We recently spent a week at the newly opened Monte Santo resort situated near Carvoeiro in the Algarve. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment on ground level. The apartment was beautifully appointed and had stunning views over the carefully landscaped grounds of the resort. Despite it being November the sun shone every day and we had breakfast on the terrace every morning. The resort staff where extremely helpful and friendly, we would especially recommend the resort restaurant that has a lovely atmosphere, good food and exceptionally helpful staff.
We found several good restaurants outside of the resort, many within walking distance, including lots serving fantastic local fish and seafood. Carvoeiro has a wealth of shops and amenities and is a fairly short walk or drive away. We hired a car for the full week and enjoyed exploring the picturesque coast line and the mountains behind Carvoeiro. An ideal spot for those that enjoy walking with miles of stunning coastline to explore equally this is the perfect destination for those of you who simply enjoy relaxing on the beach.
As a winter escape this is a particularly great spot, in November it was warm, sunny and the beaches were virtually deserted - Paradise!

We have just spent a week in the wonderful Monte Santo resort. We were extremely impressed with the one bedroom ground floor apartment we stayed in. It was very spacious, well equipped with good quality fittings and a very comfortable super king sized bed.
We really loved the resort and found everything we needed there. My husband enjoyed swimming every day in either the indoor or outdoor pool and I was able to read and relax on one of the loungers. We also saw the gym although we didn''t venture in!
We had two lunches outside the restaurant which we thought were very reasonably priced. On the last night we enjoyed a lovely evening meal there also. Luckily it was warm enough to sit outside again overlooking the pool which was lit up, a lovely romantic setting. The menu wasn''t huge and one of the dishes was not available, but we found plenty to choose from and the food was excellent. We ate our breakfasts and a couple of lunches on the apartment terrace with a lovely view of the stream. and grounds. On a couple of occasions we walked to excellent restaurants which were just 10mins away and other evenings we walked down to Carvoeiro which takes about 20mins. There is a very good choice of restaurants there and a taxi back costs about 5 euros.
We hired a car and each day we visited one of the fantastic little coves nearby and walked along the cliff tops. We also explored some of the fishing villages and towns steeped in history. In fact we ran out of time before we had chance to see everything.

The staff at the resort couldn''t have been more helpful and friendly and the service was excellent. Overall we would say that this was the best apartment we have ever stayed in and we are definitely booking to go back there next October!

Just got back with my partner from Carvoeiro after a 7 day stay, at the Monte Santo resort in a one bedroom apartment, mid September.
The place is quite stunning, a beautiful outdoor pool area, streams and a small lake. I was told by the very friendly and helpfull staff that the landscaping is not yet even complete. The apartment itself was excellent. It was big, tasteful and had all the mod cons. The best part was a lovely elevated terrace to sit out on overlooking one of the streams - great for eating alfresco. The only downside was we were told there were rooftop jacuzzis but they were still fitting them.

Overall was a good mix of people from various countries, alot of couples, golfers and families too. An all round friendly atmosphere.
We ate in the restaurant a couple of times through the day and evening. The food was good, maybe a little pricey although the wine was very decent for the money. The only strange thing in the restaurant was the waiters were reluctant to show the menu - I could see why when I got it as it was a couple of sheets of paper. So not much choice and was strange to find a classy looking restaurant with a tatty menu. The waiter did say this would be changed shortly.
Other facilities were also good as was a decent sized indoor pool, suana, steam room and gym. The gym could do with some more equipment. Is also a tennis court and also a large kiddies play area. After walking round the complex also found another four smaller outdoor pools.
I would say to get down to Carvoeiro on foot its 20 to 25 mins depending on whether you opt for the scenic route. Taxis were between 4 to 5 euros. Is also a great restaurant called Orange about 10 mins walk from the resort - give this one a go. If you do have a car Caneiros beach is only a few mins away which is well worth a visit.
I am usually one for flagging in places to avoid but I have stayed in Carvoeiro a few times, and in some decent hotels, but this was on a different level.

We stayed in a two bed apartment in mid August. The resort is beautiful. Apartments were top class - beautifully decorated and cleaning service with towel change every day. Pool are was gorgeous with bar service and a mini market at hand. We had lunch twice in the restaurant which was very nice. The only down side to the restaurant was the menu was not very big - as the resort was not long open when we stayed they were still developing the menu for example they had no childrens section on the menu. The staff were all very pleasant and nothing was a problem. In relation to location it is not very accessible to Carvoeiro by foot - it is at least tweny minutes walk down a very steep uneven road. Most people appeared to have hired car but opted to use taxis. 5 euro each way down to the town and we were just on a relaxing break with our children. Play area for the children was also excellent. Kids club was not up and running during our stay. Would definitely recommend this resort for a relaxing family holiday