Ocean Villas Luz

Ocean Villas Luz Beautiful oceanfront villas & apartments in the western Algarve. The perfect secret.

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all ...
14/05/2025

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This blog ( # 55) is his review of April 2025:

In a peculiar way, one of Portugal’s most important USP’s (unique selling points) is its extraordinary absence of information. It can be incredibly difficult (and occasionally frustrating) to try and find answers in a country that doesn’t really have any interest in telling you what you want to know. But, when it comes to visiting this wonderful part of the world, it is not usually a hindrance. In fact, it is an integral part of what makes Portugal so appealing, so exciting and so enigmatic. Allow me to explain.

You don’t have to look too hard on social media to find sites that tell you all about the ‘best secret beaches’ or the ‘top ten hidden villages. I’ll be honest, I find these pages quite repugnant. The people that run them are only in it to make money, despite their protestations that they are ‘promoting the area’. Secret beaches should stay that way, or else they are no longer secrets and become destroyed by over tourism.

But, generally speaking, the west Algarve seems to escape the worst of these sites. It is rare that the best beaches or villages are mentioned. The same goes for the ubiquitous guide books. To date, I have only ever seen one book that has truly explored the entirety of the west Algarve. Generally, they are lazy attempts at showcasing the region’s highlights and they would certainly not feature in my own top ten. I am constantly amazed about how little is known about this corner of Portugal.

In a world that is becoming ever-smaller, Portugal’s sense of mystique is as strong as ever. I venture out regularly with my family and we often find new coves to explore or mountain villages to visit. Its secrets are part of its charm. If an area loses its mystery then it becomes boring and well-trodden. The west Algarve, I assure you, is neither boring nor well-trodden. Along with neighbouring Alentejo, it remains one of the great undiscovered areas of Europe.

Granted, there are times where you can be left flustered when trying to find out important information. For example, most restaurants in the Algarve do not have a website. Their last social media post was likely on new year’s eve in 2022, so you’re often left with the dilemma of just turning up and hoping you can get a table. The lack of road signs can be equally as exasperating and lets not go down the route of the total chaos that can arise from Portuguese bureaucracy.

But rising above it all, is a proud nation. A nation that does not buck to the trends. It might not always be the most fashionable, but It remains safe, humble, friendly and kind. It does not wish to follow the well-trampled path of capitalism. Its priority is not to make money at every opportunity, but to enjoy life at its own pace.

I’ll be the first to admit that the pace is not the quickest, especially when you need something in a hurry. I found an amusing article online with the headline ‘Am I just unlucky or do deadlines mean nothing in Portugal?’ In the comments section, somebody replied by saying ‘Consider it the Portuguese experience pack’. I guess you can’t have it all.

But, amidst all of the troubles in the world at the moment, Portugal remains a beacon of happiness. There is a Portuguese expression that seems quite apt that I’m sure many of you reading this can relate to. Obrigado por ser sempre o meu arco-íris depois da tempestade – thank you for always being my rainbow after the storm. This remains the clearest information of all.

More news next month.
David Lugg

www.davidluggwriter.com
All photo images owned by David Lugg

01/05/2025

Book your holiday to Ocean Villas Luz today. Relax on the beach, take a dip in our heated pool or sit in our oceanfront gardens. Happiness is a holiday to Praia da Luz.

14/04/2025

Once a year, we love to publish this wonderful video from Rocha Negra (Black Rock) to Ocean Villas Luz. 3 minutes and 49 seconds of pure joy. Sit back and marvel at the wonder that is Praia da Luz.

LUZ LIFE - blog number 54: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been...
11/04/2025

LUZ LIFE - blog number 54: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his review of March 2025:

Perhaps I can put it down to the unpredictable March weather, but the past month has made me feel quite introspective. Among my many musings, I have been mulling over the concept of change, specifically the theory that very little changes in the west Algarve (other than the seasons). Is this true and if so what implications does it have on this lovely part of the world?

I have lived in Portugal for almost five years now and, for me, the country still holds a strong sense of mystery. It has its own style, its own pace and very much its own people. Pity the fool that would compare Portugal to neighbouring Spain. As far as I can work out, the similarities with Spain start and end with being located in a similar part of Europe. There are, of course, some Latin language origins, though Spanish speakers tend to struggle conversing in Portuguese. Interestingly, it’s not so much the case the other way round. Modern day comparisons of the two nations pretty much end there.

