Even stayed an extra night. Gorgeous grounds, supermarket on the premises. Even the standard apartment is spacious, with fully stocked kitchen, and a washer. No in-room phone but thats sort of the point. The staff was more than what we could have asked for - we needed to get to Seville and were given all the options (bus, taxi, rental) with schedules that made our decision easy.

This is now the third year on the trot we have been to the Algarve, always staying near Albufeira, for shopping, meals, etc. Having reasearched Balaia Golf on trip advisor and looking at other websites for pictures we booked a 2 bed superior apartment HALF BOARD for 2 adults and 1 child for £330 for the week - you can find cheaper accomodation, but nowhere near the standard/ cleanliness and superb quality and as appealing as Balaia .

The complex is set arround invidual pools (one with a kids club March - October) this also has a couple of swings, a se-saw and a slide for the young ones.
There is also an indoor pool(heated) and a jaquzi which we were able to use for free plus a Gym which we didn't use.There is also Tennis hire and the 9 hole golf course (no handicap required- equipment available to hire)
Balaia Golf very much reminded us of Centre Parcs in the UK!

I think all of the complex is privately owned, the each owner letting the village rent out their apartments when not in use.

We had a seperate kitchen area with dishwasher and a seperate utility with washer & dryer - It was just like being at home. Two bathrooms with showers (one on suite), seating for 6 (settee made into an additional bed) patio area, again with seating for 6 and a seperate patio area from the bedroom with two sunbeds!
We were half board, and had a buffet breakfast, and a four course meal in the evening from a menu, which we chose at breakfast. Excellent food - but one night we fancied a steak so drove into the old town and had a treat in the square.
The complex is a good 30 minute walk to Albufeira, so a car is a must, particluarly with a family wanting to go to the beach each day.The local beach (Maria Luisa) can be walked to in about 10 minutes from the complex entrance,(turning left) but its a steep hill on the way back up, a great beach however, a small car park at the bottom, which in the summer months is disabled only. The best beach (and one of the best in the Algarve) has to be Santa Eulalia, turn right out of the hotel and it is two minutes in the car - a large car park at the bottom, a typical algarve beach with a gentle tide - the hotel here has a snack bar servicing food and drinks to non residents.
Weather was outstanding and we will be booking here for next year -unless I win the lottery - then I might be tempted to buy the one for sale overlooking the driving range at 250,000 euros

The wives were invited along on a "lads" golfing holiday! While the other two wives stayed in the planned apartment miles from anywhere,( for free), The thought of that and sleeping on a sofa bed drove me to spend some hard earned cash and find a hotel with a proper bed!
And WOW...What a find!!!!! We paid £80 for the apartment for 3 nights, but I would have been happy to pay more!
The apatrment was large, clean, and even I could have chipped a golf ball into the pool from the balcony. It even had a dishwasher ( not that I used it! ).
While the boys enjoyed playing golf at the Old Course and The Millenium, I chilled out by the pool, practiced my putting and chipping, and fired a few balls off the driving range. When it was time for lunch I sat on the club house veranda, overlooking the 9 hole golf course. By which time they were back and joined me for a beer. In the afternoons I was taken out onto the Balaia course by my partner, who couldn't believe has luck.....Two rounds in one day!!!!!...and no nagging from me.
We loved it, and intend to take the kids with us next year. Balaia has enough to keep us all happy!!
Only one gripe....the fag machine was broken!!!...Maybe that was a good thing.

The complex is well laid out and has 6 pools placed near each block.
On arrival the reception staff were first class and within minutes I had the keys and was on my way to the apartment.
We had a 1 bed no 386 and it was spacious and very clean.
The fixtures were alittle tired and were showing some wear and teare but it was clean and had a full range of appliances, fridge, freezer dishwasher, microwave etc.
I must add that as there were only 2 of us we did not use the freezer or dishwasher.
I would suggest that if you stay here hire a car even though it is only 4 euros to the "strip" and 5 euros to the old town a car is necessary for getting around during the day and also the complex as it is quite a hike from the reception area to the golf driving range and clubhouse.
The golf course is a par 3 9 holes and is a good test for beginners and better golfers. The golf facilitiea are very good and the staff in the golf shop and clubhouse are very friendly and helpful.
There are 2 fabulous beaches within 5 minutes of the entrance.
The restaurant has a very good menu and is reasonably priced, the service and food presentatioon was very good.
All in all this is a little gem of a place and one that We would return to when we go to the Algarve.