The hotel was simply amaizing. My girlfriend and I went for New Year 2010/2011, and we had the best time ever.

The location is simply perfect, right in front of the best stretch of beach, exactly in the middle of a gorgeous open bay, with breathtaking views either side.

The rooms are everything you could ask for; they are spacious, clean, filled by lots of natural sunlight, well-ventilated (although the A/C works also fine), and - what's really great - is that they have lovely balconies overlooking the ocean. Ah, so nice.

There is a very happy atmosphere everywhere in the hotel. The staff are super-friendly, welcoming, always available and always with a big smile on their face. They look like they're having fun, and that just makes you want to ejoy yourself even more.

The facilities are of the very best quality. Picture this: playing volley-ball in a hughe, warm swimming pool illuminated by ever-changing under-water colours in the middle of the night while a band is playing live music on stage. Sound too good to be true? Well, that's what my girlfriend and I were doing most evenings before dinner. Not to mention the newly-opened spa and beauty centre. Great stuff all round.

The food is also top quality. There is a buffy available at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every evening has a different theme, and the food - as well as the live entertainment! - changes accordingly: Italian; French; Asian; Brazilian; etc. Just keep this in mind: no matter how much you eat, always leave some room for the desserts - they are gorgeous.

And the incredible thing is that the hotel is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much to do. If lying on the beach or sunbathing by the pool is not your thing, then there are loads of activities available through the hotel. For example, my girlfiend and I went on two 'buggy adventures', which basically ental racing through the desert, across the dunes and along the ocean front on beach buggies. Each trip is a day long, so there is plenty to see.

In summary, I have been in hotels all over the world, for work as well as for pleasure. But believe you me, I honestly can't remember finding a place as charming, relaxing and at the same time full of life and with such a wonderful vibe as the Esmeralda Praia Hotel. Five stars plus - no doubt.