Portugal sits on the south-western periphery of Europe, blissfully going about its day to day, largely oblivious to what is happening over its borders. That is not to say that Portugal is ignorant, it’s more like it is content in its own cosy corner. And who can blame them? With low crime rates, pleasant scenery and some of the kindest people in Europe, I think I would do the same.

I often feel that the nation has a stronger connection with (its old colony) Brazil than the rest of Europe – and not just because they share the same language. The sun-kissed beaches on the west coast of Portugal remind me of South American surf retreats close to Florianopolis. Yet, despite this, the Brazilians and Portuguese are so different from each other in character. The flamboyance of the Brazilians is a contrast to the calmness of the Portuguese.

Perhaps this placid nature helps keep change in the west Algarve to a minimum. What’s more, the majority of people who visit this area are searching for simplicity, not variety. If it’s action you want, then you’re in the wrong place. Sure, there is the ever-present surf and accompanying water sports, but riding the waves on a surfboard is a pretty simple affair too.

I would go as far as to say that the west Algarve is defined not by its actions but rather its inactions. Why would you want to change something that is already pretty darn special? There will always be demand for sunshine, good food and friendly people. Likewise for unspoilt nature and authenticity. This simple formula is the gravity that draws us all in.

This region is a world away from my previous life in London where everything happens at a whirlwind pace and people demand immediate action. I still believe that London is the greatest city on the planet because of its variety, but there comes a point in life, when circumstances change. People change. We want something different.

I have talked before about ‘il dolce far niente’, the sweetness of doing nothing – being able to idle away a few hours by switching off our brain and recharging our batteries. With its enviable weather, lovely people and eye-pleasing aesthetics, the west Algarve is the perfect destination for this. But I would take it one step further. Not only is it a great place to switch off, it is a marvellous place to ease your stresses and worries and, simply put, be happy.

More news next month.
David Lugg

www.davidluggwriter.com
All photo images owned by David Lugg

'Spring' by the pool ♥️
07/04/2025

'Spring' by the pool ♥️

Ocean Villas Luz offers the perfect spring and summer getaway. Choose from one, two or three bedroom units - all with a ...
21/03/2025

Ocean Villas Luz offers the perfect spring and summer getaway. Choose from one, two or three bedroom units - all with a fabulous sea view. Email [email protected] for availability or visit:
www.oceanvillasluz.com

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all...
12/03/2025

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his review of February 2025:

As we all know, the west Algarve is blessed with some breathtaking scenery. With its glorious coastline, untouched natural parks and stunning rolling hills, the region justifiably ranks as one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. Yet, for all of its enviable aesthetics, I would suggest that many of its best qualities are those that we cannot touch – the intangibles.

When it comes to holidays, the intangible benefits rarely have the same exposure or publicity. Our postcards home to Granny seldom mention the sound of the sea nor the smell of the food, but these elements are just as important even if we don’t acknowledge them. Just because we can’t reach out and touch something doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t appreciate it. I’ll give you an example.

In the winter months, the daylight hours are long. In fact, the earliest sunset last year was 17:17. Indeed, by early February, I can leave work and still have time to take my daughter down to the beach to build a sandcastle and jump the waves. It is, perhaps, one of the principal benefits of living in this splendid part of the world.

Another intangible asset that I do not take for granted is the sanguine sensation of winter sunshine on my skin. Close your eyes on a beautiful day in the Algarve and you will find the corners of your mouth stretching upwards to form a smile. It’s a natural reaction we all have. Supposedly, the brain is releasing a hormone called serotonin that can trigger happiness. That said, wherever you are right now, if you close your eyes and imagine you are sitting in the warm Algarve sunshine, the beginnings of a little grin will appear. It can turn a ropey day into a rosy day. (Disclaimer – it doesn’t work so well if you are in your office on a Monday morning).

And let us not forget the sea. We can all speak with great enthusiasm about its vibrant colour and refreshing nature, but the sound of the sea plays such an important role too. Whether it be gentle lapping waves or booming crashes in a storm, the sound of the sea can give our spirits a lift, or even soothe our souls. The sea is an inspiration and that is one of the greatest intangible benefits of all.

When I give prospective guests a tour of Ocean Villas Luz, I always explain that, yes the villas are great and the views are spectacular, but there is a lovely, convivial atmosphere amongst the guests that is hard to put into words and harder to show on our website. It is this community vibe and sense of familiarity that brings people back again.

