Ocean Club Apartments

Went to Ocean Club at Luz with Thomas Cook, last minute deal. Excellent value for money. Fabulous apartment with ocean view. Two large bedrooms plus an extra area with bunk beds, two bathrooms. Spotless and well kitted out. Washing machine, microwave, fridge freezer, CD and DVD players. Quiet village with not a huge amount to see or do so lovely if you just want to get away and sit on the amazing sandy beach with a book! Down side.. not great for a buggy- our little one was bumped around on the cobbled streets, and not great pavements. A bit of hill down to the beach- ok on the way down, not so great coming back. The pools were very cold, but it was end April, although they have a nice indoor pool so we were able to get a swim.

We booked a last minute holiday with Thomas Cook - for four of us it was just over £650. It is the second time I have stayed at the Ocean Club with Thomas Cook. The apartment was wonderful and very clean. Two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a sea view. Couldn't ask for any more. If you want to get away from it all and sit on a beach all day then Praia de Luz is def worth considering. Chaplins next to the church is a good restaurant and very reasonable.

Stayed at The Ocean Club during half term. Praia de Luz is a nice enough resort, with a good beach for the children but it doesn't really have much character or charm. The Ocean Club comprises a variety of appartments and villas of varying quality. Initially we stayed in an appartment at the top of the resort which was clean, modern and well laid out. However, the bedroom was very damp and the twin beds were especially damp and uncomfotable. After we became infested with ants we moved to a town house which was nicely finished, although others we saw were far less attractively furnished. All appeared to suffer to a greater or lesser extent with damp. This may have been due to the unusally wet weather during October this year but I would not be too sure. In general the Ocean club facilities were quite good - although the outdoor pool was too cold to use out of the peak season and the indoor pool was rather small. We travelled with Thomas Cook - booking process was the worst I have ever experienced - although the staff at the resort - particularly the kids club staff were very nice. Overall the children enjoyed the holiday but the accomodation (and the weather) were something of a disappointment.

We stayed at the Ocean Club with Mark Warner. The child care was excellent, and the apartment good, the food however was terrible. Both the Millenium and Tapas restaurants disappointed in terms of choice and quality. Other guests who had previously stayed with Mark Warner in other resorts stated that the food quality was far below that which they normally experienced. Additionally the Millenium was a 10 minute walk from most of the apartments along roads, which was really too far for most people with children to go for breakfast, as a consequence most families with kids did not bother. Would I go with Mark Warner again? Yes I would, for the child care and sports facilities - but I would go to one of their owned villages where they are responsible for all aspects of my stay. Would I go with them to Ocean Club again? Absolutely not. On the plus side, our kids had a great time and the MW nannies were superb. The Ocean Club apartments themselves are nice (though the quality is variable as this large complex has grown over the years) - and the town of Luz, though a bit quiet, has a nice beach and a few good restuarants.

We booked the Ocean Club on a last minute deal through Mark Warner and were very impressed. We took our 9 month old son on his first trip abroad and were a little nervous but we couldn't really have asked for a better resort and accommodation. We stayed at the back of the resort and it was a little walk to the beach but we spent most of the time around the pool. The accommodation was very clean and well equipped with microwave, washing machine and fully fitted kitchen. We were on a half board basis and I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to buffets but the food was superb. The millennium restaurant had a great selection of food which changed every night.. You got good quality wine included in the price and the staff were very helpful and friendly. We did eat at the a la carte tapas restaurant but preferred the selection and quality of food in the millennium. The Mark Warner staff were superb. The childcare facilities were great and when our son was ill they couldn't have done more to help. All the pool areas are great. The adult pool is very peaceful and the kids pool area good fun. One thing that is worth mentioning is that the resort is all cobbles so if you take a pushchair it's probably worth taking a sturdy one as the cheap lightweight one we bought especially for the trip wasn't really built for the bumps! I recommend this resort for young families and those looking for a quiet peaceful resort with a lovely beach.

Stayed at the apartment King Palm 1 which was absolutley fantastic. In a fantastic location for our party of four. Close to reception and the adult pool . ( my parents may not have been able to cope if we had been given one of the apartments at the top of the resort as it is a bit of a walk back up the hill from the beach) but as we were allocated the King Palm 1 that did not effect us. We were all very impressed with the apartment Very nicely furnished and spotlessly clean with everything you would need for a self catering holiday and the most gorgeous view from every single window. We had opted for the Half Board option and dined in the Millenium Club. We cannot express how impressed we were . We had imagined queing up for our food like we have at other buffet style meals. We never had to q for a table or for the food which was lovely and very varied, the dining room staff are very friendly and very efficient and the meal times are managed extremley well. We spent most of our time in the adult pool which was very peaceful, They have a system which we had never come across before which was to ring the door bell to enter hte poolside area, where we had to hand our passes in to staff' On our first day it took us a while to realise that we were supposed to ring the bell! so made a bit of a noise trying to get in! and we were asked if we were staying for lunch, thinking that we were supposed to pre book we said no. If you are not staying for lunch there are certain areas that you cant sit in as the poolside area is mainly reserved for guests that are dining there, However we soon realised that you dont have to pre book. Compared to the cafes on the beach front it was very expensive to eat there, but the food was good and the service fantastic. It was so quiet there all you could hear were the birds and people turning pages in their books, music etc is not allowed in this area but there are two other pools if you want to splash around and not worry that you are disturbing any one.. For a fantastic stocked bar try the Bull in the centre it has every possible spirit you can think of even a special whiskey licquer that my father loves which we very rarely find over here. Lagos is very close and a very interesting place to visit takes about ten minutes in a taxi and cost 7 euros. On the sea front there are many boat trips on offer but we were very impressed that they dont try the hard sell. For a relaxing peaceful holiday with friendly staff you cant beat the Ocean Club

