Just got back from this fantastic resort and had a brilliant time. Lots of people were previously reporting small issues which I will now feed back on. Firstly it is the most fantastic location, well out of the hustle and bustle of Carviero and set in marvellous peaceful grounds on the very outskirts of Sesmarias. If you want peace, quiet and tranquility this is the palce for you. Its not really for younger adults looking for a party time. There are no trendy bars and no nightclubs,.The pillows are incredibly lumpy but strangely comfortable, you dont need a car unless you cant get around on your own two feet, the beach is 20 minutes walk away (and is fantastic), Carviero is about an hours walk. We did it there and back twice, the on site supermarket isnt a good size and is expensive although five minutes into the village is a decent shop, the apartments are very roomy and clean although the shower is disappointing. There areplnty of TV channels from the UK like ITV and BBC1. There were no problems with sunbeds as it was very quiet when we were there but there are loads of them and I couldnt imagine a shortage.
You must visit the restaurant at the beach it has the best fresh fish we have ever had. Simply turn right out of the complex and left at the roundabout. You wont be disappointed. One gripe was the travel rep. She was very annoying and grumpy even suggesting on the way home that we should count ourselves lucky there were only three pick ups on the way back to the airport (infering that the usual number is significantly higher and very unpleasant).
We didnt try the hotel restaurant after the poor reviews it had received but apart from the place on the beach there are local restaurants in the village. Steer clear of the Portuguese "sirloin steak" it is tougher than stewing steak. We did have a very nich meal in Jophils Bar in Sesmarias (turn left out of hotel and 10 minutes walk). Swordfish, Chicken piri piri and drinks all for 20 euros.......very nice too.
We will definately be going back so its a big thumbs up!

Just returned from a 5 night stay at the Colina Da Lapa complex, 20th to 25th June 2008. Weather was great, clear blue skies & 30c every day!

We had a 2 bedroom, 2 storey villa (no 42) & it was excellent. The complex is very well maintained, lots of space between all the villas, well manicured lawns - a lovely lovely setting. Similar to the type of villa complexes you find in Florida.

Villas are very spacious & well equipped. They all have lots of outdoor space - several patios & its lovely & peaceful.

Kitchen had fridge freezer, washing machine, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, toaster & was bigger than out kitchen at home!

The pool area is also well kept, lots of sun loungers - you're not allowed to reserve them with towels, if you do the staff will remove them. Consequently it does not matter what time of day you arrive at the pool, there was always a good selection of loungers to choose from.

The bar / restaurant is right by the pool, nice terrace overlooking the pool area & great view of sunset in evenings.

Food - an ample selection of breakfasts / snacks during day & evening meals are available. Eg: bacon butty, full english, omlettes. Snacks: salads, jacket potatoes, burger & chips, toasties, sandwiches. DInner - pasta dishes etc.. Food was nice.

There is a nice italian restaurant - Donato (as mentioned in previous reviews) just up the road, about 8 mins walk, near to the Water Tower. We ate there 3 x in 5 days, pizzas made fresh & were lovely, approx 7 euros.

The beach is a good 25 min walk although the complex run a shuttle bus service: 1 drop off in morning & 1 pick up in afternoon.

The complex is in a quiet part of Portugal & there are not really any shops / bars etc... in walking distance. The complex runs a shuttle bus service to the nearby village of Carvoeiro.

We didnt hire a car but didnt find this a problem. However if you do opt for a shared transfer (we did using using Via Directa) be aware as Colina Da Lapa is approx 45 mins from airport you'll be the last drop off, we were on the bus about 1.5 hrs. Also on your return journey you'll be the first pick up & will drive round picking all the others up, again about 1.5hrs on shuttle bus.

This is also the same for the trips that are run from the complex ie: to places like ZooMarine. It took over an hour to get there & we stopped off about 8 times to collect others on the way, ZooMarine is about 20 mins drive from Colina Da Lapa!

If we went again we would hire a car, realised after booking our holiday it would only have been £30 more for the week.

We would definitely stay again at this place. It was peaceful, a beautiful setting & a very relaxing place to stay.

The Algarve is a beautiful place and has many beautiful beaches and great food. This friendly and charming resort is a perfect central base for exploring this beautiful coastline as an hours drive east or west covers the whole of the algarve.There are also numerous beautiful coves/beaches very close to Colina da lapa.

I went from the 31 May til 6th June 2008 with my girlfriend and we had a great time, we are aged late 20's early 30's and both yonhg professionals without kids, and I was a bit worried that there would be loads of kids and families everywhere, but as half term had just finished the resort was quiet and the families there were all very pleasant and children not too noisy! We stayed in one of the 2 bed semi-detached villas, which was great - well equiped with washing machine dish washer and even a juicer!

We played tennis and swam most mornings (there is a 6euro charge to use the courts but they are pretty good). And most days we explored the fantastic beaches.

I'd recommend Colina da Lapa to anyone wanting a peaceful base to explore the Algarve or somewhere to relax and unwind.

The resort is near Ferragudo a lovely small fishing village with a great bakery, tapas bar (PIca Pica) and great sea food restaurants (cataplana is yummy) .There is so much to see, and we visited 2-3 different beaches most days - all amazing.

If you are thinking of visiting the Algarve then go,(June and September are meant to be the best months as the schools are back and the heat is bearable)and this is a fine place to base yourself.

We travelled to Faro (45mins away) with easy jet and even booked the hire car and villa through easy jet.

Enjoy

http://www.foxysislandwalks.co.uk/Benagil-Walks.html

We do not normally book holidays through a high street travel agent, but as there were 11 adults and 3 babies, and it was a last minute booking, we found it the only way ahead. The holiday started as a long weekend in Paris and ended up a week in Portugal. About a week before we left, we were told we had been double booked, but were upgraded and given compensation. I am glad we were, as the hotel was brilliant. The restaurant and bar manager (Dagoberto) was one in a million. Yes, we did spend a lot of money with him, but he treated us exceptionally well. He also had well chosen staff who were equally good. I agree with the other reviews and would hire a car next time. If you are a group of adults or a young family, this is the place for you.