hina chandra review 7 Apr 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location--perfect for sightseeing in Sintra, cliff walking, forest trails, beach visits, day trip to Lisbon or Cascais, good and reasonable eating options close by.
The accomodation- wonderful scenic views from all the rooms and gardens you could spend hours in.
Our hosts, definitely. They did not just provide us with 'bed and breakfast', but were approachable all day .From Aasta making up an extra bed in one of the rooms because three of our children wished to sleep together, doing our daily grocery shopping for us so we could use their self catering kitchen, James organising a rescue taxi pickup when we were at Monserrate Palace, offering shuttles to and from local restaurants on a rainy day, and finally being there to say goodbye at 4:30 am, they made us feel looked after.
Everything reviewers have mentioned about the breakfasts is true. Aasta is very aware of nutrition, (she suggested a ginger tea for my 14 year old when he had an upset tummy through too much chocolate and it worked-and he actually liked it), her breakfasts gave us energy without stodge, we could tackle those steep hills .
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely accept James' advice on walking routes, weather forecasts, and whether or not you need his home grown walking sticks.
The walk to Capuchos convent and on to Monserrate Palace is a brilliant all day tour, with the beautiful Palace and gardens at the end of it-get there in time to enjoy both.
Almocageme village square and Panedu cyclist refuge for lunches.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Aasta and James recycle, compost, use organic produce not just on the table , but also in the bed and bath areas.
They even have a system of napkin rings so guests can reuse their individual napkins without needing to put them through a wash every day.
We were encouraged to use local transport, shop at the local market and eat in the local restaurants and cafes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
As my 17 year old 'too cool to be amazed' son put it--the perfect cocktail of good accommodation , helpful hosts, location, scenic walking, sightseeing and food.
Noura Bou-Azar review 22 Oct 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable and exciting part of my holiday was the amazing nature
surrounding you everywhere. I spent amazing joyful moments in this lovely
guesthouse. The owner and his wife are really helpful with the help and advice he
provides every morning after the lovely and healthy breakfast. I felt home... It
was unforgettable holiday.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go...
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great and unforgettable...!!!
Christine Rankin review 22 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery, lots of interesting places to visit, lovely warm weather, warm, helpful, friendly people, the best eco-friendly guest house, James and Aasta are the most wonderful innkeepers. They made our stay so special.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! We used local transport or walked everywhere with the help of James' wonderful maps and helpful information. Aasta bought local organic fruit and vegetables and made her own bread and granola which was fantastic and so healthy. They recommended many of the local restaurants for us to eat in. The food was always so good.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our best holiday ever. We feel so healthy and alive. We have already recommended it to all our friends and family and hope to go back again sometime soon.
Madeleine St-Amour review 19 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking through the magical Sintra hills with the mist rising. Watching the sunset at the beautiful Adraga beach.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it! This is the perfect guest house to spend a brilliant holiday eating lovely food, exploring a magical area and meeting fantastic people. The surroundings are beautiful and James and Aasta are the best hosts imaginable, offering help and advice, cooking wonderful breakfasts and looking after your every need.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The guest house was environmentally conscious - recycled and cooked using organic and locally sourced goods. There were few chemicals in the pool and it is clear that the owners are very serious about having as little impact on the environment as possible. In addition, they recommend fantastic local restaurants and attractions.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A beautiful place to spend a relaxing and rewarding holiday. The guesthouse is beautifully decorated and the owners take a huge amount of pride in providing the best holiday possible for their guests. The breakfasts are something to look forward to every day and the local area is just wonderful - beaches, palaces, hobbit like Franciscan monasteries... what more could you ask for?
Amber Jacobs review 7 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful views, the amazing walks, the wonderful breakfasts, the dramatic fantastic beach, eating fresh fish at the restaurant on the beach, walking to the village.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take something warm to wear as even in summer it can get chilly in the hills especially in the evenings and early mornings. Go on as many walks as you can as the area is so beautiful. Try the clams and shrimps at the cafe on the beach and the fish soup is great too.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A really great holiday! We loved it and so did our kids (ages 8 and 10 years). Great comfortable guest house in stunning area, lovely friendly helpful hosts, very sweet dog, great pool, brilliant beach, stunning sunsets, fantasitc food and one of the the best things for us was that you don't need a car. The hosts are so generous with endless lifts to and from the beach or village which really helps especially with kids. Also, another good thing as the outdoor kitchen so you can self
cater if you feel like it. Really relaxing peaceful place.
