Villa Lux Luz

Praia da Luz · Algarve

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to the questions guests ask us most often. If yours is not covered here, email booking@villaluxluz.com or call or WhatsApp +44 7983 626636 and we will reply personally, usually within 24 hours.

The villa and sleeping arrangements

How many people does Villa Lux Luz sleep?

The villa sleeps 20 as standard: ten twin en-suite bedrooms, each with two single beds. Beyond 20 we can add up to 6 single hotel beds (€150 each per week) and up to 4 Z beds (€75 each per week, best suited to children), taking the villa to around 26 adults or 30 people in total. Extra beds go in the larger ground and first floor rooms only, never the top floor, with a maximum of three beds per room. Larger adult groups pay an increased breakage deposit (see below). The whole villa is always exclusively yours; we never let it by the room.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms are there?

Ten twin bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. Every bedroom is en-suite.

Are there double beds?

No. All ten bedrooms are twins, with two single beds in each. The beds can be pushed together to form a double, and we supply additional bedding to make that comfortable, but the mattresses remain singles. This matters to couples-heavy groups, so we're always upfront about it. Floor plans are at villaluxluz.com/floor-plans.

How big is the villa?

700 m² of living space set across three floors.

How are the bedrooms arranged?

Four twin en-suite bedrooms are on the ground floor, each with direct access to the sun terrace and pool (one has its own en-suite annexe). Two twin en-suites are on the middle floor, opening onto a large terrace with sea views. Four more are on the top floor, two with large private balconies and sea views. Floor plans are at villaluxluz.com/floor-plans.

Does the villa have sea views?

Yes. The middle-floor terrace and two of the top-floor bedroom balconies have fantastic sea views.

Is there air conditioning?

Yes, in every room, and the units double as heaters, so the villa is comfortable for November to March stays too.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes. Unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is included, fast and stable throughout the villa and gardens.

Can extra beds or cots be provided?

Yes. Single hotel beds are €150 each per week, Z beds €75 each per week (best suited to children), and travel cots €30 each per stay, with cot linen included. Request them when you book, or later through your guest portal, so they are confirmed on your booking summary.

Is bed linen provided?

Yes. Bed linen is included, with beds made up on arrival, plus one bath towel and one hand towel per guest and kitchen linen. Beach and pool towels can be hired at €5 each per week, or bring your own.

Is there a washing machine and dishwasher?

Yes. The villa has a fully furnished kitchen with dishwasher, plus a utility room with washing machine. There is also a coffee maker, TV, hairdryers and an iron.

Can I watch Sky Sports or Sky Movies at the villa?

The villa has streaming TV with a choice of channels, but we cannot guarantee access to specific satellite channels, and it is very unlikely Sky Movies or Sky Sports will be available.

Is there a phone at the villa?

No landline. We recommend bringing your mobile; there is Wi-Fi throughout the villa and garden.

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

We'd rather be honest than optimistic: the villa is not suitable for wheelchair users. It spans three floors with steps throughout, the top floor is reached by stairs only, and there is no pool hoist. There is level access through the back door into the laundry room, and most ground-floor bedrooms are directly accessible from there, but there are two steps from there up to the main living level. For less mobile guests who can manage a few steps, do talk to us about your group's specific needs before booking.

Outdoor space, pool and facilities

Is the pool private?

Completely. Only you and your party have use of the pool during your stay, and there is a small children's pool at the end of the main pool.

Can the pool be heated?

Yes, pool heating is an optional extra at €800 per week, available all year round; we recommend it between October and May. The guide temperature is 26 to 28°C, though it is weather dependent, and the pool takes about three days to come up to temperature, so book it in good time and we'll switch it on before you arrive. Request it when booking, or later through your guest portal, so it is confirmed in advance.

Is there a jacuzzi?

Yes, near the BBQ area beneath a pergola, seating up to six. Use of the jacuzzi is an optional extra at €250 per week.

Is there a gym and sauna?

Yes, in an annexe beside the BBQ area. The gym is a small indoor space of around 25 m² with a few free weights, a bike and a bench. Sauna and gym together are €450 per week, or the gym alone is €50 per week.

What outdoor facilities are there?

A large private pool with children's section, sun terrace with plentiful sun beds, jacuzzi under a pergola, badminton and volleyball court, pétanque court, table tennis, private gardens with fruit trees and a grassy area, and a large BBQ area with outside bar.

