Apartment

Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax

Photo gallery for Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax

View from Kitchen
View from private terrace
Bedroom 2
Bedroom
Kitchenette leading to private terrace

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 380 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Loule, Faro District
  • Loulé Municipal Market
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Loule Town Market
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Loule Castle
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Faro (FAO-Faro Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax

Shangrila retreat is nestled up in the hills , 5 mins from the market town of Loule. Peaceful & tranquil, with stunning sea views. Beautiful gardens surround this traditionally renovated farmhouse which can accommodate up to 2 adults, with a child and infant bed available if required.
Shangrila Retreat occupies the entire upstairs space at this property and offers superb sea views across the countryside towards the coast. The private entrance is via outside steps up the side of the farmhouse which leads to a secluded terrace with table and chairs for al fresco dining. There is a large spacious double bedroom with en suite bath/shower and a kitchenette equipped with fridge, twin hob, kettle and utensils for the preparation of light meals.
The space retains traditional farmhouse features including stone tile flooring throughout and high-beamed bamboo ceilings with fans.

Breakfast is not included, but can be provided at a cost of €8 per person per day and is served on the communal terrace and can be comprised of freshly squeezed juice or a fruit of the season, a fresh salad of seasonal fruits, wholemeal croissant with butter and homemade preserves or eggs prepared any which way. All produce is organic where possible and locally sourced, if not picked from the garden that morning!

Your host David worked as a Doctor of Natural Medicine for 30 years in and around London, encompassing Nutritional, Herbal and Energetic Medicine approaches to healing. He is always happy to share and answer any questions related to natural approaches to healing.

Yoga classes and natural treatments also available.

Guests have access to a secure pool area with sun loungers and swing hammock, a meditation pod, shaded terrace area with seating and a large mature garden with almond, olive and various fruit trees. Guests may also enjoy a tree-house situated in an ancient carob tree, doze in hammocks nestled in the fig tree and cook in the poolside barbecue area.

Property manager

David Parker

Languages

English, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
A child's bed can be provided
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We love sharing our home and gardens with our guests and hope that they show the same respect and courtesy for our space as we would for theirs.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Loulé

Located in Loulé, this apartment is in a rural area and in the mountains. Vilamoura Marina and Faro Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Falesia Beach and Vilamoura Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Paintarena Portugal, or check out an event or a game at Algarve Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.
Map
Loule, Faro District

What's nearby

  • Loulé Municipal Market - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Loule Town Market - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Loule Castle - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Aqua Show Park - 8 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Vilamoura Marina - 16 min drive - 15.4 km

Getting around

  • Loule Station - 10 min drive
  • Faro (FAO-Faro Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bean 17 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Japonês Dozo - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Big China - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizzaria Luzzo - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Doceomania - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Shangrila Retreat. A place to unwind and relax located?

This family-friendly Loulé apartment building is located in the mountains, within a 5-minute walk of Loulé Municipal Market and Loule Town Market. Loule Gypsy Market and Loule Castle are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

7.4

Good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 22 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Check-in

7.0/10

Communication

7.8/10

Location

6.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Raquel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Agradable lugar con todo lo que necesitas

Muy tranquilo. Entrada independiente al apartamento que se ubica encima de la casa de los dueños. Sostenible. El jardín está algo descuidado pero la verdad que no hicimos vida allí. Cerca de playas espectaculares
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Suzanne R.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

We hadden meer verwacht

Een heel mooi plekje op de berg met een heerlijk vrij terras. Helaas was de slaapkamer door het platte dak erg warm en zonder airco moeilijk in te slapen. De gastheer laat je heel vrij, maar komt daardoor soms een beetje ongeintresseeerd over. Wij hebben een tip gegeven over zonnepanelen en airco maar daar zijn ze niet voor te porren. Al met al en lekkere vakantie voor weinig geld. Maar geen volgende keer meer.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Increíble!!!