Anna Dudley review 11 Mar 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The birthday cakes and song I got on the last morning of my stay. A lovely way to start a birthday!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the beautiful views. Make sure that you carefully follow the directions to get to there!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It was not obvious to us at the time. The provision of daily bottled water was a little surprising.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very friendly owners made this a wonderful place to stay. The views from our room were spectacular and almost worth the price alone!
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your review.
We are grateful for suggestions/comments as we strive to improve our guesthouse.
We purchase all of our fresh produce, bread and, as much as is available of other products, locally from organic farmers. We only shop locally never in big change stores. Paper products used are recycled. We provide cloth napkins in lieu of paper ones. We provide bottled water, because many of our guests do not feel comfortable drinking our well water and being rural it is not easy for guests to purchase water for themselves.
We recycle and compost as much as possible, even the wine corks, and sort all the trash. We are active members of the local organic cooperative. We suggest/recommend small, family owned local restaurants, cafes, shops, therapists and events.
We are now offering refillable bottles, as an alternative choice to bottled water, to our guests who wish to carry well water on their walks.
Leigh Watt review 21 Feb 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The area is absolutely beautiful, and the hospitality shown by James and Aasta was the best we have ever experienced (and we have travelled a lot!). We had booked a week's walking holiday with some meals included, and the food was superb, I don't think we managed to walk off all that we consumed! The accommodation was beautiful, we booked the 'Marigold' room, and loved the balcony with the fire pit. The weather was quite mixed when we were there (October) so we enjoyed sitting in front of the fire in the evenings, with a glass of the lovely local wine.
This holiday really was just what we needed, a lovely relaxing break, walking in the most beautiful varied landscapes, every walk we did was slightly different, through Sintra's lovely forests, along beaches and beautiful villages. James couldn't have been more helpful, providing us with ideas and routes for walking, as well as sightseeing ideas and
things to do.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go! You won't regret it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. James and Aasta shopped locally, used local people to help with the upkeep of their guest house, encouraged guests to recycle and always recommended local restaurants for places to eat. All of James' restaurant suggestions were spot on too! The fact that Aasta cooks vegetarian food has the obvious bonus for the environment too.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved every minute, James and Aasta have created something very special in the heart of a very beautiful part of the world and we feel very privileged to have been able to share it. Cannot recommend this trip enough!
Laura Munro review 5 Feb 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a really relaxing holiday in a beautiful area of Portugal. The accommodation is in a great location and the standard of the accommodation is very high. The hosts, James and Aasta were very welcoming and quickly made me feel at home. I was also able to take advantage of their local knowledge to find walks I would have otherwise have missed. As well as eating out at local restaurants, I also had some evening meals at the accommodation, which were all amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are going with the intention of walking, let James and Aasta know as they will be able to help with maps and suggested routes...Portugal doesn't seem to have OS type maps with walkers in mind, but local knowledge and resources ensure that you make the most of this area as a hiking destination. if you are not walking, there's loads of places to visit of interest: Pena Palace, moorish castle, Monserate to name just a few. Make sure you visit the near by villages for restaurants, markets and food shopping. Almocagemes has a great beach and Penedo has a great local bar and restaurant.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Plenty of opportunities to eat locally. If you eat at the accommodation, the ingredients are bought locally. I did not hire a car and found I was able to walk to most places as well as use public transport. I did arrange for an airport transfer to the accommodation, but would now know how to do this journey by train and bus.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great holiday, thoroughly enjoyed it and have already booked a return visit.
Anthony Hereward review 19 Dec 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
James and Aasta looked after us brilliantly. We were given suggested walking routes to major sites. Took us all day to complete and then recommendations to great local restaurants - best was when we opted for Aasta's cooking! Peace, time to reset for next stage in the real world.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful !
Fiona Armer review 1 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sheer 'wow' factor of the landscape in the Sintra region - incredible variety of forest, beach, village and towns with the wonderful smell of eucalyptus and pine everywhere we went.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to use the local buses if you don't hire a car, it's well worth it to see places like Sintra. Do try and get out into the forests on bike or foot as well though, it's magical.
