I would be stuck in a terrible place above a club. We wanted a quiet family holiday, with no hassle and this was exactly what we got.
We booked the Ocean Club holiday via Expedia and went in April 2006 for a week.
The whole experience was fantastic. We had an apartment (in the Waterside apartments) with a view of the pool and the sea. The apartment was well kitted out and very spacious and clean. The balcony was huge and the view truly gorgeous.
Ocean Club is very family orientated and as Luz is pretty quiet too I think it would appeal more to people with families than not.
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful at all times.
The pools were cold, but the indoor pool (there are two but one for adults was being refurbished) was small but warm.
We all had a wonderful time. Some people were complaining that the kid's club activities advertised weren't running as it was too early in the season. However, an organisation called Mark Warner's seemed to be running all kinds of activities which could be accessed. They seemed quite expensive though, so it is worth checking beforehand if you particularly want a holiday with kids club included.
Restaurants - expect to pay, as has been said before, about £75 euros. The menus all seemed very similar, and all had children's menu.
We did the Zoomarine trip, which the kids loved. We didn't get a lot of time there though, as we went on the organised trip which arrived at about 11 and left at 4.
We really had a fantastic holiday. I can't recommend Ocean Club enough.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
/Thomas Cook - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Tracey Stucky - Cambridge (40,42,15,8,7)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Returned yesterday from the best week's vacation ever. Complex is gorgeous, one of the few without sky scrapers spoiling the view! Apartment a home away from home - don't bother taking your iron or kettle! If you arrive on a Sunday be warned that shops close at 2 so stock up as soon as you get there at the local shop for milk etc.
We requested a ground floor pool view but were given a top floor ocean view which we ended up being thankful for - belcony overlooked the ocean - incredible.
For a family of 5 be prepared to budget about 75 euros for a meal in the many lovely restaurants. Take a taxi to Lagos for souvenirs or more of a buzz. Luz is very quiet - which is just what we wanted.
Pools are freezing but clean and the best one for families is the one near the Mirage restaurant - the snacks at the bar are great and affordable - the same salad at the adult pool is double the price.
Jeef safari excellent but long and could have done without the visit to the farm (bit boring for kids). Slide and splash a great day out for the kids. If you're a golfer, Boavista was wonderful according to my son and husband. Very friendly and a fantastic course to play.
Kids club reps Stacey and Kim are great. Cannot fault this holiday. Inside pool was a godsend. Be sure to pack a cardy for chilly evenings. Not at all humid - beach clean and close. Have a great time.
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Ocean Club - Praia da Luz
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook April 2005
Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Allan & Carol Mitchell
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just spent a week at the Ocean club.The Thomas Cook Brochure stated there would be either a sea or pool view, we had neither, only a few hedges and in the near distance the high building that I assume were the shops.
There was no mention of unsuitability for people with walking difficulties. I have Asthma & Arthritis and as the road to the beach was down a very steep hill and also the complex itself consisted of lots of slopes and steps, which were quite steep with cobbles. I found it very difficult. I saw nothing of th