Dreaming of a winter escape that combines stunning ocean vistas, spacious comfort, and endless family fun? Look no further than NAU Salema Beach Village, a hidden gem nestled on the Algarve’s unspoiled coastline.

Just last week, I had the pleasure of experiencing this haven firsthand. In this NAU Salema Beach Village review, we explore our holiday experience at this charming resort nestled in the picturesque coastal fishing village of Salema, Portugal.

With a focus on the two-bedroom townhouse sea view accommodation option, we’ll delve into the amenities, ambience, and overall appeal of this idyllic retreat during February. Here’s my honest review (with stunning photos!) to help you decide if it’s your perfect Algarve getaway.

Finding Paradise: Our Seaview Townhouse

We arrived at around 8.30 pm in mid-February. It was dark by the time we arrived, leaving us excited to see the views of the ocean from our Seaview townhouse the next morning.

As soon as we entered the townhouse we were all instantly impressed by its spaciousness. It was huge and more than enough for our 7-night stay.

The 2-bedroom townhouse (number 33 to be exact) comprised of:

• A large, open-plan living and dining area flowed seamlessly onto a sea-view balcony with outdoor seating and large windows to maximise the ocean views.
• A fully-equipped kitchen boasted a large serving hatch, an additional balcony with ocean views, and access to a private rooftop terrace.
• Two large and comfortable bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, enjoyed direct access to a peaceful front garden with sun loungers.

Other things we noticed on first arrival were another toilet next to the front door for convenience, plenty of storage space, two TVs, a phone to contact reception and a large bottle of water for our arrival.

The accommodation appeared to have everything we needed at first glance for a week-long stay and more space than we had imagined!

We were also pleased to see each of the bedrooms had its own ensuite. A luxury for the children and us with no one needing to wait for their bathroom time!

The bed in the master bedroom was ginormous! We have a European king-size bed at home which I thought was large, but I’m certain their bed was even bigger!

I forgot to take photos, but we had a spacious ensuite with toilet, bidet, shower over jacuzzi-bath and sink with large storage cupboards. The bath had jacuzzi jets, which I didn’t personally try, but my son and husband each had a bath one evening and enjoyed the novelty!

The shower was great, a real power shower with plenty of pressure and as hot as you can handle!

One thing to note about the toilets in this area of Portugal (and in many other villages in Portugal) is the toilet paper can not be flushed. It must be disposed of in the bin, next to the toilet, or else it risks blocking the sewage system. Their sewage systems cannot handle toilet paper. It’s a minor detail and we were already used to this from our trip a couple of months ago to a small Portuguese village. It’s the same when I’ve been to Greek islands. It also explains why there’s a bidet in the room. Or a “butt washer” as my 8-year-old likes to call it!

The children had a twin room with its own ensuite. Their bathroom had a shower cubicle, toilet and sink, however no bidet.

Next to the front door was a WC, handy for last-minute toilet visits before leaving with the kids and when returning to the accommodation!

Welcoming the Day: Sunrise Views and Outdoor Exploration

Arriving in the dark of the evening meant we had no idea of the views we could expect upon waking. We were excited to go to bed on our arrival, so we could wake to see exactly where we were and what we could view from the two balconies and rooftop terrace.

We knew we had booked accommodation with a sea view as we paid slightly extra for the privilege, which is worth the extra cost in my opinion. However, we didn’t realise we would also have a small side balcony with more views, and a rooftop terrace with even more stunning views! We were spoilt with outdoor places to soak up Salema. Oh, and there was a small front garden too!

From the living area balcony, dining area with large windows and rooftop terrace, we were able to watch the morning sky wake up on several clear mornings enjoying a sunrise with skies that looked like paintings.

One morning, around 6.30am, I was able to see the view before the sun came up and it was just as magical with the twinkling lights of the fishing boats in the distance.

We were never far from a sea view, as the kitchen had a large serving hatch from which we could see straight out of the dining room window for a glimpse of the sea. The entire townhouse had been thoughtfully designed and laid out to really make the most of the ocean scenery.

Although the rooftop terrace did not have any furniture, it was ideal for standing to admire the view from a higher position. We noticed others used the space to dry clothes on the airer in the daytime which is also a good use of the space!

We visited in February, but I imagine if it was the summer and scorching each day, we would have lifted the loungers from the front garden to the rooftop!

Being out of season, it was amazingly quiet and we often felt like the only ones there when standing on our rooftop looking at the views in both directions.

The kids also loved climbing the outdoor stairs to the rooftop terrace as I expect it’s the first time they have seen one and experienced it in person!

We didn’t really use it, but from the bedrooms which were downstairs, was a small front garden with patio, grass, flowers and sun loungers for relaxing.

With all the outdoor areas, I expect when it’s super sunny in the summer months, it doesn’t matter where the sun is, you’ll be able to find a place that is sunny in your accommodation!

The main balcony with sea view had a table and chairs which we ate at a couple of times, it was plenty warm enough even though it was February! It had a hessian-wrapped veranda which didn’t seem to be on every veranda, only some. This would be good for shade in the hot months.

Home Away From Home: Amenities & Comfort

The townhouse felt like a true home away from home. The fully-equipped kitchen had everything we needed to whip up delicious meals, while the comfy bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms ensured restful nights. Little touches like fluffy towels, ample storage, and a washing machine added to the convenience.

We had not realised there would be a washer-dryer which was a bonus for us as we had packed super-minimally, only bringing Ryainair underseat luggage for a whole week, so we were able to reuse some of our favourite clothes we had brought.

