Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How do I check in?
Self check-in by key safe, any hour; instructions sent before arrival.
What time is check-in and check-out?
From 15:00 / until 11:00; early or late on request when possible.
Is there parking?
Yes, free and private.
Can I use the pool year-round?
Open all year, unheated; best April–October.
How far is the sea?
About 1 km; Porto Moniz natural pools are a short drive west along the coast.
What is the cancellation policy?
We send a secure payment link for the full amount once we confirm availability and the final price; the booking is confirmed when payment is received. Cancellation counts calendar days before your arrival date: up to and including 30 days before, 100% of the accommodation back; 29 to 15 days before, 50% of the accommodation; fewer than 15 days before, none of the accommodation. In all three cases the cleaning charge and, where it applies, the tourist tax are refunded in full. A no-show — not arriving without having cancelled — gets no refund of the accommodation or the cleaning charge, because the house was prepared for you; the tourist tax, where it applies, is still refunded, as it is not due without a stay. Example: arriving on 20 August, cancel by 21 July and everything comes back; from 22 July to 5 August, half the accommodation plus the full cleaning charge; from 6 August, the cleaning charge only. In numbers, for Cork House, 3 winter nights arriving on 10 January (€267 accommodation + €65 cleaning): cancel by 11 December and €332 comes back; from 12 to 26 December, €133.50 + €65 = €198.50; from 27 December, €65; no-show, nothing back (the tourist tax, when it applies, is refunded). Want to change your dates? Ask us — we handle them case by case.
Is there a minimum stay?
Three nights in winter, five in high season — roughly May to October. If your dates fall just short, write to us before you book. We keep the calendar ourselves, so we can often make it work. There is one exception worth knowing: when a short gap opens up between two bookings, we drop the minimum to fill it. So if you are looking for two or three nights, it is always worth checking the dates — and sending us a request for the dates you have in mind.
What does the cleaning charge cover?
It is a one-off charge for preparing the house before you arrive — a full clean, and fresh bed linen and towels. It is not a daily service: the house is yours for the whole stay and nobody comes in while you are here. The charge is included in complete estimates and in the final price we confirm in our reply, so nothing is added at the end, and because it is charged once it makes up a bigger share of the price on a short stay than on a long one. If you would like a clean or fresh towels part-way through a longer stay, ask us and we can arrange it as an extra.
Do you host children?
Yes. The houses suit families — there are two bedrooms in Cork House and Casa da Palmeira. Children under 2 stay free and don't count towards the number of guests, and we can set up a cot if you ask when you book. One thing to know: the pool has no fence, so small children need an eye on them.
Do you have a cot?
Yes — ask for it when you book and we'll have it ready in the house. There's no charge.
Is breakfast included?
No — kitchens are fully equipped and the minimarket is 50 m away.