Casa Três Palmeiras

We travel extensively, and frequently visit Europe for pleasure. We’ve stayed at a wide variety of B&Bs and inns. But when we had to select a destination for our 20th anniversary celebration, Casa Tres Palmeiras led the list. It had lingered warmly in our memories since 2001, when we first spent a glorious romantic week there. Beware -- if you book here for only one day on your way to the next port of call, you will deeply regret it. This is a place to slow down, savor and recharge. While located on the edge of the busy Algarve city of Portimao, within easy reach of the region’s popular destinations and restaurants, it has the privacy and quiet of an isolated villa. The dramatic terrace offers a commanding 180 degree view of one of the Algarve’s most lovely -- and comparatively untrammeled -- beaches, Praca da Vau. The rooms are large, airy and elegantly-appointed private spaces where you can leave your door open to the sounds of the sea. But a space is only one part of a vacation experience. We have stayed in many places where the view was lovely and the rooms well kept, but had all the personality of a Sofitel. To us, the real treasure is Dolly Schlingensiepen. She and her husband originally built this villa as their home, and her caring presence, intelligence and excellent taste are everywhere. She is acutely attuned to her guests, and can be both a discrete proprietress and a warm friend. Expect a memorable experience in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.

My wife and I would like to share with you a highlight of our trip to Portugal from 11th – 28th April of this year. We had the pleasure of staying in the Boutique Hotel Casa Três Palmeiras in Portimao and experienced the most wonderful time. The name “Tres Palmeiras” derives from the three palm trees on the terrace. The hotel surely has the most breathtaking and unspoilt view over the coast. Três Palmeiras places you right on the foremost edge of the Algarve coast. Facing south on the brink of red sandy sea cliffs, and embedded between palm trees, privacy is really the most important feature of this villa. It has only five bedrooms. Each bedroom has an exquisite luxury to it with bathrooms featuring floor heating, which is very pleasant to have at this time of year when it can still be fresh outside. Each bedroom has a flat screen TV and the hotel offers complimentary wireless LAN. Each bedroom leads to the terrace, which demonstrates subtle elegance and Portuguese flair. Here you find the cool turquoise pool. Its water is drawn from the Atlantic Ocean and purified enough to ensure healthy hygiene while preserving the healing qualities of the sea. And it is only about 30 m to the beach, if you want to take a swim in the Atlantic. The service of the hotel is impeccable. We especially enjoyed our breakfast, which is “tailor-made” – you can order what you opt for the night before. If you are looking to spend a quiet, cosy, exquisite, very private vacation this is the place to go. In the evening you can either sit cosily in front of the fireplace at the house bar or stroll along the nearby beaches for some freshly grilled fish. Golf lovers can play a round of golf at the adjacent Alto Golf Club, which the owner of Tres Palmeiras, Dolly Schlingensiepen is happy to make a booking for you. We found your address in the guestbook of Tres Palmeiras and wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to recommend this place. As world travellers we think it is important not only to talk about negative experiences, but to point out the positive experiences we have on our travels.

Probably not for a family with children, but very romantic spot for couples looking to find rest and relaxation in an environment more like what the Algarve must have been …….. imagine staying at your well to do aunt or uncles’s Portuguese villa with a spectacular view overlooking what is one of the more beautiful beaches on the Algarve, with low key behind the scene support staff….. this is true elegant luxury, without glitz, in a manner not found elsewhere on the coast. Pleasant garden. Nicely appointed spacious bedrooms with wonderful linens in as-new condition. The generous closet space is well thought-out and equipped (i.e. small and large hanger for men and women’s clothing, drawers that would take larger items and smaller ones to afford good organization et cetera). Bathroom area is spacious, with high quality robes and favours supplied. The property and facilities are meticulously well maintained throughout. The rooms and common areas particularly clean. No flies or the like around the pool area or the property. Pool area is fabulous; the pool itself is filled with sea water, and does not smell of chemicals making it a pleasure to swim in. Whole property is very quiet, one hears very little other than the sound of the ocean and the birds, which helps to make this beautiful place a restful experience. Breakfast is to your order and of good quality, served on the pool terrace, though not included in the room rate. Snacks are available (extra charge) during the day and there is well equipped honour bar. There are three pleasant beach side restaurants within a 10 minute walk and a myriad of above average eating establishments within a 15 minute drive. In the end, it is the small touches are what set this property apart from all others and they come from the proprietress, Dolly Schlingensiepen, who helped oversee the construction of Casa Três Palmeiras some 40 plus years ago. This labour of love continues for us all to enjoy.