My Favorite Airbnb: A Gorgeous Family Villa on a Special Stretch of the Algarve

The Red Chalet’s entrance is guarded by weathered stone lions, and despite a full renovation (the building dates back to 1908), elements of its original architecture remain. Before we so much as stepped inside, we were warmly greeted by our concierge, a friendly local well-versed in hosting families at the property. He was amused by our light luggage, he said, as his usual clientele consists of royalty, celebrities (the guest book is a fun read), and larger groups booked for weeks on end. He warmly introduced us to our home for the next 48 hours and gave us a tour.

We were thrilled to be shown a large wraparound terrace, and a smaller beach house property with two further bedrooms plus a full alfresco dining setup with an outdoor barbecue, a sauna, a treatment room for private massages, and a small pool (with optional resistance jets) lined with exceedingly comfortable loungers and towels so big we were dwarfed inside them. We also had private access to the beach.

Inside, glass swing doors and plush velvet sofas set the scene. The bright, beautifully decorated and innately practical kitchen and family dining room were what dreams are made of—I loved the herb-filled paneling on the window, which overlooks the palms and sea.

There are two bedrooms, or “wings,” at the top of a winding staircase, with walk-in closets and large en suite bathrooms with showers filled with Claus Porto products and baths that sit beneath opulent chandeliers. In between the rooms is (another) living room with a balcony that spotlights the sea once again. The flourishes are eclectic and include octopus lamps, tiger scatter cushions, bird cage hangings, and vintage Louis Vuitton chests alongside bookshelves stacked with some interesting reading options. If all else fails, a karaoke machine lies in wait.

The Red Chalet showing off its true colors

Manolo Yllera

Breakfast views in the Algarve

Manolo Yllera