Belambra Clubs Borgo Pineto

The setting was lovely, with single-storey groups of four apartments tucked among pine trees, and the grounds were pleasant to walk around. The pool was excellent, clean and spacious even in August, and there were always loungers free. The nearby beach was sandy, with lovely, shallow, warm water. We also appreciated the large, well-stocked supermarket right at the edge of the complex, with very reasonable prices. We had a good six-night stay in a three-bedroom apartment. At first our room seemed a bit dated and scruffy, but once we settled in it was comfortable. The beds were good, the air conditioning worked well, and there was plenty of room for our family of four. We didn't really use the kitchen, but it seemed set up for making proper meals, with a microwave, hob, kettle and coffee machine. It needed filters, and there was no oven. There was also a safe. We chose half board. The food was fine, though not especially varied or remarkable, and six days was enough. Dinner ran from 7 to 9pm and got busy, so we found it better to go early, as the options seemed to dwindle later. Wine and water from a tap were included. Our stay also covered one dinner at the on-site à la carte restaurant, though drinks weren't included. The staff were very helpful. There were lots of mosquitoes, which wasn't surprising so close to the nature reserve. Repellent and bite cream did the trick, and the supermarket sold plenty of inexpensive options, including candles. We made the mistake of leaving the porch light on during dinner one night and came back to hundreds of mozzies that had got in around the door frames. Before that, we hadn't had a problem as long as we kept the doors closed. A car was very useful, and I'm not sure how much you'd reach without one.

There are lots of organized activities to choose from, and the location is good. The apartments are on the small side but clean and adequate. Food is standard buffet fare, fine but nothing special.

Our booking was made through VISIT EUROPE, and we won't use them again, or stay at any BELAMBRE establishment. The place was dirty, the bungalows were disgusting and the food was rubbish. There were mosquitoes everywhere too. We also had dinner in a tent with more than 500 other guests, which was nowhere near our idea of a romantic holiday. The VISIT EUROPE representatives didn't seem to care, didn't listen to our complaints and treated us very badly. Never again.

Dinner felt like a fight for survival, or you'd go hungry. The facilities were very old, the beds uncomfortable and the bungalows musty. We were given just one set of towels for five days. Unbelievable.