www.distinctiveportugal.com is a trading name owned by Distinctive Portugal Agência de Viagens e Turismo LDA. The following Booking Terms & Conditions together with the information contained on our website, Useful Information/House Rules, Privacy Policy, and any other written information brought to your attention before we confirm your booking, form the basis of your contract with Distinctive Portugal Lda (“we” or “us”). Make sure you read them carefully as they set out your respective rights and obligations. In these Booking Terms & Conditions references to “you”, “your”, “client” and “party leader” include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

 

1- Your Booking Contract

When you make a booking with us, you pledge that you have the authority to agree to the terms set out in these booking conditions, both individually and on behalf of your party. You must be at least 21 years of age to make a booking with us and authorised to make the booking on the basis of these booking conditions by all persons in the party - checked in online -, including those substituted or added by an agreed amendment of the booking.

 

A binding contract is effective when:

1. a 25% non-refundable deposit has been paid by you and a formal confirmation of booking has been sent to you by us.
2. full payment of the cost of your booking has been made (for bookings made 8 weeks or less prior to the arrival date) and a formal confirmation of booking has been sent to you by us.

 

The booking confirmation with the details of your booking will be sent to you by email. Please note we accept no liability for any item/arrangement not confirmed by us in writing and sent to you by email.

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by Portuguese law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which may arise between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking, will be dealt with by the Courts of Portugal.

All payments must be made in Euros.

All prices include VAT.

 

2- Your Booking Price

Included in the booking price:

• Rental of the accommodation for the booked period;
• Standard change of towels and linen and mid-stay cleaning for stays longer than 10 nights;
• Costs of normal usage of water, electricity, internet, gas;
• Swimming pool and garden maintenance;
• Internet access;
• 1 Cot and 1 High chair;
• Air conditioning (when applicable);
• Pool towels (when applicable).

Not included in the booking price however may be available with payable supplement:

• Central heating for winter rentals (when applicable);
• Pool heating (when applicable);
• 2 or more Cots (0 – 2 years old);
• 2 or more High chairs (0 – 2 years old);
• Extra bed (when applicable);
• Airport Transfers (consult us for a quote);
• Maid or laundry service (consult us for a quote);
• Chef (consult us for a quote);
• Personal trainer (consult us for a quote);
• Welcome hamper / Fridge-stocking (consult us for a quote);
• Masseuse (consult us for a quote);
• Babysitter (consult us for a quote);
• Bike rentals (consult us for a quote);
• Tours (consult us for a quote).

We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold accommodation at any time and to correct errors in the prices of confirmed bookings. Government action such as increases in VAT or any other Government imposed increases will result in surcharges being added to your final holiday cost.

Tourist Tax: Depending on the municipality, at the date of your reservation, you may be subject to the payment of a tourist tax, eg. € 1.50 per night/per person (children under 16 years of age do not pay).

 

3- Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total rental cost of the property is required within 48 hours in order to secure the rental. When the deposit is received by us, a confirmation that the requested period has been reserved will be sent to you. We recommend booking your flights after receiving our confirmation. The balance of the rental is payable not less than eight weeks prior to arrival. For bookings made less than eight weeks prior to arrival, full payment is required. If all payments due are not paid in full and on time, Distinctive Portugal Lda. reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain any deposits received.
• The minimum stay:

• April – October: minimum of 5 nights. Exception July and August: minimum of 7 nights or more. In some cases, only multiples of 7 (7, 14, 21 days) are accepted.
• November – March: on request.
• The number of persons per villa, on the arrival day, cannot exceed the capacity of the villa, or the number of persons booked and paid for.
• Check-in is between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am. Please note that check-in and check-out times must be advised in due course as the accommodations do not have a reception.
• We reserve the right to charge a Late Arrival Fee of 50€.
• Early check-ins or late check-outs may be permitted, at no additional cost, subject to availability and prior agreement. Also, luggage storage may be available, however prior arrangement must be made.
• Some information will be requested before your arrival: you will receive an email with a link to the online check-in. This form must be completely filled in for/by all party members, due to legal requirements.
• No pets are allowed in our properties.
• No parties or events are allowed in our properties.
• No Single sex parties and parties under 21 are allowed in any of the villas.
• No smoking is allowed in the accommodation.

