Villa Carmelita Portugal

The cool, elegant, and fabulously finished Villa Carmelita dated back to 1828 and was kept in the same family until 2018, when it was beautifully restored. This gorgeous country house is a perfect mix of charming ancient nods from the past and contemporary features that result in a superior, wonderfully comfortable holiday home. With 5 immaculate bedrooms, Villa Carmelita sleeps up to 10 guests who will enjoy stunning views, beautiful terraces and gardens and total tranquillity in this wonderful countryside location.
The village of Moncarapacho is peaceful and untouched by tourism. The village houses are clustered around the pretty parish church, Igreja Matriz. Villa Carmelita is 300 metres from the centre so you can wander over for coffee, dinner and shopping. There is a small local fish and vegetable market, several charming restaurants, a bank, cafes, a pharmacy, a grocery store and a bakery. Moncarapacho is very close to the very picturesque town of Olhao on the stunning Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Guests can enjoy fabulous beach days taking little ferries over to the reserve’s beautiful islands of Culatra, Armona, Farol and Ilha Tavira.
Villa Carmelita is built over two levels, with most of the rooms on the ground floor. The restoration is very sympathetic to the original character of the house so that you will find delightfully exposed stone walls, chandeliers and fabulous antique furnishings, as well as stunning modern features. Local materials and fabrics have been used to beautiful effect, adding unique charm and warmth. Even the dinner service and serving dishes are from a local potter. Guests can truly relax, enjoying superb amenities and beautiful surroundings.
The living oozes cool elegance with beautiful furnishings, calming colour schemes and a wood-burning stove. It is wonderfully drowned in sunlight. The living room leads to a beautiful dining area. The kitchen is modern yet retains a cosy warmth of time gone by. It is very well equipped and lead to an atmospheric covered outdoor patio with a barbecue for alfresco dining. On the ground floor, you will find a delightful television room and three bedrooms, including the master. They are all beautifully styled in soft, natural hues. Lovely intricate wood carvings and antique furnishings add romance and elegance to the rooms. The master enjoys two beds that can be set up as a large double or twins and an ensuite walk-in shower room. There is a fabulous double room and a twin, which uses the two family bathrooms, both with walk-in showers. All of the bathrooms in this special villa boast fabulous local tiles, which are beautiful.
The first floor is home to a beautiful twin bedroom and an outstanding double. They share another exquisite bathroom with double washbasins and a walk-in shower. Both are beautiful, idyllic retreats where you will enjoy the sleep of kings. The double room offers a small terrace where you can enjoy the fabulous countryside views all the way to the sea.
Villa Carmelita boasts a fabulous 12m x 6m swimming pool which offers stunning views and is surrounded by deluxe loungers. There are several large terraces and a pool house. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed by all 10 guests while watching the sun go down. It is such a lovely, enchanting location. You will not want to leave for sure!

Villa Carmelita is located in the wonderful countryside of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve in the charming village of Moncarapacho. 10km away is the picturesque Olhao. Olhao is a major fishing port and is full of charm with Moorish-style houses, an influence from ancient commercial links to Africa. Olhao’s long promenade boasts beautiful gardens, including the pretty Jardim Pescador do Olhanense. There are two ‘must visit’ markets on the waterfront brimming with fresh fish straight from the port and a colourful array of local produce. There are numerous atmospheric cafes and restaurants with the gastronomic offerings being delicious. Visitors enjoy waterside dining and drinking, watching the boats moored in the delightful marina and the sand spit beach ills of Armona and Culatra. Olhao itself does not have a beach, but you can take a small ferry boat from the quayside to the stunning islands.
Ilha da Culatra is surrounded by clear turquoise water brimming with many species of colourful fish. It is popular for snorkelling and diving. Ilha do Farol is not totally separate but is the area at the western end of Culatra where you will find the lighthouse. Ilha da Armona is the closest ilha to Olhao and enjoys a few charming restaurants and a fabulous golden sandy beach.
Fuzeta is an authentic little fishing village just 8km from Villa Carmelita. Its unspoiled sandy beach can be reached by a 5-minute ferry. There is something so idyllic about catching these little ferries over to the beaches!
There are so many interesting places to visit from Villa Carmelita to enjoy ancient churches, museums, local markets, fantastic food and friendly locals. Faro Old Town is very attractive. Its intricate 11th-century Arab gateway, Arco da Vila, gives access to the old town and is the oldest horseshoe arch in the country. The charming warren of narrow lanes is very pretty. The Manuel Bivar Gardens, overlooking the marina, the Ria Formosa and the sea, are stunning. The Municipal Museum at the 16th-century Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao is home to many interesting archaeological finds and worth visiting.
At the far end of the Ria Formosa, Tavira is very alluring with charming, narrow streets lined with cute cafes and restaurants. Its beautiful streets follow the River Gilao, and you will discover plenty of hidden corners with charming hipped roofs outlining the sky. The Bandstand Garden is very lively in the evenings. You can take a ferry ride across the River Gilao to reach Tavira Island, a breathtaking beach.
You can also visit Cabanas, Cacela, Estoi and S. Braz to enjoy the local culture.

At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!