One word to sum up... "WOW!"
I will start from the beginning... Our family were the first GMs for Da Balaia's 2026 season and what a welcome we got. Mehdi (the manager) was front and center to greet us along with his wonderful staff. We took the red-eye flight into Faro and another 30 minute transport to get from the airport to the resort and needless to say, we were a tired bunch but the welcome woke us up to this fantastic resort. It was clean, it had character and most important of all the staff and GOs made this resort stand out.
You know you're in the right place for vacation even if you've never been there before but it feels like you've been coming back for ages.
The resort itself sits on top of a beautiful site where you can see the coastline stretch for miles. We were blessed with some fantastic weather that allowed our family to take advantage of this fabulous resort. We stayed in one of the newly renovated buildings and the room fit our family perfectly but to be honest, we didn't stay in our rooms much which is a testament to the resort and the planned activities it had to offer. My boys would often ask for screen time / TV time when we're on vacation but here, they just wanted to take part of the experience that Mehdi and team have created for everyone. We have been to other Club Meds before and the amenities are similar, there was the circus, archery, tennis, pool, beach volleyball - pretty standard but what sets this resort apart from other Club Meds is the people. One more shout out to Mehdi and the environment, him and his staff created for the GMs that stay at Da Balaia. That being said, I want to make some honourable mentions here. I apologize to the other GOs, couldn't remember all your names but everyone was great.
Our first meal, Manon (the reception manager), asked if she could sit with us at lunch. One may think that may be an awkward experience but I can tell you from first hand it was completely the opposite - it was a fantastic experience. We got to know the resort a little bit more on an intimate level and help us settle in. Thank you Manon!
The first GO we met, Kayden. Thank you for making our stay at Da Balaia a memorable one. He was overseeing the archery site and my boys now have taken a keen interest in it. You always took the time to greet me and my family even when you're in mid conversation with other GOs. Your hospitality was truly a difference maker for our vacation and my boys still talk about you and hoping to see you again whether it's back at Da Balaia or at another Club Med location.
Continuing on with GOs that help make this family vacation a memory that will stay with us;
Leina - Your acrobatic artistry is one that still amazes my boys and thank you for taking the time to have dinner with us. Also, please help Kayden with his "can-can" dancing moves :-)
Enzo - We spent a lot of time at archery with you but it was great chatting with you outside of archery. Always took the time to ensure that my family and I are having a good time and well taken care.
On the topic of being taken care of, I would be remiss if I didn't call out Isabelle who booked us a wonderful excursion trip for my family. She was thoughtful of the trip she booked us, ensuring that the whole family would have a great time including my little one at 3 years old. She prepared us for our trip, literally and figuratively, by giving us very helpful tips and sending us off with water and towels that we needed for our excursion. You may be reading this and thinking that's not much but it's the little things at times that counts the most! In addition, when we were departing Da Balaia, Isabelle took the time to help us get organized for our train ride up to Lisboa. So much I can write but I will sum it up that she made that train ride exponentially easier - THANK YOU ISABELLE! :-)
From a feedback perspective, the food was great but the menu selection can use some variety. It does get tiring when you're eating the same kind of food every meal. They do switch up some things but just a little more variety can go a long way.
I will end this review with one last heartfelt gratitude to the team at Da Balaia. The resort itself is a fantastic place but what makes it special are the people. THANK YOU!
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