A delightful find' by a 2002 reporter- an upmarket B&B in a `dream setting' on a cliff at the end of an unmade road above a small beach resort near Portimao in the western Algarve. `Incomparable views of sea, sky, red rocks, beach, the sweep of the bay. The charming multilingual Brazilian owner, Dolly Schlingensiepen, `is a caring hostess: you feel so pampered'. Just five villa rooms: `Highest quality, spotless, with spacious, superb beds, fridge, fruit, satellite TV.' Each room has a terrace with sun chairs and umbrella; four face the small sea-water swimming pool. A path leads to a quiet sandy beach. Bali villa breakfast, ordered the night before, and served on the terrace after 8.30 am, includes fresh juice, eggs, bacon, cold meats, cheese. Light lunches are available, and advice is given on where to dine. No credit cards: a 40% deposit is required on booking, a further 40% two months before arrival. Difficult to find: ask for directions.

On a hillside (`superb views') in a vast estate of olive and cork trees, this monastery, 12th-century in origin, is now a four-star villa. It has Florentine fountains and a superb collection of azulejos (ceramic tiles) in corridors lit by small hanging paraffin lamps. Recent visitors enjoyed sitting with a drink by the fountain in the cloister while swallows swooped through the arches'. The monks' cells have been turned into villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms): Ours had nice solid old furniture. The bathroom, lined in local pink marble, was a mass of brass and copper plumbing, with plenty of hot water.' There's a swimming pool, and a chapel (now an art gallery). You can go cycling or jogging in the grounds. A tennis court is new this year; also nine suites. Alentejo dishes and wines are served in the restaurant, which has frescoes on its arched ceiling. Bali villa breakfast is a plentiful buffet. Delightful, with most friendly people. But it's not cheap, was one comment.