4- Security Deposit

• A security deposit of 450 Euros will be required at your check-in. It can be paid in cash on arrival to the keyholder or held on your credit card. This deposit is against any breakage and damages to the property, furniture, crockery, etc. or additional costs such as extra cleaning. THE KEYHOLDER CAN REFUSE ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY IF THE SECURITY DEPOSIT IS NOT MADE. The security deposit will normally be returned to you on departure, unless the villa has been left in an unsatisfactory condition.
• The client undertakes to keep the premises and all furniture, fixtures and fittings in or on the premises in the same state of repair and condition as they were at the commencement of the rental (reasonable wear and tear expected) and shall pay to us the value of any part of the premises, furniture, fixtures and fittings destroyed or damaged as to be incapable of being restored to its former condition. In the unfortunate event of breakage or damage having occurred during the occupancy, these should be notified immediately to us and arrangements made to reimburse us should be made directly. 
• We will not be held accountable for personal objects missing or stolen, during the stay. Also, all objects belonging to the property are the client’s responsibility. In case of missing or broken objects, the client can be responsible and Distinctive Portugal have the right to charge the total amount of the items using the security deposit or, if the amount is higher than that, the client will be requested to pay the missing amount.

 

5- Duties of the Client

• The client is responsible for the property during the rental period and expected to take all reasonable care of it and leave the property in the condition they found it with the exception of making the beds which is our responsibility. The client is expected to keep noise to reasonable levels. Any time involved with liaising with neighbours or local police concerning unreasonable noise will be charged to the client. 
• In the event that you or any member of your party behaves in a way that causes distress, annoyance or injury to others, damage to property or does not respect or conform to local laws and customs, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday forthwith. In such an event, we will have no liability or financial responsibility for you, and you will have to meet any costs or expenses incurred as well as face any legal consequences, as a result of your behaviour.
• Please note that any and all behaviour resulting in damages in or to the property with malicious intent or deliberate negligence is considered an act of vandalism, punishable by local law and persuadable with legal action. Also resulting in the termination of your holiday rental plus all costs related to damages resulting from such act will be charged locally.

 

6- Your Accommodation

• The accommodation has a maximum occupancy capacity.
• Generally, the capacity is calculated by number of bedrooms times two (ex.: V2 = 4 Persons; V3 = 6 Persons; V4 = 8 Persons; V5 = 10 Persons).
• Your accommodation is exclusively reserved for the people named in the booking and no other persons are permitted to stay at the accommodation unless this has been agreed with us in writing, and the additional charge payment has been made (if applicable). Unauthorised guests will be asked to vacate the accommodation.
• You should, on departure, leave the accommodation in a reasonably clean and tidy condition so that we can efficiently prepare it for our next guests. If additional cleaning is necessary, a charge will be made locally or an invoice will be issued to you. The charge may be deducted from your security deposit.

 

7- Transfer of bookings

If any member of your party is, for any reason, prevented from travelling, the party leader may transfer their place to someone else (provided they meet all the conditions applicable to the holiday booked). We require notification of these changes prior to your arrival date.

 

8- If you change your booking

If you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, once your booking has been confirmed (for example your chosen departure date or accommodation) we will do our utmost to accommodate these changes, however, it may not always be possible. Any requested changes may be subject to additional costs. The exact amount of that cost will be notified to you before you choose to proceed with any changes.

If we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking, we will treat this as a cancellation by you. Please refer to the applicable cancellation terms.

 

9- If you cancel your booking

If the client wishes to cancel the rental, this must be done by email. Cancellations will become effective from the date this email is received and the cancellation is accepted by us. If the cancellation notice is received 57 days or more prior to arrival only the 25% deposit will be kept by us. Within that period the following percentages of the rental price will be payable as cancellation fee by the client:

 

 From the booking date until 57 days before check-in: 25% of the total rent

From 56 days before check-in until 43 days before check-in: 50% of the total rent

From 42 days before check-in until 29 days before check-in: 75% of the total rent

From 28 days before, until the check-in: 100% of the total rent

No-show: 100% of the total amount

 

Nevertheless, any monies in excess being held by us must be returned to the client within 30 days of the notice of cancellation notwithstanding the fact that the client's insurance policy may cover it. Cancellation due to most reasons genuinely beyond your control (except disinclination to travel or financial reasons) is usually covered by a travel insurance policy. For your information, it is strongly advised that all clients take out travel insurance.

 

Please note: If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurance company.