Es un paraíso alejado de tanta multitud que hemos encontrado en las playas y calas, nos hemos sentido como en casa. Su propietario encantador, nos ha ayudado en todo lo que ha podido cuando hemos necesitado, y su trato ha sido maravilloso, amigable. Es un sitio para desconectar totalmente, desde que te levantas hasta que te acuestas no hay ni un ruido ni medio. Tanto las cenas como los desayunos en esa terracita han sido increíbles y la casa para mi gusto preciosa, todo aporta mucha paz. Si os gusta desconectar del todo es el mejor sitio. Si buscas un hotel donde te levantas y te lo hacen todo no es para ti, pero si te gusta desayunar cuando tú quieras y estar con calma y sin prisas sin móviles sin reloj es el sitio ideal!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adolfina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loulé es un pueblo precioso y el apartamento está en un lugar tranquilo y apartado

Salvo que hay un error porque ofertan desayuno incluido, el resto ha sido mejor aún de lo que esperábamos Mucha tranquilidad, la vista nocturna desde la terraza es muy bonito El apartamento tenía todo lo necesario y estaba muy limpio
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elena R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

UN OASIS DE PAZ

Es un lugar muy tranquillo que te hace dedconectar por completo.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

pascal p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

tranquillité

Belle vue et tranquillité.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

christophe s.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

bonne

très bon séjour . endroit très calme et vue magnifique
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Good value if you like no frills

This is a roomy apartment and was clean, if basically equipped - didn't matter much to us as we ate out. Loule, the local town, was a pleasant surprise & day trip to Tavira a must. The hosts are into organic living. We had no hot water...which is just irritating. It was never clearly explained how the hot water worked & although we were told 'you know where we are if you need anything', a bit like McCarverty's cat, they were never there when needed. Took us about an hour to find the place as no directions provided in advance, which was just weird, as this place is NOT EASY TO FIND without VERY specific instructions. So, if you decide to book this place: do ask for instructions. The apartment is very nice, roomy and the patio is a lovely spot for breakfast (buy your own, as although it is offered on the ad, it wasn't mentioned on arrival & I'd stick to sorting yourself out, which isn't difficult). It is priced appropriately.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Edith D.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Annonce frauduleuse : ne correspond pas à ce qui est proposé !!!

pas cuisine ,s d bain vétuste, pas d'eau à notre arrivée , pas d'équipement ni rangement (3semaine de séjour )piscine très sale, abords négligés pas d'éclairage à la monté d'escalier ,porte d'entrée ne ferme pas ,l'hôte dit qu'il faut s'adapter ?????à 73ans ????avons dormi 5heures et sommes parties après discussion avec David Parker et son épouse qui nous ont dit ne pas désirer nous garder et nous étions heureuse de quitter cet endroit EDITH DEVOILLE 8a bd ST PIERRE COLMAR 06 11 56 32 98
Stayed 19 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ruhiges Domizil mit tollem Ausblick

Das Appartement von David und Aud ist gemütlich und individuell eingerichtet. Die Terrasse mit wundervollem Ausblick lädt zum gemütlichen Verweilen ein. Der großzügige Pool sorgt für Abkühlung. Der Ort hat eine sehr positive Energie. Die Vermieter David, Aud, ihr Sohn Jack und der Hund Poppet sind zudem alle sehr sympathisch. Wir würden jederzeit wieder kommen.
Stayed 15 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Andrea M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surrounded by olive and orange tree hills

When you spend your holiday in Loulè in springtime like me, maybe you will fall in love with the lovley hinterland of the Algarve, too. It smells fantastic, the nature is bright and colorful, and you can hike nearly endless through the hills in silence, small villages and discovering romantic lost ruins with stunning views till down to the ocean, or just lay down in one of the lushy meadows only watching the clouds. A car is needed when you like to go to the beaches, next supermarket is down the hill after a 25min walk (and up the hill back to your room you can take a Taxi for 5 Euro)Your accommodation is simple, but beautiful and authentic. Dont expect luxery, the kitchen equipment is only the bare necessities for two people. Last but not least, the hosts, a little family with its lovable pets, a relaxed cat and heartbreaking charmy dog, are very kind and respect your privat space, but helpful as well. I am looking forward to come back!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2022

4/10 Poor

Benoit C.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Ne pas se fier aux photos

Photos non contractuelles, accès dégradé (prévoir SUV), piscine non entretenue (verte), petit déjeuné annoncé mais non proposé, endroit calme malgré chiens qui abboient, 3eme couchage : matelas au sol dans un coin. Très compliqué de cuisiner, congélateur non fonctionnel...en résumé ne vous fiez pas juste aux photos....sinon localisation pourrait être parfaite si le jardin et alentours entretenus
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

2/10 Terrible

bar a.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The difference between real life - to completely lie.

Look completely different from the photos and the descriptions. Swim pool - very Dirty Tree house - never be cleaned Yoga mattress - I’m still looking for it. And when we left - we also got the garbage bag in our hands , as polite way to say good bye.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Filipa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

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Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Dorothy H.