Is there outdoor dining space for the whole group?

Yes. The BBQ area has a fully furnished outdoor kitchen (fridge, dishwasher, all crockery, cutlery and utensils) and the seating beside it comfortably takes more than 20 people.

Is the BBQ gas or charcoal?

Charcoal. Please bring your own charcoal, as fuel isn't provided.

Is there parking?

Yes, substantial private parking at the front of the villa, behind electrically controlled gates.

Is there a pool fence?

No, there is no pool fence, though one can be arranged for your stay through our concierge service, Mark the Concierge (marktheconcierge.com), with the price on request. As at any private villa, children must be supervised at all times around the pool.

Can you provide a paddling pool for toddlers?

Yes. A children's inflatable paddling pool can be set up on the pool terrace at €50 per stay, including delivery, setup, filling and removal. Available on request and subject to availability.

Booking, payments and rates

How do I check availability and book?

Live availability and online booking are at villaluxluz.com/availability, or contact us at booking@villaluxluz.com or +44 7983 626636 (phone and WhatsApp). We reply personally, usually within 24 hours, with confirmation and a payment link.

What are the rates?

Prices are per week for up to 20 guests and vary by season: from around €3,500 per week in winter, through €5,000 to €7,000 in the shoulder months, up to €14,000 in peak August. The full rates grid is at villaluxluz.com/rates. Optional extras such as pool heating, sauna and gym, and the jacuzzi are charged separately, and every booking carries a refundable breakage deposit. Rates for the following year tend to rise at the end of each summer, so booking early locks in the price we quote. Keep an eye on our website for last-minute offers on unsold weeks.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Included: exclusive use of the whole villa, both pools (unheated), bed linen with beds made up on arrival, one bath towel and one hand towel per guest, kitchen linen, air conditioning and heating throughout, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming TV, table tennis, badminton and pétanque, gated private parking, the end-of-stay clean, and tourist tax. Optional extras (per week unless stated): pool heating €800; sauna and gym €450; gym only €50; jacuzzi €250; beach and pool towels €5 each; single hotel beds €150 each; Z beds €75 each; travel cots €30 each per stay; kids' inflatable paddling pool €50 per stay; luggage storage €100 per use; plastic pool cups €1.50 each. A couple of high chairs are provided free.

How much deposit do I pay, and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 40% of the total secures your booking. The balance, together with the refundable breakage deposit, is due 12 weeks before your arrival date, or in full at the time of booking if you book within 12 weeks of travel.

How can I pay?

By secure online card payment or bank transfer. We invoice in euros, and GBP transfers are accepted at the live xe.com rate. Card payments are processed by our sister company Cosmic Villas Ltd, so don't be alarmed if that name appears on your statement.

Can you hold dates for us while we decide?

We can't hold dates open-ended; they stay on the market until a deposit is paid. We're happy to grant a short informal hold, typically 24 to 48 hours, and if someone else asks about your dates in the meantime we'll always try to warn you first.

Is there a security or breakage deposit?

Yes. A refundable €1,000 breakage deposit is paid with your balance on every booking; for younger groups it is doubled to €2,000. Assuming no significant damage, it is returned in full after the Manager's check-out report, usually credited within 3 to 5 days (we allow up to four weeks to cover payment-system delays), and the vast majority come back untouched. If damage ever exceeded the deposit, the extra would be payable as set out in the T&Cs.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is required for all bookings and it is your responsibility to arrange it.

Who is my booking contract with?

Your contract is with Glenville Property Limited. The full booking terms and conditions are at villaluxluz.com/terms.

Is there anything to sign before we arrive?

Yes. The lead booker (Principal Traveller) e-signs the renters terms and conditions and uploads a photo of their passport or ID in our secure guest portal before travelling; this is obligatory for the group to enter the villa. Portugal also requires the traveller details of everyone staying. It all takes a few minutes in the portal, and if you ever need your portal link again you can request one at guestportal.villaluxluz.com/portal/access.

Can I make changes to my booking?

