Hotel Balaia Golf Village

location

The complex is located in Albufeira, one of the most popular towns with tourists. The town is about 15 minutes' walk from the village - there is a complimentary shuttle bus that takes guests into town every day (for times, enquire at reception). The village isn't on the beach - the nearest beach is in Albufeira.

to know

Although the village isn't a hotel as such, it does have a reception at the entrance. Queries can be dealt with here throughout the day and in the evening there is someone on duty for any emergencies. However, the reception does not act like a hotel reception; the employees might allow you a couple of favours depending on their mood, but they won't bring you ice or mosquito products in the summer! You can pay to have Wi-Fi at reception - this service is not included in the rate. Cots for babies and high-chairs are also extra.

Although the reception doesn't operate quite like a hotel reception, there is 24-hour security and CCTV throughout the Balaia Village site.

overview 7 /10

Spread over several hectares, the complex has 6 ourdoor swimming pools (one per cluster of holiday apartments) and a golfing range. Most guests who holiday here are British, so you won't feel too far from home when on holiday! Extremely well-maintained, the quality of the apartments isn't of luxury standard, but is fairly high and good value for groups. Opened 22 years ago, the complex has seen development over the years by adding pools and apartments. Today, Balaia looks like a veritable estate of holiday apartments with lawns and flowering bougainvillea to add a little charm.

The swimming pools, golfing range, tennis courts, bikes for rent, and restaurant aside, there is also a shuttle bus taking guests to town - the price is included in the rental price. Otherwise for colder days, there is an indoor pool with a Jacuzzi, steam room, a gym, a massage room a beauty salon. As the residences are self-catering, there is a Florita supermarket onsite for convenience. Use of the pool, Jacuzzi and gym are included in the rate, however, the rest is extra.

The car-park just outside reception is tiny, so make sure you enquire about where to park if you are planning on coming by car. For people with restricted movement, enquire about being able to ask for the use of a buggy when needed at reception.

accommodation 7 /10

In total there are 508 apartments for rent. They range from one bedroom to three bedrooms. The buildings are all just one storey high with bougainvillea climbers, which breaks up the monotony of the concrete structures.

The décor of the flats vary slightly, depending on the owner's taste - most of the flats for rent are privately-owned. The décor remains plain and functional, with all the facilities one might expect from an apartment, including a fully-fitted kitchen and utensils for self-catering. Be aware that not all apartments have air-conditioning, so if this is a requirement for you, make sure you place a request when booking. Otherwise the flats all have fans for the hot summer months. All flats have a safe, washing machine, most have a dryer and dish washer as well as a microwave, kettle and over/hob. And all flats have a small terrace or balcony for relaxing outside surrounded by the fuchsia bougainvillea plants.

The spacious apartments also have spacious bathrooms with bathroom toiletries upon arrival only, so If you like feeling pampered, bring your own toiletries.

For a product of this size and age, Balaia Village is of very standard and comes recommended if you need a place to stay with a group of friends or family.

food and drink 6 /10

As the flats are equipped with full kitchens and utensils, most guests tend to self-cater, but for that one necessary night off, there is a restaurant onsite with indoor and outdoor seating. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant usually serves a buffet although it does have a few à la carte options. The restaurant itself isn't unpleasant with its large pool to keep the children busy while waiting or the food to arrive, however it can get extremely busy during high season and may turn into your idea of hell at mealtimes! Each pool also has its own pool bar selling snacks and beverages through the day. Otherwise for a wider selection of eateries, we recommend venturing into Albufeira, the nearest town to the hotel or the Praia do Galé Restaurant, offering delicious fresh grilled fish at reasonable prices (see our review here). There is the option of paying for either bed and breakfast or half-board meal plans for ease and convenience.

beach

The beach is within about half an hour's walk or a short bike ride away. There is also the free shuttle bus, which goes to Albufeira from which the main beach isn't far to walk to. The beaches here can get extremely crowded in peak season (during the school holidays).