Myself, my wife, and 3 year old daughter have just returned from Parque Monte Verde, and can only echo other reviews.

The bad point is simply the beds. They are very hard, and not particularly comfy for sleeping on.

That is the only complaint. Everything else was excellent.

We were due to arrive at around 11.30pm, and I had e-mailed Miguel at the Parque in advance, to make sure someone would be around to get us access.

I got a prompt e-mail back with the gate code, and the key was under the doormat on arrival.

The apartments are huge, and have everything you would need. Air con and safe are included at no extra cost, (although you are supposed to pay a refundable deposit for the remote for the gate and air con, but we didn't have to (presumably because of our late arrival time, they were already in the room)) and the pool area was lovely and quiet.

Vale de Parra is quite isolated, but I knew that in advance. I personally feel like a hire car is essential, but always book one anyway.

All in all, no complaints at all, particularly for the price. although Thomas Cook are not selling this apartment next year, so visitors would have to book direct.

Bear in mind that all we wanted to do was get away from the humdrum of work, relax, read a little, soak up some rays, take a dip in the pool, eat out now and again and wish that we could stay forever. Oh, and the small matter of the World Cup, which would involve a little more drinking than usual.
We had an early flight which got us to the apartments about 10.30am. We thought we'd have to wait until mid afternoon for our room, but it was ready and waiting. Manuel speaks excellent English and is extremely helpful. He also has a good sense of humour.
The site is divided into three terraced blocks of eight apartments each (four up, four down). We were given a first floor apartment. The lounge with dining area is very spacious-settee, three comfy chairs, dining table and four chairs, coffee table and bookcase. The TV has, amongst others, BBC1, Sky News and Channel 5. The air conditioning is a godsend.
The roomy bathroom has been renovated recently in a modern style. Bath with shower over, sink, toilet and bidet, shaver socket and hair drier.
The bedroom has two single beds and loads of wardrobe space, plus air conditioning (used on several nights with temperatures around 27-30 degrees) and a safe (no charge, it seems, for either safe or aircon).
The kitchen has a very large fridge-freezer, four-hob cooker, microwave, kettle, iron, ironing board, and every utensil under the sun. Only the tin opener could be considered naff (old fashioned stab it and lever type).
The balcony is just the ticket. Facing south and west, it is cool(ish) at breakfast and great for afternoon sun and evening sunsets. Great views over the Vale de Parra, the sea and coastline. Features table, four chairs and a brolly, rack for hanging out towels and stuff and a sink for washing off any dirt or rinsing out swimming cozzies.
The grounds are well manicured, and there is a secure gated play area for younger children (climbing frame/swings etc). Plenty of parking space. And of course, the pool. Large enough for many users. 1.3m to 2.0m deep. Loads of sunbeds, brollies and small tables. A kiddies 'club' is attached which is professionally organised and supervised. There is a professional barbecue and a bar 'hut' sited in the grounds of the pool, which are manned during pool opening hours (9am to 7pm, give or take an hour).

This is a family oriented site. We went when the children there were largely under 7 (none were ours). It was also still UK school term, so mainly Scots and Portuguese. Not exactly quiet round the pool, but very friendly and amenable. We have no complaints.
If you prefer the beach and you have young kiddies, a car would be appropriate. If you don't mind a walk (don't carry too much stuff) it's about 40 minutes. You'll have a sweat on by the time you get half way.
Shop - supermarket is ten minutes walk each way. Good to go early morning (8 - 9.30) for daily supplies. Good exercise, keeps the weight down.
Restaurant - literally just across the road (we never went). Other restaurants are about ten to fifteen minutes walk. Plenty to choose from. If you are energetic there is an excellent Italian restaurant 20 minutes walk away.
General bars - one or two ten to fifteen minutes, set amongst the restaurants (some with restaurants attached).

Personally, who would want anything more?

We have just returned from a weeks holiday at Parque Monte Verde. Not much to say about these villas apart from FANTASTIC!! My partner, mother-in-law, 2 children + myself had an excellent time. The villa was spotless with everything you could possibly need. The maids were in every other day cleaning + changing towels. The 2 balconys were both fantastic for sunbathing + very well maintained gardens + childrens gated secure park. The 2 pools were so clean, brilliant for both my 5 + 15 year old. The bar area is quite small but sells most drinks + some snacks. The kids club was on everyday but one + my Daughter loved it. I would say the only down side was no music beside the pool + sometimes you felt Manuel the barman was always there...harmless though he is! We decided not to have the car hire but that was no problem as there was a very reasonable supermarket 5 minutes walk away that sells everything! A taxi into nearby Albufeira costs approx €8 one way + is well worth a visit for the day. Fantastic holiday!!

myself and Tracey just returned after a two week stay.Appartments really clean,loads of utensils!!! sunbeds no problem at all.Site manager Manuel a nice guy and maids pleasant too. Pool snack bar good.We don't mind walking,but if you do car hire recommended.ALL IN ALL IT WAS SPOT ON!