The 33 rooms are each twenty m˛ in size, including the terrace, and have a southern exposure. The decoration is plain and bright. The necessary facilities are not missing : individual air conditioning, a safe, direct international telephone, a minibar, cable television (19 channels). The bathroom has a bathtub and a hair dryer. There are bathrobes and enough welcome products. There is a heat radiator and the windows are double-glazed for cold-sensitive people.

The Sao Bras pousada is one of the first regional pousadas (built in 1945). It is perched on a hill overlooking the small city of Sao Bras de Alportet and you can get there by a paved road lined with old olive trees and mimosas. The building is attractive, in the form of a long white farmhouse with yellow shutters and a tile roof. You feel at home here, thanks to a lounge with a fireplace and an over-stuffed sofa, a modest dining room, a little bar.

The very bright restaurant room forms a semicircle overlooking the city and the surrounding hills covered with olive trees. The two chefs who have been working at the pousada for 15 years are both from Algarve. They serve cuisine from various Portuguese and regional inspirations such as the appetising grilled gambas cuttlefish, pork filet with cockles and coriander or "gaspacho algarvio" - a cold tomato soup, with cucumber and coriander. Fresh fruit salad, pressed orange juice and local homemade biscuits are served at breakfast. Some steps away from there, a friendly warm bar and a lounge with fireplace.

The nearest beaches are some 12 miles away. The choices are extensive (Vilamoura, Tavira, Vale do Lobo). To cool off while at the pousada, you can enjoy the pleasant little swimming pool and its large terrace, overlooking the surrounding hills. A shower and a small bar are nearby.

In Portugal, "pousada" means a small charming hotel with a small capacity. If they are in historical places, they are called "historical". When located in newer areas, they are termed "regional". The Sao Bras pousada is a good starting point for anyone wishing to explore the eastern Algarve coast and its villages (Loulé, Estoi, Tavira...).