The Lagunamar Suites are set in a great location ie away from it all - but you definitely need a car as there are no shops/supermarkets nearby - which makes it a quiet and relaxing place to unwind.
PROS
Great location to explore the other areas nearby. We had a two bedroom two bathroom apartment and roomy lounge. the balcony ran the length of the three rooms so was big enough to dine if the weather had been better. The outlook from the second floor was the pool area with trees which was picturesque. The apartment was clean and ready on arrrival and the basics in food - bread, milk, sugar,tea and coffee sachets, juice, water, and packets of butter had been supplied. Good steam room area and children's play area. Plenty of car parking although when we were there it was very quiet barely a third full. The staff were helpful.
CONS
There is no shop on the site which means that one has to make a trip to to the supermarket for any items needed. The nearest reasonably priced supermarket is in Almancil as both Quinta Da Lago and Vale Da Lobo are quite expensive. The kitchen does not have a dishwasher or washing machine and has utensils for basic cooking nothing too fancy. The gym has weights and 3 other pieces of equipment but should have a rower as it is a basic piece of equipment.

we are clc members and were persuaded to stay at lagunamar as we are new members and had already been to tenerife and spain, looking at some of the reviews we were a bit apprehensive. What a superb place if you want the peace and quiet, it was just nice to relax and switch of from everyday life, yes it is far from the shops etc., but hopefully if clc take it over then a shop will be on site which will be a big bonus. Ancao beach is about a 20-25min walk which me and my partner walked to and what a lovely beach, went for miles. Mum and dad could'nt get over how clean and friendly all the staff were and it made our holiday, saw some lovely sunrises and took a trip to vale de lobo and saw lovely sunset, also went to queiteria on our last night and had a meal in an english pub called the joker, lovely meal and very friendly would recommend anyone to go there, it is in a little side road opposite beach. Yes you do need transport, but if want a nice relaxing holiday lagunamar is the place to stay.

My family (wife & 3 children) stayed here for two weeks in mid August 2010. In line with other reviews , the first thing to say is that unless if you are looking for a quiet break away from it all , you really do need transport . I think we would all have gone stir crazy without hiring a car.

Lagunamar suites are located at the end of a long road - the immediate area is 100% residential,. but has no facilities within walking distance.

The hotel does not have a shop or even mini market , you can order groceries via hotel but we never did - cant really say this would work unless you are a couple on your own and happy to eat in hotel's restaurant every night.

nearest shop/supermercado is approx 2 miles in Vale de Lobo but quite expensive - if you need to do a shop for the family best go to Almancil about 4 or 5 miles away - either Pingu Doce or Apollonia both good supermarkets.

Beach was also approximately 2 miles away - Julia's beach very nice but sun beds very expensive - better buy umbrellas at 10 Euros than hire at 17 Euros per day !!,

Kitchen was basic - no washing machine, no dishwasher , limited utensils, limited cooking faciities ie no proper oven.

Anyway that's enough negatives !!

Hotel grounds & apartments were very well maintained , very clean and comfortable.
We had 2 bedroom apartments and it slept 3 in one bedroom - just took the sofa bed from the lounge.

The pool are gardens were beautiful but there was a lack of lounger beds, if you werent there in the morning then its the grass for you.!

Being such a quiet area did have its advantages as we were never disturbed in our sleep or when just chilling out in the evening watching TV etc.

However, the balcony was too small only suitable to stand on and to hang clothes on absolutely impossible to eat an evening meal on.

All rooms were of good size - plenty of hanging space and in the entrance hall , there is a wardrobe to hang more clothes etc.

Bathrooms also very good and well equipped - hair dryer etc .

Staff were very pleasant especially Sara & Vera from Team Marine who are worth talking to just to get all their ideas on where to go eat etc .

Overall , a really pleasant place to stay - just as long as you know its a little remote and are not planning to cook a gourmet meal - we even coped with the kitchen and cooked a number of meals - just dont plan on gourmet style eg if you want to cook spaghetti bolognaise take a colander or at least ask one - as we didnt have one and had to use a fork as a strainer !!

Would recommend as long as you know its a little remote and are prepared to put up with the kitchen - either eat out or cook simple/basic meals (or both) .

Hope this is of help to all readers - certainly the reviews I read helped me before I visited Lagunamar.

we have just returned from Lagunamar.A car is a definate must if you are to stay at this hotel,it is in a very secluded environment.There is a lovely lake which is a good 25 minute walk from the hotel if you go on a Thursday you can do 3 watersports for 13 euros which is good value and good fun.There isn't a shop on site and anything you wanted had to be ordered from the bar/resturant this had to be done very early on.It was never a problem to get beds through the day.There is only one pub/resturant and I think Lagunamar would benefit from having another bar or resturant or both.There is no nightlife around, Villamoura is definately the livliest place but this is still mainly a place to eat not have a good drink.When we arrived we found a pair of dirty knickers in the cupboard and the matress cover had a yellow stain on it we immediately complained about this and the staff both Lagunmar and Club La Costa seemed upset by this so much so that we got a free meal and 2 bottles of champagne from them.Also while we were there we got locked out of our room twice as the magnetic strip on our card wouldn't work.If you are wanting a very relaxing quiet break away then go to this hotel.The weather however was lovely and Team Marina are brilliant and the staff are mostly friendly just watch the barman as he tried to over charge us for drinks! A car is a definate must though.The kitchen is small but has everything you need.This is a rented property and not Club La Costa owned please bear this in mind before booking.