Guests - What you need to know before you go?

Photos are on the Website of course but we have also left an A-Z in the TV room (ring file) including Restaurant Guide however in the meantime:

The address is Casa do Chave , 39 Pinheiros Altos, Almancil 8135
Portugal Telephone no.(00351) 289 396 049. My mobile is 07767646656 though I have a Portuguese one as well 00351 912436823.

Directions - From Faro Airport taxis (always available at the airport on the right hand side as you exit) cost €20 or so to the house. If driving follow the main road to Portimao until you see a sign to N125 Almancil (10-15 minutes). Drive into Almancil and turn left to Quinta do Lago (sign at traffic lights). Once at ‘Q’ roundabout take last exit to Pinheiros Altos. Our house (no. 39) is on the top left of resort on the right hand side near the end of the road, green hedge and no wall at the front.

Keys and alarm - subject to other arrangements and the time of arrival please collect the keys from us or from Pinheiros Altos administration (289 359 900 - the administration block is at the start of the village on the apex of the hill, having gone past the club house). We will leave you a note of the alarm number.

Car – We have two cars at the house (an X5 and a Mini). It may be possible by prior arrangement to borrow these and have them insured but hire cars are inexpensive in Portugal and most of our guests take this route.

Car hire - Apart from the usual big operators Travelrent recommended (289  825673). Also Epi Auto (fax them on 289 322 026 with their mobile being 917 822 096) or Air Auto (289 300 200) or Zit Alto (289 315 559).

Air Travel - BA, Monarch and EasyJet all fly from Gatwick most (early) mornings, Monarch tickets are changeable for a small fee so we use them more. Other carriers fly from many UK cities eg Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and Luton. Feel free to explore the charter flights of course but ….

What to book ahead - Restaurants: Pequeno Mundo (289 399 866 - Joakim) and A Quinta (289 393 357), see the restaurant guide on the website. Swimming with dolphins (with children and adults alike) (289 560 300). You will need to pre book golf other than at Pinheiros Altos.

CD and DVDs - both UK as well as European/US (can be played at the house). There is already a selection there of course. There are enough DVDs to keep everyone entertained including the children together with Sky Plus.

Golf and tennis - all the details are at the villa both can be booked ahead if you wish. Take clubs/rackets though we have the odd spare racket/set of clubs for golfers, no spikes and a handicap certificate is usually required. Golf at PA can be booked on arrival (289 359910) and guests at the villa get discounted rates.

Maid service - are available and come in regularly during the week. They won’t speak English but are arranged through PA administration who do (00351 289359900). All matters concerning the upkeep, maintenance and cleaning of the house are overseen by Alan and Shelagh Carter on (00351) 934646270.

Pool – We need a few days’ notice if the pool is to be heated.

Supermarket – Apolonia in Almancil or Ali Super a supermarket near the Q roundabout (which you come to en route to the house).

Weather - good all year around of course but consistently hot July through to September. Can rain for the first four and last two months of the year but can also be lovely. September through November are our favourite months. Outside of the sun be prepared for cold evenings but there is a fire and sauna at the house! .

Bedrooms - In addition to our room there is a large guest bedroom upstairs and one downstairs. Also downstairs there is twin bedroom and a bedroom with twin beds which doubles up as a gym in the day. All the bedrooms and study have air conditioning and their own bathrooms.

Clothes - a jacket and tie is not needed anywhere but some of the restaurants are quite smart.