Royal Cabanas Golf by Algartur

The resort is beautiful, but the gym is bad.

We had an absolutely peaceful stay from 16 to 23 August, just right for getting some rest. The apartment was modern, comfortable and equipped excellently in every way, with a huge balcony. The pool was spotless, and shops and several beaches were close by. Fantastic.

A peaceful place for a beach holiday, with a private pool. The one downside is getting across the Ria Formosa by boat to reach the beach. At 1.50 euros per person each way, it adds up for a family of five over a 15-day stay.

Getting help was impossible. I called and sent WhatsApp messages for three days, but the agency never replied or called back. The showers had problems with the hot water, the air conditioning would be off for long stretches, and by the third day the metal plate needed to access the pool had been deactivated. The TV was supposed to be smart, and they said we could use Netflix and get more Spanish channels, but Netflix didn't work and there were no extra channels. It only had Portuguese TV. We left a towel on the room terrace and it was stolen, which I find unbelievable, especially as we had been told not to leave clothes or dishes behind. We were also required to wash the dishes and take out the rubbish, yet they supplied only three dishwasher tablets for six people staying six days. They charge you if clothes are missing or dishes are left unwashed.