Watch out for the many guard dogs around - most are chained or don't come off their owner's land but I got bitten on the arm when one dog got it's head through a gate at the bus stop, which I didn't expect. Fortunately no lasting damage or infection but children will need to be told that not all dogs are as friendly as Lucca.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the B&B used organic and local produce, local staff and organic cotton towels and linen. They also recommended an excellent local tour guide who took us places on bikes we wouldn't have found ourselves. Aasta and James have a fine selection of maps and guide books and lots of really useful local knowledge which really helped and encouraged us to go out exploring from the house.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! Wonderful country, area and people. Our first holiday together since getting married 3 years ago and it didn't disappoint even though the weather wasn't as warm as we'd hoped.
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We have spoken to the owner of the guard dogs at the bus stop and she has assured me that she will put more fencing in place. We were very upset and concerned for our guest over this incident and conveyed this to the dog´s owner. We are very sorry that this happened. We will also warn all of our guests from now on about getting to close to gates with dogs behind them.
Anne Sykes review 21 Sep 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Dinner in the garden served by Aasta and James, watching the sun set on the horizon.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay for at least three days and consider train to Cascais and then collect a hire car.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Very much so. We had many opportunities to see the impact of local initiative and on our last day had a memorable lunch in a flower packing unit that had been turned into an artist's co-op.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Would love to return. The impact of the holiday remained long after we returned home.
Linda Johnson review 18 Sep 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fabulous breakfasts and suppers Aasta served up.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The hills are steep and you need to be reasonably fit if walking or cycling anywhere. You can get by without a car by using the local bus service and James' shuttle service to the local village and the beach.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Everything we had hoped for! We wanted a slow-paced, relaxing week with a little bit of sight-seeing and that is what we got.
Neil Carr review 23 Aug 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There cannot be one memorable part of the holiday as there were quite a few. Our hosts were extremely helpful and always willing to give advice on what to do; where to go; and what to see (and eat!) Asta's breakfasts were always a real treat. The area was superb with lots of varied and interesting places to see and explore. The recommended restaurants were extremely good and great value. We would certainly return.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do take a long sleeved fleece or similar as the evenings could get a little cool.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our hosts were very keen to conserve and to use local products wherever possible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely great. Thank you James and Asta.
Helen Eccles review 26 Jul 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful location with views of the ocean and walks from the house to the forest. Very close to such an amazing array of natural and cultural pursuits also close to a beautiful local village and excellent restaurants. James and Aasta are charming hosts and very welcoming. The breakfasts are superb.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Spend a few days there and don't rush!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we went to the local supermarket and shops and visited local restaurants. We also supported the green initiatives which James and Aasta adhere to.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, fab location, great place, stunning scenery and culture - a hidden gem.
Emma Scott-Boon review 12 Jul 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I wasn’t looking for exciting, there were many memorable parts including: the wonderful friendliness of the Portuguese people, great food, wine, beaches. Meeting cool fellow travellers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it. My meat eating husband suffered slightly with the veggie breakfasts. So meat eaters - be prepared.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This wasn’t overly apparent to me, but I didn’t investigate. Walking to the village/beach is encouraged. Incidentally, the walk to the beach takes well over an hour.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful holiday, with very helpful owners.
Read the operator's response here:
Hello!
Thanks for taking the time to write a review - which we appreciate.
We are so sorry that we did not know that your husband would like to have meat at breakfast. While we do not cook meat, upon request, we do provide ham, smoked turkey and sausages - all local meats and from a local butcher.
We mention in our "House Information Book" found in each guest-room (and this is also mentioned on our website) that we avidly support and only shop at the small local shops of our village and at the local organic farms/farmer´s market. We are active members of the local organic food/farm cooperative. We encourage our guests to eat at the small family owned local restaurants/cafes and to also shop at the small village shops. We are also avid recylers -even the wine corks are recycled. There are recycling bins for guests to use and a compost bucket in the guest kitchen. We compost as much as is compostable. The trash is sorted each day. And we have half a solar hot water system in place waiting to be completed with panels and hooked up. Our vegetable garden is growing and fruit trees are being planted in every suitable possible space. We attempt to be as environemntally friendly as possible in the little things, too, such as using only cloth napkins, organic sheets and towels etc etc.
Sarah Turner review 13 Jun 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A wonderfully refreshing break. Our accommodation was spacious with amazing views and a swimming pool near the house. The hosts couldn't have been more helpful to first timer visitors to Portugal. Their local knowledge of the area made it possible to be confident walking (No detailed maps to be had in the shops much to hubbie's surprise!) The hilly area could have been a problem for hubbie who isn't the fittest but he walked downhill and James willingly picked him up for the uphill - No worries! Lovely beach, viewpoints, and interesting monastery all in easy walking distance. Buses to nearby towns an experience to savour - as was the atmosphere and local restaurants etc.etc...
