Just returned from our second holiday. An excellent short break and we would reiterate our comments from last year. Plenty of sunshine and much relaxation. Would highly recommend and will no doubt return.

 Mike & Sue UK

We planned two weeks in Portugal and really wanted to visit the naturist beaches we’d read about. When we found John’s guest house listed on a Portugal Naturist website, we couldn’t believe how beautiful the photos were. When we arrived, we were thrilled to find that the place is even more beautiful in person. The private guest space was spacious and comfortable, with a large bedroom, living room, and kitchen. We had exclusive use of the pool during the day, but it was even more fun chatting with John in the evenings. The setting and grounds are completely private, high on a hilltop, with beautiful views all around. It’s only about 15 minutes to the interesting town of Tavira, slightly longer to the naturist beach Praia do Barril. It’s really a wonderful environment to relax and enjoy the area. Thanks so much to John for everything (including rushing over to airport to bring us forgotten passports). Note that it’s about a 3 hour drive from Lisbon, so flying to Faro is a better option, if possible. We would love to come back another time!

Deb and Gary, Portland, Oregon, USA

 Just back from a perfect couple of weeks in John’s idyllic villa. It is difficult to accurately convey the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that surrounds the fabulous property in this beautiful part of the world. It was a true oasis of calm and a great antidote to our busy lives back home. The standard of the apartment exceeded our already high expectations, likewise the pool area and gardens which are all put at the guests’ exclusive disposal. The pool itself is spotlessly clean and has nice wide loungers around and a shady pool house with more seating and a table. I particularly enjoyed the terrace a few steps down from the pool which allowed uninterrupted views across the countryside for my morning yoga session. Behind the poolhouse there is a swing seat under a shady carob tree that is the perfect place to sit and read. Most of all though we enjoyed the freedom of a naturist lifestyle in complete privacy with John joining us, at our invitation, for an evening swim, beer and chat that we very much appreciated. He otherwise stayed in the background but was always on hand if we needed anything - in short, the perfect host and a true gentleman. We could not recommend this place too highly, it is truly spectacular. August 2022

Simon and Sarah, UK

 If you're looking for a small slice of paradise then this is it. The holiday we'd planned was cancelled at the last minute and, with only a day to organise an alternative, we found John's villa and it's like it was meant to be. The villa itself has everything you could wish for and the photos really don't do it justice. As for the pool, grounds and hot tub - they are sensational. The whole place is imbued with a wonderful energy and the setting is a true haven of peace and tranquility. We wanted to relax, recharge and enjoy just 'being' together - this was the perfect place to do just that. We loved exploring Tavira - it's a gorgeous little town with some great restaurants - and Praia do Barril is a an incredible beach that's well worth a visit. John was the perfect host - going above and beyond what was required when our flight was delayed. He was always there when we needed anything yet perfectly discreet and never intrusive. Honestly, we couldn't have wished for anything different and we're already planning our next trip. July 2022

Tommy & Polly UK

 It was a delight to stay in your holiday annex, the villa is in a superb location with fantastic views and so peaceful and quiet, we were sorry to leave. The pool is wonderful for cooling off in the hot afternoons There are some great places to visit and the choice of restaurants within a 30 minutes’ drive are great. The towns of Olhao, Tavira and Fuseta on the coast are lively, during the day and in the evening, cultural events abound at this time of the year. The mountains inland hold some delightful homely restaurants with great local cooking and reasonable priced with amazing views Loule and Silves are great inland towns with the great Arab/Moroccan restaurant in Silves called moSaiko Hopefully we will be able to make a return visit soon as it’s a great place to relax and take in the tranquillity of the surroundings June 2022 22

 Iain & Rosemary UK

“We have just returned from Portugal having had a perfect holiday at John & Denise’s villa.

The apartment was spotless and extremely well-equipped- like a home from home. The washing machine was much appreciated and the bed very comfortable.

The days were hot and sunny and we enjoyed the pool, sitting on the terraces looking at the amazing views and watching the sunsets. The location is very peaceful and ideal for a relaxing holiday. It would have been tempting to spend our days enjoying the pool and garden but we did venture out most days. We particularly liked Tavira and the naturist beach Praia do Barril is lovely with miles of soft white sand.

Many thanks to John & Denise who are the ideal hosts, giving us complete privacy but always there when needed. We had some lovely chats with them both. We hope to return!!”

September 2021

Mike & Sue UK

We have just returned from our second stay at Casa Paciencia, our first visit was September 2021, we enjoyed our stay so much we had to return. There is something very special about the situation of this holiday apartment, up in the hills overlooking countryside and a view to the coast. Sitting in the conservatory with the doors open for a soft breeze and looking over the sparkling lights on the hillside is magical. The accommodation is as described and very comfortable, the bed is super comfy. The pool and gardens including the cool pool house are wonderful. Apart from shopping for food we don’t really leave during the first week of the holiday just chilling and swimming by the pool However there is plenty to see and do locally we loved Tavira including Ilha Tavira and Praia do Barril, also Loulé and Sao Bras. Spoilt for choice of local restaurants, good food and very reasonable priced. As other reviewers have said John is the perfect host, staying in the background but happy to give advice and suggestions if asked. We love Portugal and particularly the wonderful Casa Paciencia

Phil and Cherie UK

What a great discovery! What a pleasant stay rich in sensations!

A little corner of paradise perched on the peaks, surrounded by nature with a magnificent view!

A comfortable, clean and very well equipped apartment. There is a terrace and garden where it is good to rest, walk, and enjoy a pleasant drink or meal. With a swimming pool and a jacuzzi to relax in.

The natural surroundings with scents and colours we really appreciated. A calm and relaxing place where you feel so good that it is difficult to leave it to find pleasure in the evenings or for excursions.

But it is also close to Tavira with its shops, restaurants, boats, walks and beaches….including the naturist beach of Praia do Barill …and other charming places to discover.

The owners are as welcoming and available as they are discreet. Thank you to Denise and John for their welcome and all their little attentions, such as the small lunch package provided for our arrival, which showed concern for us.

We will definitely be back!

July 2021

 Christine and Benoît, Belguim

Well we must admit we struck lucky. Having booked last minute when Portugal came off the quarantine list , we actually managed to get a week in before it went back on again! Then we were lucky with the weather which provided a week of unbroken sunshine combined with light winds that stopped it from being too hot. And last but certainly not least we were extremely lucky to have found (with our customary minimal research) the carefully crafted piece of paradise that John and Denise have created in the Algarve countryside.

Set on a hillside with panoramic views and a private swimming pool this is high end accommodation which would be the envy of many a five star hotel, but with self catering facilities that means you can have exactly what you want when you want it. 

And when you don’t want to cook there is an excellent  local restaurant 10 minutes drive away (Luis de Prego - which produced some truly excellent octopus) and a whole host more in Tavira , which is 10 minutes further on.

If you want sea and sand there’s also a naturist beach about 20 minutes drive followed by either a walk or a shuttle train ride (open carriages and walking pace speed – ideal for studying the local fauna and flora). Very easy access and plenty of bars and restaurants on the beach with excellent seafood. 

And when you are chilling out back at the house, John and Denise are the ideal hosts – they remain firmly in the background but instantly available if you need anything. 

A wonderful week in a summer which let’s face it has had more than its’ share of ups and downs…

September 2020

  Chris and Yvonne  UK