Monte Gois Country House e Spa

We only got to stay one night, and the weather meant we couldn’t enjoy all the facilities, so we’d like to return in summer. The bungalow villa was amazing, with a bathtub in the room and lots of lovely design touches. The country house sits surrounded by nature, and the reception lounge has a fireplace and a beautiful, friendly cat. We considered having dinner there, but the available choices didn’t appeal to us, so we drove to the nearest town instead. The road is narrow and can be challenging at night.

I’m writing this after losing our beloved three-year-old Labrador Retriever. My wife, our dog and I arrived on Tuesday, 10 September, at around 18:30. Twenty-six hours later, he had died in hospital. Nobody came to ask what happened or explain how he might have been poisoned there. They said there was nothing on the property that could hurt an animal, but I saw poison ant traps and chemical products near the greenhouse, for example. There was no apology or support, and no discount, even though we spent almost the whole night at the hospital. Something there is killing pets. Be careful if you love your pet.

The place itself is beautiful, the food is good and the staff are nice, but bed bugs in the basic rooms can turn the night into a nightmare. Someone mentioned them here before, and I found it to be true. I hope the owners deal with it urgently. Bikes also need maintenance, so let reception know in advance if you plan to use one. Those positives earned three stars, though you barely notice them after a night like that.

Monte Góis was such a peaceful place to return to after exploring nearby towns, a charming escape from the busier parts of the Algarve. Catia made us feel welcome, and everyone on staff was friendly and accommodating. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise for me as someone with food allergies, since there were thoughtful options for me. I also loved having a choice of pools and the beautiful views. I didn’t get to try the spa this time, but I’m already looking forward to it next visit. I’d absolutely recommend it for a romantic break or a relaxing trip with friends.