We will do our utmost to accommodate changes. Requests must be in writing from the Principal Traveller. An administration charge applies per change, and changes within 10 weeks of arrival (other than a name change) are treated as a cancellation under the T&Cs. If you need to move your dates, we re-advertise the week, and if it re-books we can transfer your deposit to the new dates.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be in writing and take effect on the date we receive them. More than 84 days before arrival, the cancellation charge is your deposit. Within 84 days, it is 100% of all monies paid. If your reason for cancelling is covered by your travel insurance you may be able to reclaim these charges. That said, our policy is to give you every chance not to lose out: we re-advertise cancelled weeks, and if we manage to re-book the dates we can refund the deposit or transfer it to new dates. Full details are in clauses 7 and 8 of the T&Cs at villaluxluz.com/terms.

We've stayed before. Do returning guests get a discount?

Yes. Returning guests who book direct with us receive 5% off the base weekly rate, applied when the booking is made by the same lead booker as the original stay. Extras are charged as normal, and we'll confirm the discount when we quote. Popular school-holiday weeks book a year or more ahead, so returning guests are wise to move early.

Can we view the villa before booking?

Sometimes, though we have to be careful with it. Viewings are possible only by prior arrangement, on a changeover Saturday between 11 am and 3 pm, and at our discretion (typically for special events, or if you're already in the area). We never show the villa while guests are in residence. In practice, recent photos and floor plans answer most questions more easily, and we're always happy to send both.

Should we book direct or through a listing site?

We're glad to be found on the major platforms, and booking through them works perfectly well. Booking direct at villaluxluz.com simply gets you our best price, since platform prices include their own fees, plus the full service of our guest portal: your paperwork, extras, payments and arrival details all handled in one place, with a personal reply from us within 24 hours.

Arrival, departure and season

What are the check-in and check-out times?

The villa is yours from 4 pm on arrival day until 10 am on departure day. Housekeeping may still be finishing until 4 pm on arrival day, and may arrive from 8 am on departure day; it takes a small army about six hours to turn the villa around, so we can rarely bend these times on changeover Saturdays.

What days can we arrive, and is there a minimum stay?

From April to October the villa is let strictly Saturday to Saturday, for 7 or 14 nights. Changeover day is Saturday, and we can't accept 3, 4, 9 or 10 night stays in season, however tempting the request. You're welcome to arrive later or leave earlier within your Saturday to Saturday week if that suits your plans, though any stay shorter than 7 nights still pays the full week price. From November to March we're much more flexible: a minimum of 3 nights, on any changeover day, with a minimum booking value of €2,000 whatever the length of the stay.

Can we arrive early or leave late, or store luggage?

Early check-in and late check-out are unusual, but luggage storage is available at €100 per use at either end of your stay, whether you land early or have a late flight home. Early access is occasionally possible when the villa was empty the previous week; ask us.

Is the villa available in winter?

Yes. Between November and March the villa can be booked for shorter stays with any-day arrivals, at our best rates of the year. The Algarve stays mild through winter, it is prime golfing season, and the air conditioning units double as heaters, so the villa is comfortable throughout.

Location and getting around

Where exactly is the villa?

On the edge of Praia da Luz on the western Algarve, Portugal: a relaxed, family-friendly former fishing village near Lagos, with a Blue Flag sandy beach, a palm-lined promenade and a great choice of cafes, bars and restaurants. Lagos is about 8 minutes by car. The precise address and directions are provided once your booking is paid in full.

How far is the beach? Can we walk to things?

The beach is 15 to 20 minutes on foot, a little hilly on the way back. The village centre with its shops, bars and restaurants is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the local supermarket, which delivers to the villa, about 10 minutes. Many groups manage happily without cars, as taxis and Ubers are plentiful and cheap.

How far is the airport, and do you arrange transfers?

Fly into Faro, not Lisbon. Faro is about 85 km away, roughly an hour by motorway; Lisbon is 300 km. We don't run transfers ourselves, but our concierge service, Mark the Concierge (marktheconcierge.com), can arrange airport transfers, minibuses for larger groups, and car hire, all quoted with no obligation.

Do we need a car?

Luz's beach, restaurants and shops are walkable from the villa, so you can happily spend the week without one, with taxis and Ubers filling the gaps. A car makes it easier to explore Lagos (about 8 minutes), Sagres, Silves and the wider Algarve. Car hire can be arranged via marktheconcierge.com.

What is there to do nearby?

Beaches, clifftop walks, boat trips and the sea caves at Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, horse riding 5 minutes away, Lagos Zoo, the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve race circuit, and day trips to Sagres, Portimao, Silves and Vilamoura. See villaluxluz.com/luz for our area guide.

