Ponta Grande Resort

We were very disappointed with our stay at the Ponta Grande and are very surprised that it has “Gold Crown” status through RCI.

We were travelling with our 8-month-old baby and when we arrived on Saturday 21 April we noticed that the baby pool was very dirty. It looked like it had not been cleaned in weeks and had a thick layer of scum on the surface of the stagnant water. We asked when it would be cleaned and were told “tomorrow”. We asked every day and were always told “today” or “tomorrow”.

We only saw the main pool being cleaned once and there was obviously a serious issue with the filtration system as the water was brown and filthy within a few hours. The staff said this was because it had rained and the rain was dirty, but none of the surrounding resorts seemed to have any issue – their pools were clean.

We found the staff to be rude and unhelpful. Having spoken to them on a number of occasions, I tried emailing them and although they acknowledged receipt of my email verbally, I have never received a response to the issues. The staff barely acknowledged there was an issue with the pools and we were not offered any alternative or resolution.

Having an 8 month old baby, our options for activities are relatively limited and we were so looking forward to using the pools with her.

We checked out of the Ponta Grande two days early and paid to stay elsewhere to avoid our holiday being completely ruined.

Other gripes we had with the resort included:
– no WiFi in the villas without renting a router from reception;
– we had a 2 bedroom villa but there single beds in each room (but weird as it’s obviously a family set-up); and
– no sun loungers on the villa terrace without renting from reception for €5 per lounger per day.

Every activity on site was an added (extortionate) cost.

I’d really struggle to recommend this resort to anyone

Spent a week at Ponta Grande this September. Had a fantastic stay.

Villa very spacious, clean and all the basic contents.

The lovely quiet pool area and sports bar. A quiet area but perfect for a relaxing holiday. Beaches a short walk away. Would definitely stay again in the future

We have visited Sao Rafael for many years and love the area. However with the kids now teenagers we felt that we needed to be on a complex rather than in a villa.

We booked a villa privately through an English owner and it was great. Far enough away from the pool and bar that we weren’t disturbed with noise, but safe so that the kids could stay out in the games room in the evening with their new friends.

I must admit, we didn’t sample the resort restaurant and pretty much stayed away from the bar, choosing to stick to a bottle of wine on our veranda. However, people said that the food was good with a menu of the day around €9 and lots of entertainment.

For the kids, there was crazy golf, giant drafts and chess and tennis courts, plus of course, the swimming pool. With such fantastic beaches in Sao Rafael, we choose to spend most our time there, but their pool was great to keep the kids entertained whilst we were getting ready.

Parking wasn’t great – each villa was allocated space but given some inconsiderate parking it wasn’t always possible to squeeze in. Therefore we had to park on the road several evenings and received a snooty note from security as to our bad parking! I did mention this to reception several times but they weren’t interested.

There are several lovely restaurants within walking distance of Ponta Grande – definitely try Eduardo at Praia Grande Restaurant straight ahead of the resort – fabulous seafood and very reasonable.

All in all, would definitely recommend for a family with children

Recently visited Ponta Grande Resort with my wife and two children (11 & 9).

Firstly, from previous reviews there was an issue with the pool however after it was closed for 24 hours the next day it was perfectly clear. The location of the complex certainly benefits from a car but within walking distance are beautiful restaurants and beaches. We used our car for travel to the main supermarkets which were 5 minutes and day trips.

The Old Town is not walkable however we utilised Uber and on average paid 5 Euros one way.

The resort itself is very peaceful and we didn’t reserve a sunbeds any day and always had access when we wanted to use the pool.

The Bar and Restaurant would benefit from more organisation during the day however during the evening Paulo is always on hand for a cold beer and makes a great G&T! The menu of the day can’t be beaten for value 8.90 Euro, Garlic Bead, Soup and Seabass for that price is outstanding.

We only went once in the evening as its located in the sports bar and projection and TV screens devalue the ambience. The Villa was excellent, plenty of room inside and the terrace outside again providing another area to dine.

The villa was as described and we were very pleased with the quality.

We don’t holiday for access for wi-fi etc so we didn’t feel the need to pay the upgrade, when the kids wanted they went into the games the room where free access was granted. If you are used to All Inclusive, kids club type holidays this may be a very pleasant surprise however you need to set your exceptions before you arrive that there is no kids or adult activity programme.

We would certainly return to Ponta Grande as we had a great holiday experience.

Tips
Travel to Main Supermarkets for food and drink. Local Supermarkets (Eg Tommys) you pay over the odds. A large bottle of water in Aldi (0.16 Cent) Locally (1.25 Euro)

Car Hire – We took out a restricted KM package and it massively reduced the price of hire. 40 KM a day was plenty

Taxis – Download Uber before you travel far cheaper than local taxis and more convenient.

I will be added reviews for local restaurants so please feel free to check these before travel to give you some further advice on the local area.