 

10- Travel Insurance 

We strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance. This should cover the costs incurred through the inability to travel through illness or death of yourself or close relative, repatriation in the event of illness and also other benefits. It is a requirement that the costs arising from these conditions and the costs of repatriation are covered by the insurance - please read your policy carefully as it is the hirer's responsibility to ensure that the insurance is adequate for your particular needs. In the event of cancellation by the hirer, the deposit and any balance paid may be forfeited. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any accidents or losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover, would otherwise have been available.

 

11- If we change or cancel your booking

Both the owner and ourselves will endeavour our best to provide the accommodation booked by the client. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel or make any major changes to your booking arrangements, we will attempt to give you as much notice as possible. However, we reserve the right to cancel, modify or alter the accommodation in exceptional circumstances. Such events may include, but are not limited to, natural disaster, fire, accident, revolution, threat of war, quarantine, epidemies, terrorist activities or any other occurrence renders the property uninhabitable or incapable of providing the facilities or services which were offered. In such an event, a comparable substitute property will be offered or a full and immediate refund of all monies paid will be given to you.

Should we have to make minor changes and correct errors on our website and other details, both before and after bookings have been confirmed, we will do our best to notify you before you travel. You may then:

• accept the changed arrangements;
• take an alternative holiday accommodation subject to availability. If the alternative is of a lower price than that originally booked the difference (if already paid by you) will be refunded. If the alternative is more expensive you will have to pay the difference;
• cancel your booking entirely, in which case we will refund you all monies paid to us.

Please note: Major changes include a change of resort; change of accommodation to that of a lower category. Take notice that an accommodation change in itself in certain circumstances does not constitute a major change.

 

12- Special requests

You must advise us at the time of booking of any special requests. Although we will do our best to accommodate our client’s requests, we regret that we cannot guarantee they will always be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part.

 

13- Disability and medical problems

If you or any member of your party, have a medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday, please advise us beforehand, so that we may check if the booking arrangements are suitable. In any event, full disability or medical condition details must be sent in writing at the time of booking.

 

14- Transportation

Car hire is highly recommended.

When staying at one of our properties, if you are travelling in an electric vehicle, there will be a cost of 5€ + VAT per day (per car by default) to cover usage and consumption. We appreciate your understanding.

 

15- Local activities, facilities, and excursions

Some facilities, activities, and excursions could involve an element of risk. These activities, facilities, and excursions are neither run nor controlled by us. If you wish to participate, purchase or make use of any optional activities, the contract for the provision of that activity, facility or excursion will be between you and that provider. Usually, these locally paid-for activities, facilities, and excursions, will be subject to local law and jurisdiction.

The discretion to partake in any such activities, facilities, or excursions is entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for taking sensible precautions for your own safety and for the safety of any children or family members for whom you are responsible. Please liaise with the supplier of the facility, activity or excursion for the Terms and Conditions of your activity, facility or excursion which will govern your contract.

 

16- Our Liability

Distinctive Portugal Lda, do not own any rental accommodations. As agents for the owners of the properties, we cannot accept liability for the breakdown of any mechanical or electric equipment or for blockage of any part of a properties drainage system. We in conjunction with the owner will however endeavour to arrange a prompt repair, when possible, by reputable local contractors at the owner's expense. Neither we nor the owner can accept liability for any damage, loss or expense if the client or any member of his party suffers illness, personal injury or death during the period of their holiday as a result of an activity which does not form part of the holiday arrangements. Nevertheless, we will provide you with all reasonable assistance. The use of the accommodation and its amenities such as swimming pools, etc, is entirely at the client’s risk. No responsibility can be accepted for death or injury to the client or damage of the belongings of the client, or to any member of the client's party or their belongings. Children should be supervised at all times as there are always risks.

 

17- Force Majeure

We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where we are prevented from fulfilling our contractual obligations as a result of force majeure. Force majeure means any event that we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, epidemics and pandemics, industrial dispute, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

 

18- If you have a complaint

In the unlikely event, you should have a problem during your holiday, you must notify us immediately via email, telephone or text message, so that we are able to rectify the reported issue. Once we are notified of the problem, we will investigate it immediately and will inform you of the time allowance required to rectify it.

We will not accept any complaints made after your departure, as it deprives us of the opportunity to investigate and rectify them in a timely manner. Failure to report your complaint locally will affect your rights under this contract.