The kitchen had everything we needed, all bar a couple of baking trays, but we coped. The utensils were all so clean. There was a dishwasher, although we mainly washed up by hand.

We did have car hire which I’d recommend at this time of year. There are a couple of small convenience stores in Salema, but one was possibly closed for the winter season and the other shut early in the afternoon. We visited nearby supermarkets instead to stock up on food. We chose to keep our holiday budget-friendly by mainly making our own meals at the accommodation and eating out only three times during our week-long stay.

We packed picnics for coastal hikes along the Algarve to nearby beaches and historic Portuguese forts that used to defend against pirates!

Staff and Service at NAU Salema Beach Village

Throughout our stay, we were impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of the staff at NAU Salema Beach Village. From check-in to check-out, they went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything we needed, adding a personal touch to our holiday experience.

Staff members weren’t just efficient, they were genuinely personable. They took the time to check in on our comfort whenever we visited reception and ensure we were having a memorable time.

This dedication shines through in the details. When a power cut unexpectedly affected our kitchen, a quick call to reception resulted in maintenance promptly knocking on our door within minutes. Their swift action and friendly demeanour minimised any inconvenience and reaffirmed the resort’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

While we didn’t use the service, I have seen reviews that the staff provide beach towels at reception and arrange buggy rides to the sea and back if mobility is an issue, or you’d rather not walk! The sea and Salema Beach is only 500m away however!

NAU Salema Beach Village Resort Amenities

There is a range of amenities at NAU Salema Beach Village designed to enhance the guest experience, however the pool area may be preferable in the summer season! Our children braved it on two occasions regardless, and although cold, they had a great time and the luxury of the entire pool to themselves!

Being out of season, the pool snack bar was closed, so I cannot comment on this. It was simply too quiet for them to open. We went to the pool twice and both times we were the only people there!

Check out my post about Salema Portugal things to do for free to get inspiration on how to entertain kids for free in Salema!

Across the road from the reception is a gated children’s play area and padel courts. We had our first-ever experience of padel by hiring the rackets and balls from reception at 7 euros per person.

As the area is enclosed and only accessible with a room key, we felt safe to let our children play in the park area next to the padel courts while my husband and I tried to keep up a rally.

Again, as it was so quiet everywhere, the children had the playpark to themselves and we had the padel courts to ourselves. It really was bliss!

NAU Salema Beach Village: Amazing Value in February

We visited for some winter sun in February when it was cold and drizzly in the UK, but with possible temperatures of up to 20 degrees and sunny days in Portugal! Most of the days were warm and sunny, a couple were cloudy or misty and one night it rained, perhaps with a sprinkle of rain in the day. We came back with tanned faces and missing the sun and warm! Because it’s technically out of season, well at least out of the main tourist summer season, we got the accommodation for an amazing price!

We paid only £739 for the accommodation for 7 nights (booked through Sunshine), whereas I have since looked for the summer and it would be out of our price range at between £3000 to £4000 for the townhouse in the summer holidays! Wow!

Although some of the facilities are not open or reduced hours in the winter season, for us we preferred the quieter atmosphere everywhere and as if we had the place to ourselves! I would rather pay much less and have this type of experience, than up to quadruple what we paid and for it to be packed.

Although Salema is a smaller resort and not as lively as the rest of the Algarve, so I expect even in the summer it has a relaxing feel too.

More Than Just Views: Exploring Salema & Beyond

NAU Salema Beach Village isn’t just about luxurious accommodations. Salema boasts a health food store, a couple of small convenience stores and several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine including a sushi bar and curry house.

For those seeking adventure, the surrounding area offers hiking trails to serene beaches such as Figueria and Santa, charming villages, and historical sites such as forts to explore.

And of course, the star of the show is pristine Salema beach itself which has golden sands, clear waters and even fossilised dinosaur footprints at one end!

Final Thoughts: NAU Salema Beach Village Accommodation and Resort

In conclusion, our experience at NAU Salema Beach Village exceeded all expectations. From the comfortable accommodation and stunning sea views to the impeccable service and convenient location, it’s no wonder this resort is a top choice for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat in the Algarve.

One of the highlights of our stay was undoubtedly the breathtaking sea views from our townhouse balcony. Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean was a truly unforgettable experience, adding an extra layer of tranquillity to our mornings and evenings.

Visiting in February proved advantageous. We enjoyed pleasant weather, avoiding the summer crowds and experiencing the authentic charm of the Algarve. The resort offered very attractive off-season prices, making our stay even more budget-friendly. Read my blog post 7 Nights of Luxury in Salema, Portugal on a Budget to see exactly how much we spent!

While I usually want to visit different places each time I go away as time on this planet is limited, I would return here for another trip and as a base for exploring more of southwest Portugal.

Whether visiting in February or any other time of the year, this hidden gem is sure to leave a lasting impression for family fun, romantic getaways, or vacations with friends.

Where is NAU Salema Beach Village in Portugal?

NAU Salema Beach Village enjoys a prime and quieter location along the stunning Algarve coastline, providing guests with easy access to Salema Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Situated within a short drive from Lagos and approximately one hour’s drive from Faro airport, the resort offers convenience without sacrificing tranquillity.

The entire southwest tip of Portugal is undeveloped and perfect for those who love quieter beaches off the beaten track such as Praia do Castelejo which was secluded and quiet during February.