I could go on.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will be well looked after and Aastra and James will do all they can to help you to enjoy your time there. The house is lovely but be ready to enjoy a bit of walking - It's the best way to soak up the feel of the place. We loved the Adego restaurant but any that are recommended by J and A will be good. Beware mosquitoes!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the ingredients that J&A used were bought fresh locally, and we too used the local markets and minimarket. J&A recommend local restaurants and activities, and explained the bus timetables so it was easy to use public transport. Didn't miss the car at all! Recycling was encouraged.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved the holiday - Sun, beach, swimming pool, walks, towns, tourism and relaxation all in one short week!
Rachel Porter review 16 Apr 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being able to catch public transport to most places with a toddler. The fantastic location of the guesthouse. The great innkeepers & their fantastic hospitality.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the innkeepers belong to an organic farm coop & sourced all their food locally. They recycled and composted everything. They had up to date public transport timetables
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.
Catherine Hillman review 13 Jan 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were lots of memorable parts of the holiday. I loved just sitting on a cliff or a beach gazing at the wild Atlantic breakers, I loved the lush sub-tropical vegetation & flowers, and I found the excursions to Sintra fascinating. As an individual traveller, I particularly appreciated all the extra help, advice and care that Aaste and James gave me every day. James's maps and local knowledge were fantastic. Aaste's breakfasts with homemade granola, fruit salad, muffins, etc were heavenly!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're going to do much walking - and there are wonderful walks in the hills or along the coast - take walking boots. My trainers were not strong enough. Don't miss visiting the palaces & castles & gardens in Sintra, an easy bus ride of 10 Kms away.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, all the little shops, the local cafes and restaurants in the village are small local enterprises. Aaste and James are totally committed to organic food and products wherever possible, (including the bedlinen), they recycle everything, are very sensitively aware of & active in pursuing environmental and ethical issues. Everything is recycled, and the cooking is vegetarian - fairly unusual in Portugal.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would rate if very highly. The Colina Flora is a beautiful place and Aaster and James are very generous, hospitable and kind as well as being environmentally scrupulous. It's very easy to just 'be' there & relax and also it's within 5 minutes of the bus stop that takes you to Sintra, local places, to Capo de Roca (most Westerly cliff in Europe) etc. There is lots to see and do, and the vegetation is magnificent in this part of Portugal which has its own, quite mild, micro-climate.
Alan McDermott review 16 Oct 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Opportunity to visit so many historical sites in and around Sintra.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for walking in different environments - beach, hills, esplanade.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All food was sourced locally. Local restaurants recommended. Very strong focus on environmental care.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Lucy Cullum review 9 Oct 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful location, wonderful mountain air and sea views (and yummy breakfasts).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The surrounding area is fantastic for walking. You may want to hire a car if you don't want to rely on the local buses or
the generous lifts given by the guesthouse owners.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really wonderful guesthouse with generous, attentive owners, set in a stunning part of Portugal.
Zoe Tillier review 17 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The setting - not just wonderful scenery - incredible views from the hills, and coastline, but such a range of things to see and do. The B&B was just perfect too, the hosts James & Aasta provided the most wonderful hospitality.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To go for as long as possible!
There is so much to see and do, huge variety of places to explore, and in which to relax too, both at the pool/ garden of the B&B, and the neighbouring beaches.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. I was encouraged to explore by foot or by bus; and to visit the local shops and cafes off the beaten track, as much as the mainstream tourist sites. There were facilities for both recycling and composting at the accommodation; as well as opportunity to refill water bottles at the tap, to minimise plastic waste.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! I really couldn't have found a better place to stay, in a nicer place to visit!
Paul Handley review 16 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to choose between: the perfect uncrowded beach, some special restaurants, the magic old convent in the forest, and our lovely home with Aaster and James.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is perfect for a family with small children, very safe in the walled garden, lovely swimming pool, and very kind hosts. Nothing was too much trouble for Aaster and James - whether it was cooking special children's dinners, giving lifts back to a car stuck in the sand, suggesting walks and visits.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, it was clear that all the food, and even the soap in the rooms, was sourced locally. And all the restaurants that James carefully drew us maps to walk to, or drive to, were family run, and the main dishes were from local fish.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would certainly go again - as soon as possible.
