Loved the location and the spaciousness of the accommodation we rented. Steps to the beach and steps to the main strip with all the restaurants. The staff were extremely nice and always available if we needed anything.

My only small issue was with the ants in the kitchen. We diligently did not leave any type of food out and they were still coming from around the kitchen sink. We did not make any meals at the apartment so it did not cause any concerns but if you wanted to make food it might be a bigger issue. I think a little caulking around the edges of the wall and sink would do the trick.

The appartments we rented were with ocean view, really spaceous and clean. Every night there are security people working and so we could leave our laundry outside to dry. Since the appartments are RIGHT by the beach you could come and go to the beach any time - day and night. Activities like snorkeling, kite surfing, diving and so on you can book anywhere in walking range. There are countless seafood restaurants nearby, rooftop bars as well. We highly recommend this place! The staff was really nice and helpful. We booked an extra late checkout without any problems. Five stars from us and very well deserved!

It was quite a spacious and comfortable apartment. The cooking facilties and 2 bathrooms really helped and the location was perfect. It had a rooftop that was quite nice but basic.

Only issue was the soundproofing. Noise from the street and other apartments can be heard as it was mostly wooden. The stairs were difficult to manoeuvre especially with young children as they fell down the wonky stairs multiple times. The floors were loud and creaky and the beds were not comfortable.

This is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and town of Santa Maria. A few years ago we visited Sal and noticed Villa ao Mar when walking along the beach, we kept it in mind for future trips as it looked like an incredible spot to stay. It didn't disappoint. We would have loved an apartment with a view of the beach, but they were already booked for our dates. We stayed in a two bedroom apartment on the third floor facing the street, and still had a view of the beach from our apartments' rooftop terrace, which we had private access to! The roof top is a great spot for sun bathing and watching the sunset. Even though it is super central, a block from the main strip of Santa Maria with many shops, bars and restaurants, it was a lovely and quiet accommodation. We have a toddler, and love the beach, but didn't want to have to walk far. This was perfect, there is a walkway through the building with beach access. The customer service of staff was fantastic, super friendly and helpful, both pre arrival and throughout our stay. They provided us with a cot, high chair and kitchen ware for our child which was really appreciated. The apartment was equipped with everything we needed to cater for ourselves and was spacious for the three of us. They also offer a laundry service for a fee which we took advantage of. The accommodation exceeded our expectations and we were really happy with our choice. We plan to stay here again in future and will book well in advance to secure one of the ocean facing apartments.

I loved everything, the only thing to note is the two bedrooms are directly above each other and you can hear pretty clearly between them. We were quite jet lagged and on different schedules with a noisy toddler, so woke each other up a few times. But there was an extra bed in the lounge room as a back up option if we needed.

Location was spot on. Loved the roof terrace, after a day on the beach, was amazing to have this space to watch the sunset and the views were stunning! Also very well equipped for self catering. Kitchen had everything we needed. The local security guards who patrol the streets at night, made us feel extra safe and even brought our swimwear inside the building one evening to keep them safe. Amazing, friendly guys!!

Sofa in living room wasn’t very comfortable. Was very hard to sit on. Also floor between bedroom and mezzanine floor bedroom was thin. Could do with insulating to reduce the noise between the rooms.

It was the most perfectly placed beach side apartment. Literally you walk out of the door and you’re on the beach, the sand and sea are bliss. If you go out of the street side door you’re 50 metres from the centre of town.

It’s not high end luxury. That said, although pretty basic, it’s very clean and well appointed. For the money I felt it was exceptional.

Villa ao Mar is the best location you will find in Santa Maria. It worths a visit to the island. Right on the beach, you will find everything you need. The host is simply great and useful.

It is the best possible apartment in Santa Maria. Location 15/10, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, cleaning, everything. The host Sara was extremely nice and lovely. She helped with all our requests and questions within 30 minutes time.

The ceiling is thin, yes, but we weren’t random people jumping on each other heads, so it was totally fine.

Superb location 50m walk into the sea, great view with dawn left and dusk right, comfy mattresses, very low beds, felt safe and friendly staff.

Unfortunately I knocked the rating down because the nightclub boom boom and bass is heard from 10pm until 4am. On the Saturday the beach bar next door had the football on loud and the men watching drinking were loud. Both took away the peace and quiet beach front vibe. When I stayed at the Hilton 800m west just out the centre along the beach last time I couldn't hear the nightlife.

The location was fantastic.

Furniture could be a little more comfortable. While we were there they were arranging an upgrade. We had a fantastic stay. The need for a little bit of modernisation didn’t affect our stay and was reflected in the value for money