Rural retreat away from the "maddening" crowd

David and Aude are wonderful hosts. Breakfasts are a joy, fresh, organic, delicious ... no need for lunch! You can really relax here.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

NAGORE E.

Sitio apartado y tranquilo. La piscina aporta un plus. Los desayunos fantásticos.

Hemos pasado 4 días en la casa cameleao. Han sido unos días de tranquilidad y sosiego. La casa no está en el mismo Loule, y aunque es necesario coche para llegar hasta ella, la ubicación es inmejorable. La casa está bien, aunque en nuestra opinión el colchón necesita una renovación y lo que se anuncia como cicina , son dos fuegos eléctricos y el fregadero el lavabo del baño. Por lo demás, todo muy bien. La piscina una maravilla y los anfitriones correctos.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Bernard B.

Location sympa sur les hauteurs de Loulé

Pour une première au Portugal, nous avons été emballés !! La location avec piscine se trouve sur les hauteurs de Loulé avec une vue magnifique sur l’océan. David, le propriétaire est très sympa. Ce dernier nous a donner nombre de bonnes adresses, d’indications afin d’améliorer notre séjour. Nous reviendrons sans hésiter dans cette magnifique région.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lesley S.

Wonderful sea views in a tranquil setting

On nutritional matters our host was extremely knowledgable and made a special effort in providing different breakfast combinations. We really appreciated the care our host put in to make our stay so enjoyable. We would recommend this venue to those seeking a relaxed approach to life and look forward to booking next year.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Aude L., Bruxelles

***Heaven***

Find a piece of heaven... The three angels
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mandy M.

A little piece of heaven

Recently spent almost two weeks at Garden of Eden. The place was difficult to find but well worth it once you were there. The apartment was well equipped and comfortable and the views from the terrace were spectacular (the night sky and sunsets were beautiful). The surrounding countryside is very pretty and peaceful - really nice to stroll around in the evening. Loule is a lovely town and not far away by car, it's also very central for anyone wanting to investigate both west and east. David is a great host - he has a good knowledge of Portugal and health, which made many an interesting conversation. His breakfasts were fantastic and he went out of his way to offer different local products for us to taste. Would not hesitate to stay again at Casa Chameleo if the opportunity arose. Cannot possibly end the review without mention of Ollie, Boo Boo and the cats - what wonderful pets - if only I could have stuffed Boo Boo into my suitcase!!
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

gildas M.

Reposant...

Endroit difficile à trouver...La propriété se trouve à l'extérieur de Loulé (avant de partir demander des précisions car personne ne connaît cette adresse...). Manque un évier dans la cuisine. Le propriétaire est très sympathique mais ne parle pas français. Petit déjeuner copieux. Manque d'entretien de la propriété...
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

antonio g.

pas content des prestations vendus

la location était pas entretenu et limite négligée, les animaux des propriétaires rentrent dans l appartement loué, les tapis étaient sales la 2e chambre est placée en haut d un escalier correspondant à l'appartement des propriétaires, l'accés étant "fermé" avec un paravent, les enfants entendent la télé et les conversations des propriétaires, de plus il n'y a pas de machine à laver comme indiquer sur la publicité du site, je ne recommanderais pas cette location.je suis deçue par les photos qui ne ressemblent pas vraiment à la réalité...

About the host

Hosted by David Parker

Host profile image
David grew up in Surrey and has worked in the field of nutritional medicine for the past 25 years seeing over 10'000 patients at clinics in and around London and the south east of England.
Aude grew up in Brittany and trained as a social worker and worked in the field of mental health.
David continues to offer consultations and therapies to his Bed and Breakfast guests, local people and on formal rejuvenation retreats.
During their stay, guests can take advantage of a plethora of complimentary / alternative therapies including nutritional consultations, massage, reflexology, electro acupuncture & body alignment - a form of vibrational energy healing. Yoga and meditation sessions are also available on request. All therapies are offered at preferential rates to guests. If you have any health concerns, just ask, we may well have the answer...!

Why they chose this property

Garden of Eden sits on a hillside facing the sea, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and has an invigorating climate which promotes health and peace of mind.
Our neighbour's, include a lady who has just turned 100 years old and another in her 90's.

What makes this property unique

Peaceful, tranquil and relaxing.

Languages:

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese