Patio

We’ve already booked another stay. The setting and ocean views at Patio Ecolodge were beautiful, and the food at the nearby Sellas restaurant was the best we’ve ever had. Breakfast the next morning was magnificent too. Such a magical visit.

The horse ride booking was frustrating from the start. I emailed Adina asking for a private ride, but that wasn’t available, so I agreed to join a shared one. Then she said there was no morning availability because no guide could do it. I’d already booked non-refundable apartments with them, so that response felt ridiculous. I wrote back and got no reply. In the end I booked through a website, where there actually was availability. That was very unprofessional. On the day, we waited an hour and a half before getting on a horse because the workers seemed disorganized. We had to change our plans and missed some of the things we’d hoped to visit. Update: An hour and a half is a very long delay. You should be better organized.

Diogo was a really nice guide, and the ride itself was amazing. The rest of the stay left us disappointed, though. Breakfast and dinner are right by the horse patio, where there’s often a smell of horse poop and lots of flies. We skipped dinner there, and breakfast wasn’t anything special or enjoyable with all the flies around. The room was fine, but cleaning only happened every third day. When it did, they just took out the garbage. They didn’t even make the bed. For this price, I expected better cleaning and breakfast, and to be able to eat without flies. It didn’t feel worth the money.

I’d happily do this every time I come back to the island. I’d never been around a horse before, so I was nervous, but Diogo was patient, spoke English very well, and helped the ride feel safe and fun. My horse, Calla, named for a flower of the island, was gentle and steady. As a beginner, I liked that she knew where to go without much direction from me. The private ride with Diogo at Patio Ecolodge was a one-of-a-kind experience. The scenery was breathtaking, and it all made for a day I won’t forget. I’d recommend it, especially if it’s your first time.