To conclude, I love the untamed scenery of the western Algarve with its dramatic cliffs and azure sea. But I also love the intangible side – cherishing a stolen hour on the beach after work with my daughter; watching the setting sun turn Praia da Luz into a golden haze and closing my eyes and letting the sun’s rays warm my skin.

Please forgive me if my words seem a little over-zealous this month, but I have the feeling that summer is very much on its way. In what will surely be the only comparison between myself and Winston Churchill, the great man once said “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible”. I’m still working on the impossible but I’m doing a pretty good job of the other two.

More news next month.

David Lugg


www.davidluggwriter.com

All photo images owned by David Lugg

We have.three remaining units for Easter. Book now to avoid disappointment.Email: rentals@starvilla.com ...
15/02/2025

We have.three remaining units for Easter. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Email: [email protected]

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all...
09/02/2025

LUZ LIFE: A brief recap - Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his review of January 2025:

Okay, I’ll admit it – Portugal isn’t perfect. There are plenty of quirks that can send you a little bit loopy. But hold up – before you think I have fallen out of love with my adopted land, let me qualify my statement by pointing out that perfection is overrated. In fact, it’s quite likely that perfection is imperfect and imperfection is perfect. Confused? Allow me to explain.

Do you remember the first toy that you loved when you were a child? In my case, it was a giant rabbit called Esmerelda. From what my parents tell me, she used to accompany me everywhere from bedtime to holidays. Over time, Esmerelda became a bit scruffy and various parts of her anatomy had to be sewn back on (it happens to the best of us). Though she was no longer at her prime, it didn’t matter. Her imperfections made her perfect.

But how can perfect be imperfect? Here’s an example. Have you ever watched the US Open golf championships at Augusta? Whilst it is visually stunning to watch on the television, it has been well-documented that any areas of grass that are not up to standard are painted green. Similarly, a journalist famously took a sample of water from one of the lakes on the course. He found that a blue food dye had been added to make it more appealing to the eye. What’s more, those pristine white bunkers that you see are not actually sand. They are a type of white quartz from a mining district in North Carolina. Perfect Augusta? I think not.

Which brings me to our wonderful region, here in the west Algarve. I’ll admit that the occasional foible can sometimes make life a little frustrating. Regular readers will be aware of my personal gripe about supermarket queues that never move, waiting for some kind of divine inspiration to allow them to continue. And don’t get me started on the insane laws regarding Portuguese roundabouts. You need a masters in engineering to understand the rules and another masters in psychology to try and understand why zebra crossings are positioned on roundabout exits. But these imperfections tend to be trivial. I’m not going to lose much sleep over them.

For fear of being called superficial, I will highlight that there are larger problems facing the country. A 2024 study showed the top three national issues to be the health system, low salaries and corruption. Far from being alone on his matter, there is a good chance that your own country will be faced with similar problems. But, certain newly-elected presidents should take note that there is no mention of gun crime and violence. Portugal consistently ranks highly on safety and general kindness of the people.

We live in a world where we face more and more pressure to be perfect. Facebook and Tiktok and Instagram are full of people trying to show us how beautiful they are. Got a spot on your face? Don’t worry, we can airbrush it out before publishing it. But does striving for perfection make us happy? I very much doubt it. And anyway, perfection for one person is just as likely to be imperfection for another. Otherwise life would be boring and we would all do the same thing.

Portugal’s imperfections are what makes it so special. Portugal isn’t manicured like the golf greens of Augusta. Perhaps the sand in the Maldives is a little whiter or a little finer. But Portugal is authentic. It is unique. In a way, its authenticity and uniqueness make it kind of perfect. Just remember to steer clear of supermarket queues and roundabouts.

More news next month.

David Lugg



All photo images owned by David Lugg

Are you fed up with grey skies? Join us for some sunshine at Ocean Villas Luz.We have availability in a 2-bedroom apartm...
28/01/2025

Are you fed up with grey skies? Join us for some sunshine at Ocean Villas Luz.

We have availability in a 2-bedroom apartment as follows:
1-6 February
21-24 February
24 February - 1 March

SPECIAL OFFER - 100€ per night

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Rua Da Calheta, 38
Luz
8600-154

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A Hidden Gem! Beautiful ocean front apartments & villas on the western Algarve. The perfect destination for your upcoming holiday. Extensive gardens and 21m heated shared pool.

Join us in relaxing surroundings for a holiday to remember. Whether you want to chill or book activities, we can help 😎