AP Cabanas Beach and Nature

The hotel advertises as a tranquil hotel which I can imagine it would be at the right time of year. I did not do my research and unfortunately went during their peak golf season. This entails large groups of men of up to 12 that at moments made it feel like an 18 to 30's atmosphere and by moments got very loud. We were on the 3rd floor overlooking the car park and although disappointed at first were very thankful for the peace and quiet. So just do your research.

Moving on as I said our room was on the 3rd floor and although some people say the rooms are small I am not sure what you need besides a clean bed, bathroom and a balcony. The only thing is that the bathroom has a sliding door which does not really close off the bathroom and it doesn't have a lock so you do have to be very good friends.

The food is plentiful and of the whole week there was only one night that we struggled a little to find something that we both liked. There were plenty of different dishes and you can see the preparation area and some is cooked fresh. There is plenty of salad items to choose from, fresh fruit and puddings and the whole area is clean and bright. At breakfast there was a gentleman playing the piano which is very different. We found all the staff friendly and helpful but then again we are also friendly and polite to the hard working staff.

I have to say with all the golfers out for the day, although the hotel was full, there was not a problem getting a sunbed and the joy of not having music playing at you all day was an absolute joy. There is also quiet areas away from the pool by the spa again all well kept and clean.

There are three bars and I have to say that our favorite was the roof top bar in the evening. A couple of the nights there was musical entertainment but this was someone with a guitar or keyboard so not in your face. The main bar downstairs, once all the golfers arrive back does get loud and overwhelming at times but during the day is lovely and relaxing. I was surprised that at all the bars it is premium drinks and although there are coffee machines everywhere you can still order a fresh brew from the main bars.

The hotel is a little out of the way and is around a 15-20 minute walk into nearby Cabanas which only has a few shops and bars. The access to the beach we found fun and interesting as you walk through the complex, hop on a free solar boat and then walk across the nature reserve for about 10 minutes to access a beautiful, that seems to go on for miles, beach that also has lifeguards. But be warned there are no facilities and a large sign on the sun beds saying they are not part of the hotel facilities.

If you are all inclusive you can use the spa facilities for free which has a small warm pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. We found ourselves in there on our own most of our stay.

Overall we enjoyed our holiday and managed to get out and about a bit, there is a train station that we used to get into Faro but this is a good 40 minute walk away so did it once and then used Uber to get around.

4-star vibes, 3-star food

🛏️ The Room

Spacious, clean, lovely shower, beds made daily — absolutely no complaints. We even had comfy chairs we dragged onto the balcony for maximum chill. One tiny request from tea lovers everywhere: a little bottle of milk in the room would be life-changing.

💆 The Spa & Tuk-Tuk

Full body massage? 10/10. I walked out feeling like butter — highly recommend. The tuk-tuk ride around Tavira was brilliant fun too — we even found a lovely little café called that was a total gem. 🛺✨

⛳ The Golfers — love ’em or laugh at ’em

This hotel runs on golfers. They’re up at the crack of dawn, loaded into vans like excited school trips, hitting balls all day… then partying hard every evening. One night someone was having such a good time they ended up being sick over their own balcony. Classy. 😂 But honestly? It meant sunbeds were always free — they’re all out on the course! Best perk ever. No sunbed wars here. 🙌

🏖️ Beach & Boat

Beautiful beach! Just one heads-up for anyone with mobility: the boat doesn’t dock at a pier — you walk into the water to get on, and wade through it when you get off. Great fun if you’re able, something to plan for if you’re not. Also — take cash. Taxis, the lovely shops 15 mins away along that beautiful boardwalk — plastic is apparently a futuristic concept. 💵

🍽️ The Food — where the 4 stars drop to 3

If you hate fish… bring snacks. I swear every buffet dish had fish swimming through it — even the salad! Neither of us eat fish, so this was a big disappointment. The buffet itself was pretty small too. Daytime snack bar? Very “meh”. And the ice cream? Imagine the cheapest pot you’d grab from the discount aisle at Aldi… that’s it. No cones, no scoops, just sad little pots. 🍦❌

🍹 Drinks & Views

Cocktails? Strong. Like “I only needed one” strong. Pepsi Max on tap = hero status. Slush puppies = instant holiday joy. And the Sunset Bar? Absolutely stunning — looks out over the nature reserve, perfect spot to watch the day end while someone’s golf party echoes in the distance. 🌅

💪 Quick gym note

Nice modern machines, changing rooms all good — just no air con. You’ll finish your workout and wonder if you also swam there. There’s an outside area too, which was nice.

✅ Staff

Everyone was lovely — friendly, helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Real credit to them.

🏁 Verdict

Beautiful spot, great rooms, lovely staff, amazing massages, sunset views that make your phone camera cry… but the food really let it down. 4-star hotel, 3-star food. If you can eat around the fish, bring your own milk and ice cream you’ll have a fantastic time 🤢🍦

Would’ve loved a freshly made omelette, with chilli’s, at breakfast. Never been to a holiday hotel that doesn’t do that. Asked for one, and was pointed in the direction of a large pile of pre-made ‘omelets’ on the counter. Peculiar. Otherwise, enjoining myself.