The Ocean Club is a purpose built, village style holiday resort situated near the attractive, sandy beach of Praira de Luz. We stayed for one week in early May 2006 and although the weather was sunny all week, it did get cold at night, so you might want to consider taking a jumper or coat for evenings out. Our apartment had heaters provided, which we ended up using on the first few nights, but after that we didn't need them as it got warmer. We were told by a resident that, from early-mid May onwards, the weather tends to just get hotter everyday. Dotted around the Ocean Club, and set amongst attractive, well-maintained gardens, there are several, large, inviting outdoor pools, including seperate ones for children, families and a very well secluded pool area for adults only. Unfortunately we found them too cold to swim in during early May, but lucky for us, they also had an indoor pool, which was as warm as bath water (though if the weather gets too hot, it will shut.) There are also several tennis courts available for hire around the site and a number of poolside bars, some of which serve snacks. The beach itself is made up of lovely creamy-white sand, backed by cliffs made up of colourfully layered rocks, which might interest Geology enthusiasts. The sea was too cold most days, but on two ocassions we ventured in and it was actually quite nice. A small promenade and a few beach/bar cafes and shops line the beachfront and a little further up, there is even a small excavation site of an ancient Roman bath house, but you have to look hard to find it as it is situated up some steps and behind a wall. If hiking is your thing, there are also some walks along the cliff tops, with magnificent views. Our party went half-board and we found there was a nice selection of buffet style food provided to suit most tastes. Morning breakfasts are served until 10am and consist of a selection of fresh fruits, tea and coffee, cereal, fresh juices, toast and spreads and a traditional english breakfast option. We had to walk 5 minutes from our apartment to the restaurant, (The Ocean Club Resort is that big) which was fine for most of our party, but anyone with walking difficulties might not be so happy about It. At evening meals, the food had a different theme each night e.g. Mediteranean, Seafood, Portugese, BBQ night etc. This usually consisted of soup, a selection of salads, sauces, bread and warm food, including meat dishes, vegetable dishes, and the usual rice, chips, or potatoes. Even if you are a fussy eater, or vegetarian, you should find something you enjoy. The desserts didn't change much, but even so, there was a nice selection of chocolate mouse, chocolate cake, fruit salad and other sweet dishes. Some evenings had a little entertainment put on too. One night we had a magician entertain us and on barbeque night, we had a large group of traditional Portugese dancers visit (who were very good). But generally, it was fairly low-key. The Ocean Club village itself is set amongst cobbled streets and most appartments are quite private with either a terrace or balcony, surrounded by attractively planted gardens, full of exotic flowers. The apartment we stayed in had a large, raised terrace from which we had a view of the sea. Something to be warned of, for those unsteady on their feet, would be the cobbled roads. Although they look nice, they do not make waking easy - so girls, don't bother bringing your stillettos, as you will likely fall flat on your face, besides which, there are not many nights out you will be required to wear them. This is a quiet resort, with little in the way of nightlife, (though I was told by our rep, that there are a couple of late night bars and one night club). If you are looking for nights out, Lagos might be a better place to stay. It is certainly worth a day trip there with its bustling shops, pavement cafes and small art galleries. (The prices in the region are very reasonable too, both for food and souvenirs). The buses to Lagos leave Praia de Luz frequently enough, but you can always get a taxi which, for four of us worked out about the same as going by bus anyway. Another good day out is the local water park, Slide and Splash. Although it's not the biggest or best waterpark I've been to, it's still a good sized park with a variety of rides that will make a great day out for kids and adults alike. For those into horse riding there are a few riding centres around the region, aswell as an English run riding stables called Tiffaneys nearby. It had good recommendations from people who had been, but I can't tell you more than that as I didn't go myself. There is also mountian biking excursions, deep sea fishing excursions, day trips to Seville etc. So although the resort is geared to those who want to relax, day trips for those who like to get out and about are also available, if you wish to pay for it. There were only three bad points about were we stayed. The first was that the food was warm and tasty, but not always hot enough for our liking. But then I guess that's the thing with buffets. Either way, I recommend you go to dinner early, at 7.30pm while it is still fresh and hot enough. The second consideration, was that to get to the beach, (which is only a few minutes walk away) you had to go down a hill to get there and up a hill to get back. This would not be a problem for anyone in good health, and luckily, as I am still young, I enjoyed the walk and didn't think twice about it. However, for those who are elderly, suffer from walking difficulties, or generally struggle with steep gradients, I do NOT recommend it. My dad, who is elderly and suffers from walking difficulties, managed it some days, but he really struggled in the heat and had to take frequent breaks on the way back to our apartment. The final downside, was the extra beds. Four of us stayed in a one bed apartment, which was in itself, like a small flat, with its own kitchen, dining table and chairs, living area, good bathroom with bath and shower, a large raised terrace with sea views and a seperate bedroom. The twin beds in the seperate bedroom were comfortable enough, however, the sofa bed and camper bed we were provided with, were atrocious! They might be suitable for small children, but to expect a fully grown adult to sleep on those things, was appalling. In short, if you have back problems, make sure you sleep on the beds in the bedroom and do not go anywhere near the camper or sofa beds! If, however, you don't have to use the 'extra' beds, don't mind the hill walking, and enjoy buffet style food, then I highly recommend this holiday. I think that young families and couples looking for a low-key, beach and poolside holiday will enjoy it the most. Overall, we came away having had a relaxed, enjoyable holiday in the sun. Which was exactly what we were looking for.

