Pousada Villa 3 Lagos

Pousada Villa 3 Lagos made for a peaceful break surrounded by nature, and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to get away from everyday bustle and reconnect with the outdoors. I especially appreciated its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, from energy-efficient practices to waste reduction. The restaurant served delicious local food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the attentive staff made meals enjoyable. My room had a lovely view of the lakes and greenery, and the tasteful decor brought rustic charm together with modern amenities. The staff were genuinely welcoming, and reception was efficient. It was a comfortable, relaxing stay in a beautiful setting.

I left without having breakfast, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here. The massage was the only thing I’d suggest, but it’s provided by someone from outside the pousada. The website photos are nowhere near what we found, especially when it comes to breakfast. They left a menu in the room as decoration, like it might have worked 20 years ago. When we arrived, they asked what we wanted for breakfast and what time we’d like it. We thought we’d be getting a nice meal, but when we showed up at the agreed time, hardly anything was left. We asked for cheese bread and they microwaved four tiny pieces. The scrambled eggs seemed okay, but they split one serving between two small plates, instead of giving us the amount we wanted, unlike what the photos suggested. The bathroom was dirty, the tub water was greenish-yellow because of the “rain,” something they hadn’t mentioned when we booked, and the TV didn’t work. The place needs maintenance, and at night it’s pitch dark, with everything shut and unused. No one knew how to turn on the sauna, so I suspect it doesn’t work either. On Saturday night, there was only one employee at the pousada, and you had to go looking for him. If you found him, he treated you well, but I can’t say the same about the woman at reception. I came from the comfort of my own home, where I don’t use a microwave, expecting to pay for good service. Instead, the website pictures didn’t match reality. I left without breakfast. There are good restaurants and places to eat in town, and plenty of other places to stay.

The pool was a letdown. It isn’t heated, and even in warm weather the water was so cold that nobody could enjoy it. Breakfast tasted good, but the 9 to 11 a.m. serving window was inconvenient, especially for families with children who wake up earlier. We stayed for two nights. The property is attractive and surrounded by greenery, with lots of birds and a charming atmosphere. It’s also easy to get to the town center. Our room had good space, a comfortable bed, and an excellent shower. It’s a pleasant pousada, and a more flexible breakfast schedule and a heated pool would make the stay better.

The photos don’t capture how beautiful this place is. It’s a quiet retreat set among lush nature, with plenty of lovely spots to relax, read, or just listen to the outdoors. There are umbrellas, chairs, and loungers, and a lookout with a helipad that’s only a short walk away. Go near the end of the day for the sunset. Breakfast was fantastic, and Alexandre’s service was impeccable. If you can, choose a chalet with a tub. It’s a lovely way to wind down at the end of the day. The no-children policy is essential to keeping things quiet, with only the sounds of nature around. We loved it!