What is(are) your name(s)?
Sara Serrao
For how long have you been running a B&B?
I'm just starting.
Please share something about the history of your present bed and breakfast.
After a long process started in 2003, Cerca do Sul is a dream come true, slowly becoming a reality now. It was born from the will to change lifestyle, from an urban 9 to 18 job, to a fulfilling self-owned business, related to nature and to receive people in a friendly and comfortable environment. It is a hard working activity as there is only me and another person, plus the precious help of my associate mother, but it also allows me to have more time and quiet in periods when most of the people are really struggling against time. I am happy I did it!
What are the unique characteristics of your B&B?
Cerca do Sul is located between the Alentejo and Vicentina coasts, near an almost unspoilt area of Algarve where, within a distance of half an hour or 45 minutes drive, you can find dozens of unbelievable beaches, large spaces and a simple way of life typical of country and sea living. This is an unforgettable region and one of the best kept secrets in Europe (IF it really still is a secret...). Cerca do Sul is the place to stop during your journey or simply the perfect spot to arrive, stay and live slowly, in a house that could be your home.
Based on your guests' opinions, what feature of your B&B has made their stay special?
Many people talk about the quietness at Cerca do Sul without being isolated; the proximity of the beach (4kms); the landscape; the breakfast (!!); the toasts served at the pool; the comfortable beds; the colours; the decoration; etc! :)
Please describe in short your bed and breakfast and its general services and amenities.
Cerca do Sul is an 8 hectares property, with large views over Monchique mountains and the sea, perfect to relax and enjoy nature or silence. Here you can find: Living room with TV free wireless Internet connection, newspapers, magazines, movies and games; Dining room; Large chill out room with games, with kitchenette for guests' use; Swimming-pool and garden; Children playground in sand floor; Dogs’ shelters; Baby-sitting available with previous appointment.
How many rooms are offered at your B&B and what is its maximum capacity?
7 double rooms with private bathroom, TV, central heating, hair dryer on demand; daily cleaning; bed linen and towels changed once during weekly stays. 3 extra beds and 2 baby beds available, 2 max per room.
What kinds of rooms do you offer?
Rooms are simple, nicely decorated, comfortable and not large. They are slightly different from one another but all quite similar in size.
Please describe the in-room facilities for each type of room in your B&B.
Bathroom with shower, no air conditioning (it's a fresh house in the summer), central heating by solar panels, Satellite TV, iron and hair dryer available under request.
Which room is your personal favorite?
My favourite room is "Joaninha". It's the smallest but for me it turned out to be the cosiest one.
What do the room rates include?
The room prices include breakfast, daily cleaning and access to all facilities except bikes, dogs' shelter and extra beds. Tax included.
Do you offer any special packages?
I offer special rates for the exclusive rental of the whole house for a group with maximum of 14 people and for surfing holidays. Other periodic promotions on the website, blog or facebook.
What may guests expect from a typical breakfast at your property?
Fresh fruit juice, home made ice tea, cereals and yogurts; fresh local bread; cheeses, ham and home made jams; home made cake and cookies. Daily alternatives: scrambled or fried eggs with tomato and oregano, scones, cheese bread, croissants or crepes.
When and where is breakfast served?
Breakfast is buffet and is served between 9h00 and 12h00, in the terrace or in the dining room.
Are dietary needs accommodated?
I can cater for vegetarians and people with other dietary requirements by prior request.
Do you serve other meals?
Cerca snack is available whenever it is possible. Cerca pic-nic is available when ordered the day before. Cerca dinner is available when ordered the day before.
Are there cooking facilities, which guests may use?
There is a kitchenette for light meals (with fridge and microwaves) which may be used by all guests.
Is your bed and breakfast suitable for children?
Cerca do Sul is children friendly but please be aware that rooms are not large so it is up to if you adapt. It is also a tranquil spot in a quiet area so please be aware that you must enjoy nature, beach, countryside living. Cerca do Sul is not about watching TV or playing computer games all day.
Do you accept pets?
I love dogs, I have my dog Paco and I have shelter for dogs but please be aware that you put me in a very difficult situation if you bring your pet and insist in keeping it in your room.
What is your smoking policy?
Non-smoking house, however if you smoke outside it's up to you, just remind to use an ashtray (some available on the terraces).
Is there a parking facility on premises or nearby?
There is a parking area.
Is your B&B suitable for disabled guests?
There are ramps to access the rooms although, again, I'm afraid rooms are not large.
What safety precautions are provided at your B&B?
smoke and fire alarms to be installed soon; burglar alarms is only on when the house is empty.
What is your check-in/check-out policy?
Check in from 16h; check out up to 12h (possibility of late check-out when there are no reservations to come).
Are there a minimum number of nights for staying at your B&B?
Minimum Stay 4 nights in July and August
How can guests check availability and make a reservation?
email: info@cercadosul.com
What is you cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation until 48 hours before the stay, the signal is in credit for a forthcoming book, with less than 48 hours days in advance of the dates of stay or in case of 'no show', no signals refunds.
What types of payment do you accept?
check (if Portuguese), cash or bank transfer before check out. No credit cards accepted.
Is there a special etiquette that guests should know about and comply with?
This a relaxed and tranquil spot; if you're looking for a sophisticated or party type of holidays, this is not your destination; but if you seek a comfortable and nice environment related to beach and country living in an unspoilt region, this is it, come and visit us!
Please tell us what things guests might enjoy visiting, seeing, doing, etc. in your area.
The Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina (PNSACV) extends from São Torpes to Burgau, a coastline of more than one hundred kilometers and 131 000 hectares. It is one of the most pristine shores of Europe, with a breathtaking scenery and an important ecosystem that are the home to a diversity and an unparalleled wealth of fauna and flora. In the area of PNSACV were identified about 200 species of birds, including 26 using the cliffs for breeding. In the flora, among the 750 known plants in this area, 46 are unique to Portugal and ten are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In this region you may also go for: SURFING, CYCLING, YOGA CLASSES, MASSAGES, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, ARTS AND CRAFTS and DONKEY RIDES, SPA.
Where is your B&B located and how it may be reached?
GPS 37º 28'19.80"N 8º45'27.13"W - From Lisbon: around 240kms/2h30m. Go to the A2 highway to the Algarve, exit in Grândola/Sines/Santiago do Cacém to the IC33 road. Before arriving to Sines, go right when you see Sul-Algarve indication, follow signs to Cercal e continue to Vila Nova de Milfontes. Do not enter in this village, go straight forward in Odemira's direction until finding a roundabout where you will turn right towards Aljezur/Lagos (N120). Pass S. Teotónio without entering the village and after 7kms, turn right when seeing the sign to Brejão/Carvalhal/Azenha do Mar. Turn left on the 1st road when finding a white house with red doors. Welcome to cerca do sul. From Faro: around 130kms/1h20m. Go the the A22 (IP1) highway to Lagos, then to the N120 to Aljezur and then to Odeceixe. 5kms after Odeceixe, turn left when seeing the sign to Brejão/Carvalhal/Azenha do Mar. Turn left again on the 1st road when finding a white house with red doors. Welcome to cerca do sul.
What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast?
You have the opportunity to feel at home while you are away, to fell comfortable and welcome while you are travelling and escaping your day to day life.