stayed in a two bedroomed town house at the ocean club apartments on a very late deal, ie booked sat, arrived sunday. Weather was fantastic with daily average of 25c, great location with superb facilities. The local restaurants offer very good food at reasonable price, whilst the ocean club complex can not be faulted. Luz is a nice liittle town with a lovely beach and promenade, highly recommended for families, (although we travelled as a couple without children.) Car hire would allow easy access to the rest of the Algarve although there is a good local bus service into Lagos, which is very close (3k) Highly recommended.

Our visit to Ocean Club Apartments was in mid-November, which meant that we got extremely good off-peak rates. A spacious, comfortable three bedroom apartment for 96 Euros per night. It certainly felt like we got good value for money! The bedroom and lounge had lovely sea views and we could enjoy the sunrise and sunset. In warmer months, the large balcony would provide extra living space, although we made little use of it in the autumn temperatures. However, the Ocean Club apartments are spread throughout Praia de Luz and so you need to make sure that you know which location you are getting. We travelled with our 18 month old son, and the apartment was well suited to families. It had two full bathrooms and a good sized, well equiped kitchen (although no microwave, which would have been useful). The outside temperature at night was cool, but fortunately there was an electric heater in one bedroom and the gas fire in the lounge kept the apartment warm. The bed was comfortable but small (double rather than King). A point to note is that the apartment was cleaned about three times per week, not every day. That meant that we had to put some effort into keeping the kitchen clean and tidy, in particular. No dishwasher either, so we had to wash up by hand when we cooked. Although the Ocean Club has many facilities (swimming pools, tennis courts, bars, restaurants), very little is open in the off peak season. In fact the whole town was very quiet, and we liked it that way. Our emphasis was on driving around and visiting the region. Having said that, a number of restaurants remained open and served good food at good prices. All in all, the vacation was just what we wanted. The accommodation, weather and sightseeing were all great.

Luz is only a 5 minute cab ride from Lagos, and we were really pleased that we choose to stay in Luz as it's a quiet, pretty town, lovely restaurants and just that bit nicer than staying in the heart of a busy city. We were pleased with our apartment too, there was no air con, but none was needed as it was very cool once inside. Although we went in September the weather was still in its high 20’s early 30’s. Luz is a pretty town, with a pretty beach and fantastic food. I can highly recommend trying a Steak from the Dolphin Restaurant in Luz – absolutely fab !! The Luz Tavern by the Church made a great watering hole (keeping my boyfriend happy as he got to watch the footy here too). The only thing was where we booked through Expedia we didn’t get a lift from reception to our apartment (and it was a good enough up hill walk) and although we booked a double room on Expedia, we got to the apartment to find 2 single beds. I checked my confirmation with Expedia to find a double had only been requested, and not confirmed which was a bit annoying. The only thing wrong with the apartment was we had dodgy taps, when you turned them on the water came out yellow for a few minutes before clearing, the main water pipe burst while we were out there, so we where without water for a night, and without gas for a day too. These 2 issues aside, I’d recommend Luz to anyone wanting to get away for a quiet family or couples holiday. It’s close enough to get into Lagos for an evening or day trip, but secluded enough to have peace and quiet. We hired a car while we where away too, I’d recommend that if you want to get to the Surf beaches, as you can tailor your holiday around you rather than waiting for public transport. Luz beach from our apartment was about an 8 minute walk, down hill there, up hill back – nothing too steep, but we were lazy and drove !! Hope this helps anyone thinking of going to Praia da Luz 