CASA JARDIM is ideal for couples looking for a peaceful and relaxing break away from the crowded tourist resorts. Enjoy your own private space in our modern apartments built in traditional Portuguese style. You will be sharing the pool and gardens with only one other couple, giving the feel of staying in your very own private villa. Alternatively the two apartments are a perfect choice as a villa rental, and the garden and pool will be yours exclusively. We are on hand in the main house and can provide advice on restaurants, shops, beaches and other local attractions.

The accommodation is not suitable for children or pets.

The apartments and main house nestle in two acres of part landscaped gardens, with oleanders, hibiscus, yucca, cacti, agaves and palms, plus olive, carob and almond trees. The approach is down a 100m private drive which affords total seclusion. In spring the natural/wild garden abounds with wild flowers including orchids.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Each apartment is a fusion of traditional materials and modern design. They are bright and spacious with a large living/dining room and fully fitted kitchen area, with double bedroom and en-suite bathroom. We offer the choice of a large double bed or twin beds. The double doors lead out to your own private terrace with table and chairs for alfresco dining.

The apartments have a CD/radio/tape player and hairdryer. A welcome pack is provided and the fridge will be stocked with cold drinks and essentials for your first breakfast. Fans are available, also a beach kit which includes towels/umbrella/mats and cold bag. Linen and towels are changed weekly.

Outside and surrounded by the gardens is a large 11m x 4m pool with sun-beds, and umbrellas for shade. The large BBQ and picnic table is ideal for eating out and enjoying all the fresh fish from the local markets, and lit by candles and lanterns is a lovely way to spend an evening, either alone or socialising with the other guests.

THE AREA
Casa Jardim is situated midway between the regional capitol of Faro and the beautiful and historic town of Tavira. It is a short drive to the coast and some beautiful sand dune backed beaches in one direction, and the unspoiled countryside in the other. There are spectacular views from the surrounding hills which are perfect for exploring by car or on foot.

We are just 3kilometres from the market town of Moncarapacho where you will find a number of bars and several very good restaurants, banks and a small but well stocked supermarket. The surrounding land is agricultural with citrus trees, carobs, pomegranate, fig and almond trees. In Estoi is the impressive 18th Century Palace and Gardens, and nearby at Milreu lie the excavated remains of a Roman Palace, with fragments of mosaics depicting mythical marine motifs. The bustling fishing town of Olhao which possesses the best fish and produce market in the area is 10 minutes away, and well worth a visit. From the harbour you can take the ferry and visit the nearby islands of Armona and Culatra. Along the seafront and in the narrow cobbled streets are more than two dozen restaurants and bars, many specialising in the very fresh locally caught fish. Most are traditional Portuguese and offer great value. The ‘prato do dia’ is excellent value at between 5€ - 7€ and often includes a beer, dessert and coffee! There is also a choice of Italian and Chinese cuisine. Tavira, which is described as ‘the most beautiful town in the Algarve’ is not to be missed. The river runs through the centre and is crossed by the Roman Bridge. There are spectacular views from the ruined castle walls across a skyline of churches towards the sea.

WILDLIFE
The Ria Formosa Nature reserve is a protected area that stretches for many miles along the coast from Faro to the Spanish border, and includes most of the beaches. The area is home to many wild birds and is situated on the route for birds migrating between Africa and Northern Europe, and is of world ornithological importance. The reception office for the reserve is only 10 minutes from Casa Jardim. In our own garden there is a wide variety of birds including hoopoe, willow warbler, siskin, sardinian warbler, jay, greenfinch, blackcap, woodlark, skylark, robin, blackbird, sparrow, song thrush, stonechat, pied wagtail, swift, and bee eater. The swallows dip in the pool, and at dusk you will see the little owls, and possibly a nightjar swooping silently overhead. A more recent visitor is the buzzard who sits on top of a post overlooking the garden and we have even seen a short-toed eagle soaring overhead, hopefully returning to nest in the area.

GOLF
Just the other side of Tavira, a 30minute drive away, are 3 full size golf courses; Benamore (www.golfbenamor.com) where we can arrange a good discount on green fees for guests (40€ per round), and the complex containing Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima (www.quintariagolf.com). 40 minutes in the other direction and there are many more, including San Lorenzo, one of Europe’s finest.

CAR HIRE
We are just 20 minutes from Faro Airport, and as a car is essential we suggest that you pick up a rental car there. Directions from the airport to Casa Jardim are easy to follow. If you prefer we can pick you up from the airport or use our contacts with local companies to reserve a car for you at preferential rates to be available at the airport or delivered to your apartment.