We stayed for 8 night stay at O Pequeno Castilo. From beginning to end the holiday was relaxing and comfortable. I was not quite clear from the website why Atlantico cost more than Romantica but it was more spacious and had a large private dining terrace with an open view - well worth the extra to us. We spent ages watching two little owls in the trees in the garden. I didn't risk the hammocks but they were sturdy.
Indeed, everything was of good quality: furniture, comfortable bed, fixtures and fittings, towels, kitchen equipment, solid pans, sharp knives etc. It was also nice to have oil, vinegar, pepper, salt, herbs, pasta in the cupboard along with coffee filter papers, bin bags, cling film etc. So many holiday rentals do not provide these but here the owners have created a home from home.
All communication with Joe and Kirsten was easy and quick. We were greeted with a bottle of wine and some fruit. They live in the main house above the two apartments and, while not intrusive in any way, were available to advise on places to eat out or visit. I mentioned that the vegetation was beginning to limit the view from the terrace and before long they were out with their secateurs!
If the apartment was excellent so too was the salt water pool with loungers and parasols. Although it was windy some days the sun was hot and the pool very welcome. The other apartment, self contained cottage and 2 letting bedrooms were occupied for most of our stay but we still had the pool to ourselves, particularly during the day as other guests went out travelling.
The village of Santo Estevao is not far but you definitely need a car to get the best out of your stay (we used drive4fun). The village shop seems to sell absolutely everything including fresh bread, cheese, meat, fruit and veg, beer and wine. We ate at the village restaurant which has a courtyard. Barbequed meat or fish were the staples, both very good. Our favourite restaurant was Luis do Prego a few miles away. It is obviously popular with expats and justifiably so. The octopus, steak strips and wild boar were all enjoyed. Nothing cost more than €12 - amazing for the quality. We also had a good meal in Tavira, a town well worth visiting.
Other places we liked were Fuseta and Estoi. We didn't venture to the beaches but other visitors did. We had a lazy time, just what was needed but Pequeno Castilo is well placed for travelling further afield in Portugal or into Spain. We have no hesitation in recommending OPC.