Rocha Brava Village Resort

“Simply superb, peaceful and beautifully set resort!”

Simply Superb and peaceful resort situated in a quieter part of the Algarve. Rocha Brava is a huge resort spread over a cliff top area with three swimming pools and plenty of handy services within the resort, although a little pricey. We stayed as a family of four in Villa 203, two bedroom villa… more

Simply Superb and peaceful resort situated in a quieter part of the Algarve. Rocha Brava is a huge resort spread over a cliff top area with three swimming pools and plenty of handy services within the resort, although a little pricey. We stayed as a family of four in Villa 203, two bedroom villa with garden area. We loved it! loads of space, right next to the big pool but private enough. The villa was as you expect when travelling abroad and had everything a family would need for a two week holiday. The only thing that was a little light was the housekeeping service, but this did not bother us at all as long as we got clean towels handed in. The only other thing we had to contend with was ants, but this was way better than last years cockroaches in Gran Canaria! The main pool is a fantastic space and was always very clean. Don't listen to other reviews about people reserving beds, this happens everywhere in Europe when the brits are in town! There was plenty of beds and we never struggled at all throughout our stay. It differed each day with levels of people, some days busier than others, but because of the surrounding area it never appeared too overcrowded. Be warned though, the pool is VERY deep at points, surprising for a family resort pool. There are also no staff at all around the pool area. Around the pool is a pool bar, tennis club and crazy golf. We signed up for pickle ball on one day which was a great experience for first timers, better than chasing tennis balls all over the court. Due to the location of this resort, the nearest main supermarkets are 10 minutes drive away, including and ALDI. We had a hire car which helped with these runs for shopping, be warned that if you don't then you will have to deal with the overpriced supermarket on site or the SPAR near by which is also expensive. Thoroughly recommend the car hire and this can be done at reception and the car brought to you. For our seven day hire it cost £145. The car allows you to visit nearby Albufiera, Alvor, Lagos, Villamoura and many more! Overall, a superb clean and well presented resort with superb accommodation and services. PROS: Clean, Quiet and beautiful resort Has everything on site you will need Main Pool is 10/10 Accommodation has everything and more! Carvoeiro Town is five euro uber ride Best Restaurant we visited was Pashmina (Indian and next to the resort) Also Primavera Restaurant was top notch! Book a Villa with Garden to ensure the most privacy and space CONS: Housekeeping is a little lighter than expected Onsite pool bar, coffee shop and supermarket are overpriced. Avoid. Not much just outside the resort (Other than the five star PASHMINA) so you will need to commute. Worst Restaurant we visited was Restaurant O Rede at the top of the hill on the way into Carvoeiro. You will love this place! Simply Superb!

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“An overall enjoyable stay”

Upon arrival at Rocha Brava we were greeted by friendly reception staff who provided us with lots of information about the resort, things to do in the local area and useful guide maps. We paid for the safety deposit box in our room which was reasonably priced. Our apartment was located directly opp… more

Upon arrival at Rocha Brava we were greeted by friendly reception staff who provided us with lots of information about the resort, things to do in the local area and useful guide maps. We paid for the safety deposit box in our room which was reasonably priced. Our apartment was located directly opposite reception, handy (or so we thought) as the resort is huge. Our second floor room was a good size for a family of four, included two balcont areas and was well equipped for our stay (fridge/freezer, washing machine, dining table, hair dryer, airer, tv...). The rooms were clean enough although there were a few ants in the kitchen and towels were changed every couple of days. Both bedrooms and the living room had air conditioning. We had been told upon arrival that the resort ran three free daily mini buses into to Carvoeiro town so after unpacking we headed down for lunch. The town was lovely, plenty of shops and restaurants although the beach is small. We had arranged for the mini bus to pick us up although the resort is walkable in about 40 minutes. The first night there it became clear that our location opposite reception was not ideal at all - the music from the on site bar next door to reception was so loud we had to to put earphones in to block it out. This happened on about five of the seven nights we stayed unfortuantely. We did go into tha bar for a bite to eat and a drink on one night however the staff were rude and dismissive so we didn't go back. There was also a lot of noise from people being dropped off / picked up and staff coming and going in the morning. The larger of the three pools was closest to our apartment and the only one we used during our time there. We never struggled to get loungers and there was a nice cafe bar too, the area was tidy and well kept, we didn't have any complaints about the pool at all. There is a handy supermarket on site, although expensive it was convenient for stocking up on water and essentials. There are also tennis courts and a gym on site although we didn't use these. We ate in the restaurant once, it lacked atmosphere but the food was nice if on the expensive side. There are a couple of beautiful restaurants I would highly recommend just outside the resort - and Indian called Pashmina, and a more traditional restaurant called Jardim de Farol - people were queuing to get in here so book a table in advance (well worth a visit). We had booked a lot of activities during out stay, many of which were in Albufeira (go here for Parasailing (highly recommend) / boat trips / water based activities) which is about 35 minutes by car -one thing I can say is that Ubers are far cheaper in Portugal - a 35 minute Uber costs about £17. An Uber to Slide N Splash £8, and Praia de Rocha (a huge beach) £11. Although there isn't a lot to do in Carvoeiro itself it is very easy and cheap to get about, everything we did was within a 30 minute drive of the resort. Overall an enjoyable stay but would have been so much better had we had a quieter room.

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“Great holiday but pool issues”

As frequent visitors to Rocha Brava we had a great time again. Just a couple of issues regarding the main pool that would have improved things. Firstly people were putting towels on sunbeds early in the morning and not returning for several hours. Secondly people playing music loudly through speake… more

As frequent visitors to Rocha Brava we had a great time again. Just a couple of issues regarding the main pool that would have improved things. Firstly people were putting towels on sunbeds early in the morning and not returning for several hours. Secondly people playing music loudly through speakers with no consideration for those nearby. It would be great if there cobe some policing of the pool to enforce a no reserving of sunbed rule and also to remind people of appropriate behaviour

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