Da Balaia Portugal

This was our second visit to Da Balaia, and it was even better the second time round. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the entertainment was wonderful. Every day felt different. I do recommend joining in with the themed evenings as they were so entertaining.

We stayed in the Lisboa rooms, they are away from the main noise of the resort and very peaceful, especially on the 6th floor with no upstairs neighbours, super clean and comfortable. The air conditioning was bliss and our balcony was great for drying towels and swim clothes.

I can’t praise the food enough. The grilled sea bream was delicious, and the different specialty entrées and main courses each day were just mouth watering. Our entrées on the last night were fish tacos and they were so fresh I could have eaten about 10. There is something for everyone though, even if you just fancy some chips and a salad, it’s all there. The staff were always helpful and ready to clear your plates ready for your 3rd.. 4th.. sometimes 8th course. I just didn’t want to stop eating.

The beach was lovely, the sea was a little choppy at times depending on the wind, not always great for a swim, but there are plenty of reserved Club Med sun beds with shade for reading a book and unwinding. We had one day where the sea was like a lake, still and refreshing, absolute paradise.

Both pools are great depending on your mood. The main pool is more lively, with the bar close by. There is water aerobics around 12 and music playing and it’s great for a cool off. The staff also brought around snacks and drinks sometimes which was lovely, mini Portuguese natas and fresh made iced tea while you’re enjoying the sunshine. If you want peace and quiet the zen pool was the place to be. The fresh water pool was ice cold and very welcome in the heat. There are tonnes of sun beds to either soak up the sun or sit in the shade of the giant trees and read a book. There was also a bar there with fresh made fruit smoothies or soft drinks, they were yummy. There was also yoga classes on the grass there which I didn’t take part in but looked great.

The mini golf was also quite fun, my husband and I had a mini tournament, 18 holes and it was a good laugh.

We didn’t want to leave, it was the ultimate chill holiday. We didn’t even leave the resort for excursions as there was enough to do. We wish we booked longer, but c’est la vie. Everything is very French, as it’s Club Med, but that’s why we chose it, unlimited Ricard!

Excellent stay at Da Balia. The resort has changed since I last went and it is now so much better! Great choice of dining in the beautiful restaurant. Bar staff and Zen bar are brilliant.
Special thanks to Marine who looked after us from the moment we arrived. Shared some fun time with her, Sebastian and Tilly. Club was superbly managed by Gianni, the best sort of CDV. Very caring about the GM's, always happy to chat with an English family, you would see him everywhere. Kind and considerate. Just how a CDV should be.

This is our second time visiting Club Med da Balaia this year. Our first visit was in May, we had such a relaxing and restorative time that we booked again for September and it didn’t disappoint. We live busy lives and need a calm retreat where we can focus on our health, fitness and mind, Balaia does just that. There is a great range of activities to do and places to hide away and read if you prefer that option.

We always choose Club Med for its childcare. The staff are always helpful and incredibly kind. They speak a variety of languages which is very important to us as our child is bilingual (English/Italian) but she always comes away knowing a few more French and Portuguese words. A shout out to Beppe, Taissa, Barbara and Daniela for making our daughter’s holiday so special. I also highly recommend a trip to Zoo Marine with the family too.

In comparison to some of the other Club Med hotels, the aesthetic is a little less polished but it has so much charm and a down to earth feeling. Our room the second time around was in the Lisboa building which is newer and more polished. That said all the room layouts are very similar and comfortable. The newer rooms just have a newer interior design and better wardrobe storage. That being said, all the rooms could use some new pillows. The rooms were cleaned daily and the cleaners were very friendly and accommodating when I had meetings.

Overall we loved our trip away and would certainly book this resort again.

Our recent trip to Club Med Da Balia was fantastic the GOs were amazing from the moment we arrived. Matteo and Marcos at the front desk was attentive to our needs and all the others who were checking in and checking out as well as just your average questions like where the nearest ATM was; which is a 2 min walk down the road at the corner behind the gas station. The GOs at the archer Max. Maximo at the trapeze who helped my daughter during the doubles at 1630 showing her new tricks and Louisa who also helped as well... Both of them are outstanding. Elisa at the bar made amazing cocktails and is also a rock and metal music fan which just made her gain extra points because of her music interest. We also spent time at the Zen pool where Heirnette made some of the greatest smoothies. I would recommend the banana and coco. Overall this is why we continue to use ClubMed resorts. We have be to 3 clubmed resorts and they never disappointed with hospitality.