5 stars Excellent villa for wheelchair use
We booked directly with Caroline the owner and the five of us stayed for a week in April. I have a heavy powered wheelchair and was pleased to find Casa Luz do Sol, spacious and easy for me to get around, with ramps wherever necessary. Large kitchen, and big sitting room with comfortable armchairs, TV, music and books – though we were outside most of the time. The swimming pool was very tempting (though in April still too chilly for us to venture in). Breakfast on the terrace by the pool every morning in sunshine was idyllic. We used the 3 big bedrooms. In my room there is plenty of space for the standing hoist (rented), and Caroline had installed a grab handle over the bed for me to use – very thoughtful. The en-suite bathroom was also spacious for the standing hoist (as above) and shower chair (provided). The villa is only 20 minutes from Faro airport, in a great position on a hill with views from the terrace of countryside, villas and the sea in the distance. It’s only a few minutes drive from Almancil with a choice of several good supermarkets – though too far to walk or use the wheelchair so it’s essential to rent a car. Caroline was really helpful with the transfers to/from the airport with the powered wheelchair; hiring a standing hoist; and helping us with car rental. She arranged for a Fiat Doplo (delivered to the villa) spacious enough to fit the manual wheelchair in the boot. We couldn’t rent a car to take the powered wheelchair. We sampled beaches and cliffs including the accessible beach at Quarteira (with promenade) and (further afield) the lovely Praia da Marinha (great views from the picnic site on the cliff top and extensive cliff walks for the family). At Zoomarine park 3 of the family swam with the dolphins (an unforgettable experience). Vilamoura with its smart marina and restaurants was also accessible. All thanks to Caroline as our host and for her local advice. We had a great relaxing holiday and plan to return!
[News: I have found a Renault Kango Ramps and clamps 5 seats, for hire, this must be booked in advance as there is only one that I have found in Portugal. Caroline]