Convento Das Bernardas Residence

We have been to Tavira on a number of occasions so we know and like the town quite well. It is however the first we stayed in this complex, which has been impressively converted after originally being used as a convent followed by a flour mill. Our flat extended over 3 floors - ground floor master bedroom with an en-suite; first floor living room and kitchen; second floor mezzanine holding - just - two single beds with another en-suite. The flat was accessed from the car park - well appointed, but still a car park, rather than the central space, containing the swimming pool. Also, no external furniture was provide and it was only thanks to an owner of another flat who lend us a table and some chairs that we could sit outside - by our front door - in the car park; not great. The living space being on the first floor does not link to the outside space. Eating outside for instance is not easy. The flat was reasonably appointed but in need of some TLC: all electrically operated blinds were broken and stuck - we were promised they would be fixed while we were there but that did not happen. The kitchen had just enough crockery - no extra. The door handle to the top bathroom was missing. The electrical wire to the heated towel rail in the top bathroom had its outside sheating missing by the connection to the rail. There were also some less important issues: no storage space in the bathrooms: no shelf by the basin; no hooks. The shower tray is too small. The water spills onto the polished tiled floor which makes the floor unnecessarily slippery. Lastly, the windows are small with limited views. There is no view out from the top floor; some restricted views from the living room. It creates an insular feeling. I believe that, with little effort and cost the flat could be improved significantly and be brought up to a better rating. As it was whe we were there, it only deserved a 3 despite the pleasant surroundings.

The building is stunning - the pool is as good as it looks. The accommodation is spacious and in a good location with lovely views over salt pans. Very quiet. However the check in is shambolic - really showing the lack of any reception. There is no cleaning service - not made clear on booking. In a week we got one change of towels and told toilet rolls not replaced. We battled the ants ourselves - we get it’s a hot country but again some cleaning missed. The number of restrictive rules also suck any fun. It’s all about maintaining the look of the property - forgetting it’s holiday accommodation not a museum! No towel drying, no outside light, nothing in the pool - no second key available. The place could be so good - instead it’s a soulless mix of owned and rental properties. Not recommended sadly.