4 bed 2 bath Beach Villa on idyllic Armona Island in the Algarve

About Ruth and Brian

Ruth and Brian met and fell in love and married in 2006, and in 2007 we went to Armona Island and fell in love all over again. We have not seen anywhere that offers such an easy going lifestyle combined with so much sun and good food and beach! We go to Armona four or five times a year, and enjoy meeting our friends (every visit we add a few more). Summer is very popular and always books quickly, but we really enjoy out of season. Even in winter we sunbath in our lovely beach garden, which is very sheltered and acts as a sun trap. Time on Armona goes at a very different pace - usually we find by the end of the day we have been to at least two of the beaches, walked to the ferry terminal and the Atlantic, and either stocked up at a local shop or visited Olhao to enjoy the shops and the market. We have found the night sky in Armona is so clear, so even after the barbeque is dying down we like to stroll along the path, go visit friends, or just watch the very last hints of sunset, when the sky can change colours for hours before night really starts. In the summer, you can find us at the Atlantic beach bar, dancing to the music and have a caipirinha or two under the stars. By November we have prepared the house for Winter, all ready for another year of fun starting with visitors for Christmas and New Years.

Ruth and Brian purchased this Villa in 2007

Why Ruth and Brian chose Island Armona

Our villa is right in the heart of Armona Island - easy access to the ferry terminal, the bars and restaurants, and just a few metres away are the beaches. Because we have 4 bedrooms, our villa is popular with families (2 couples with kids, or grandparents, parents, and grandchildren). We looked at a lot of houses on Armona, but our villa was the only one which was truly dual aspect. The first rays of the sun fall into the front terrace, so that is a great place for your first cup of tea or coffee. Half of the terrace is covered, so that is where we usually enjoy our lunch. Half our crowd love the sun, the other half don't, so our 3 tables are perfect because we set them where everyone gets the sun or shade they need. Afternoons, the sun lands on our beach garden. This enclosed sandy area is great for children all year (a lovely mimosa tree provides partial shade). We watch the sun go down here, and also eat lunch here in winter as it is the perfect sun trap. Evening meals are back on the terrace - everyone is too tired to want any more sun for a few hours at least! The outdoor kitchen and barbeque means the whole family (families) can be together for the last meal of the day. Finally, we have kept the best of Portuguese style and colour, but replaced the beds, and bought leather furniture for the dining chairs and living room. The beds all have lovely memory foam toppers, so we get a peaceful nights sleep, with a cooling fan in each bedroom and the main living area for when the Armona sun really has been working hard all day.

What makes this Villa unique

Apart from the dual aspect (perfect mornings, perfect evenings) mentioned in Why This Property, we would love our guests to also know that: Armona Island has one long main path, and our house is just a few blocks off the path. This makes the house quieter, as it sits between the laguna beach and the main path. The nearest shop is just 40 metres away, next to the playground. They have just expanded the shop, and now sell fish and meat as well as beer, wine, fresh fruit and vegetables. We provide clean bed linen and towels and a little welcome pack of coffee, tea, milk, water, toilet paper and soap, so you have time to go straight to the beach. Our new inflatable kayak still seats two people, but is quicker and even easier to paddle. We provide life jackets for both children and adults. If you love to cook, our kitchen is fully equipped. Many Portuguese families visit and make themselves at home, cooking delicious soups with fresh vegetables and local seafood. If you don't like to cook, we can recommend restaurants at both sides of the Island. The Atlantic side boasts European style food, but taking advantage of the fresh local fish and vegetables. The ferry terminal has Portuguese restaurants, with cataplana and many local delicacies. There is also a pizza restaurant with a rooftop terrace looking across the island to the mainland and other islands. Finally, our house is looked after by a lovely team who meet and greet you, and who are always delighted to help and advise you.