Is the villa good for golfers?

Very. Five superb courses are within 20 minutes: Boavista (5 minutes), Espiche, Palmares, Santo Antonio and Penina. Between November and March we offer any-day changeovers and short stays for golf groups. See villaluxluz.com/golf.

Families, groups and house rules

Is the villa suitable for children?

Very, and multi-generational family groups are our single biggest guest type. There's a separate children's pool, free high chairs, travel cots at €30 per stay (cot linen included), Z beds ideal for younger children, a toddler paddling pool for hire, and gardens to play in. The village and beach are gently sloped and family-oriented. As with any private villa, the pool area requires supervision; children remain the responsibility of their parents or guardians throughout the stay, and we're happy to answer as many questions as you like about suitability.

Are highchairs available?

Yes, we have a couple available free of charge, and we can possibly source more if needed for an extra charge; just ask.

Are pets allowed?

We're afraid not. The villa is pet-free, with no exceptions. We're sorry to disappoint the dog owners among you, but a plain answer is the kindest one to give.

Is smoking allowed?

Not inside the villa; smoking is outside only. The villa has smoke detectors, and call-out charges apply if they're set off indoors.

Can people who are not staying at the villa visit or stay over?

The villa is reserved exclusively for the people named on the booking. Day visitors such as your own instructors or therapists are welcome, but no other persons may stay overnight without our written agreement (and payment where applicable).

Do you accept younger groups?

Yes, with an increased breakage deposit of €2,000 (rather than the standard €1,000).

Do you accept hen and stag groups?

We consider hen and stag groups case by case, at our discretion, so we can't promise acceptance, but do ask; we'd rather have a friendly conversation than a blanket rule. Where a booking is accepted, the €2,000 younger-groups breakage deposit applies.

Is the villa catered? Can we hire a chef?

The villa is strictly self-catering; no meals are included. Private chefs are popular with our groups, though: chef hire is arranged through our concierge service, Mark the Concierge (marktheconcierge.com), using chefs who know the villa well. Any other catering company must be agreed with the owners in advance. Grocery delivery to the villa is easy too.

Can we hold a party, wedding or event at the villa?

Yes, by prior arrangement with Mark through marktheconcierge.com and with the owner's prior written consent. We've approved catered BBQs, musicians and decorated birthdays, and wedding events are priced by arrangement. Two firm rules: only guests named on the booking may stay overnight, and Portugal's noise laws are strict, so no loud music or outdoor noise after 10 pm. The GNR respond to any complaint and issue on-the-spot fines, so we ask every group to take this seriously.

Is the villa suitable for a retreat, fitness camp or corporate group?

Very. Retreats and fitness boot camps are among our most regular guests, and one corporate group has taken the villa every winter for five consecutive years. You get the whole villa exclusively. There's a small indoor gym of around 25 m² with a few free weights, a bike and a bench, a sauna, and a large flat covered outdoor terrace by the BBQ (around 100 m²) that comfortably fits 12 to 25 exercise mats; the living room (around 60 m²) works in poor weather with the furniture moved. For serious training, Titan Fitness is a short drive away and can also hire out yoga mats, as we don't keep mats on site. Daytime sessions with music at a respectful volume are fine, and your instructors, photographers and therapists are welcome to visit during your stay. Corporate invoices available.

Who do we contact if something goes wrong during our stay?

Contact us immediately at booking@villaluxluz.com or +44 7983 626636 (phone and WhatsApp) and we will endeavour to put things right straight away. Complaints not resolved locally should be followed up in writing within 28 days of your return, per the T&Cs.

Practical details

Is the villa licensed for holiday rental?

Yes, Alojamento Local registration 8358/AL.

Where can I see photos and a video of the villa?

The gallery and video tour are at villaluxluz.com/gallery, and floor plans at villaluxluz.com/floor-plans.

Where can I read reviews?

Genuine Google reviews from past guests are at villaluxluz.com/reviews.

Is there electric car charging at the villa?

Not yet, but plans are in progress for 2027.

How do I hear about special offers?

Join the mailing list via the signup form on any page of villaluxluz.com, or follow @villaluxluz on Facebook and Instagram.

Stay in touch

Get our offers first

Late availability, special offers and villa news, straight to your inbox.