Villa Tranberg

I needed a knitting needle and went looking for one, which led me to this lovely hotel with a wool shop attached. The welcome was so warm, and I found the needles and wool I needed among a fabulous selection. There were hugs too. I must come back soon.

We spent a little over a week at Villa Tranberg and really enjoyed it. Gaby and Hakon were always so friendly and made us feel welcome. The villa sits in peaceful, beautiful countryside near Albufeira, with a lovely garden and pool that made it easy to relax. Our room was spacious and very clean, with a separate living room, its own garden entrance, and a small terrace. Breakfast was excellent quality, with fresh fruit each day, bread baked on site, and eggs from their own hens. I’d highly recommend it if you want a high-quality stay surrounded by nature, while still being close to everything the Algarve has to offer.

Villa Tranberg made for a wonderful week, and we’d happily return. Our suite was clean and well cared for, with a comfortable bed, fridge, TV, coffee maker, and its own garden sitting area where we could read or enjoy the sun. The location is peaceful, with a large, leafy garden and lovely views. It’s also a handy base for driving to destinations along the Algarve, and parking was easy. The hosts were incredibly kind, served delicious breakfasts with handmade bread and eggs from their chickens, and gave us a thorough guide to the area with useful restaurant and sightseeing recommendations.

The hardest part was leaving. We stayed for five days in August 24, and Gabriela and Hakon made us feel at home while giving us privacy. They’re delightful, charming, cultured hosts, always around when needed. Their peaceful retreat is shared with two cats, chickens, and honeybees that may come by at breakfast. Gabriela, a real bee whisperer, has clever ways of keeping them from bothering you. Breakfast became the highlight of my holiday: all homemade, with fresh bread, yogurt, granola, jams, garden fruit, local honey, and eggs cooked boiled, poached, or scrambled as you like. The tableware is exquisite, the bed feels like a magic carpet, and even the trash can is a work of art. Gabriela and Hakon clearly care about the finer things and the details. I was still full until afternoon tea! The villa is beautifully decorated and tranquil, with two lovely suites, each with its own outdoor space. The spacious house sits in a well-kept garden, with a pool big enough for swimming, and it’s a peaceful place to watch the stars or ease into the morning. It feels far removed from crowds and impersonal hotels. Covered parking, generous suites, and a bathroom as big as a Parisian studio all added to the sense of paradise. In the heart of the Algarve, Villa Tranberg gave us the flexibility to choose where to go each morning based on the weather and our mood. Sagres is an hour away and Olhão 46 minutes, so we could explore without long drives. Thank you for the unforgettable memories, and for the Porto and wine waiting in our suite. We look forward to seeing you again and will be back!