Claims for compensation will only be considered where it is proven that any reported problem had a prolonged or major impact on the enjoyment of the holiday booked. Our liability in all cases shall be limited to the cost of your travel arrangements.

Nonetheless disputes arising out of or in connection with these booking conditions which cannot be amicably resolved are subject to the Portuguese law.

 

19- Accuracy

Whilst reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information contained on our website is accurate, we cannot guarantee its accuracy at all times, as errors and omissions may occur.

 

20- Passports and Visas  

For citizens not travelling on a passport issued by a member of the European Union it is possible that a visa is required. It is the responsibility of the party leader to confirm that all members of the party have valid passports and, where necessary, valid entry visa.

 

21- Tourist Tax

• Many of our municipalities charge a "tourist tax" which applies to all holidaymakers and we try to advertise this wherever possible and to the best of our knowledge. However, these charges depend entirely on the local authorities and therefore may be introduced without our prior knowledge and are subject to changes beyond our control. Please note the tourist tax will be in addition to the advertised rental prices. If you require further information regarding the tourist taxes applicable to your booking, please enquire.

 

 

22- Other matters

• All the properties represented by Distinctive Portugal Lda. are maintained by staff who have access to the accommodation. We ask you for your co-operation when the staff visit the property, as it is imperative to keep the accommodation well maintained for you and our future client enjoyment. Swimming pools are usually available from 1 April to 15 October. Outside these dates it may be possible to use the pool however this must be requested at the time of booking. Pools will not be heated unless this is stated in the property information and paid as a supplement. As some pools are irregular in shape, the measurements have been taken at the longest and widest points.
• All information on our website or other promotional media form part of these booking conditions, including any minimum age of people who can be accommodated and any other conditions stipulated in the property descriptions. Facilities are as agreed with property owners and are offered in good faith. No responsibility can be accepted for the climate, the natural or built environment, local conditions, traditions or practices, interruption to or breakdown of any public service and any consequential effect thereof. All distances and measurements are approximate.
• Please note: Portugal celebrates traditional patron saint festivities year round, especially from June to September. While this is a wonderful cultural experience, there may be localized celebrations and music in the evenings.

 ...................

Claro — aqui está a tradução para inglês britânico, mantendo um tom formal e adequado para documentação de aluguer de férias:

Useful Information About Your Holiday Rental

The following information will help you to understand all aspects of your holiday with Distinctive Portugal. If you require any further information on any of the matters below, or have any other questions about your holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation Description and Regulations

We offer self-catering accommodation and not hotel-style facilities or services. The style and standard of our properties will inevitably vary between resorts and destinations, ranging from individually owned properties, furnished according to the owner's taste, to purpose-built holiday homes and resorts. We endeavour to provide an accurate description of each villa and supply photographs of both the interior and exterior, which are kept as up to date as possible.

Please note that furnishings are subject to change without prior notice to allow for the repair, cleaning and replacement of broken items, and there may not always be sufficient time to update the photographs of the property.

There should be adequate meals, seating, beds, cutlery, etc. for the normal occupancy of the villa. Please note that, in some properties, it is not always possible for the living/dining room or outdoor furniture to accommodate all occupants at any one time.

Most villas have been designed for the hot, dry summer climate and may not be as well suited to periods of rain or cold weather as your home.

Villas are supplied with sun loungers, but these belong to the owner and may vary from property to property. Owners are not obliged to provide parasols. Due to breakages, the style supplied at the property may differ from those originally shown on the website.

All villas featured have been visited by us, and it is important that you not only read the individual descriptions but also speak to us to gain a better understanding of each villa and the surrounding area. If you have any specific requirements, please contact us or email us so that we can ensure you are choosing the right villa for your holiday.

The accommodation we offer is classified as "Car Essential", "Car Recommended" or "Car Optional". Please ask us which classification applies to your villa:

• Car Essential – you will need a car to reach supermarkets, restaurants and other amenities.

• Car Recommended – some amenities are within walking distance, although a car will be required for access to certain facilities.

• Car Optional – the property is within walking distance of supermarkets or mini-markets, restaurants and other amenities.

Local Assistance

We will provide you with the mobile telephone number of your Distinctive Portugal representative, who will be available 7 days a week should you require any assistance. We advise all our clients to bring a mobile phone with them in case they need to contact us.

Villa Services

The cost of water, electricity and gas is included in the villa rental price. Unfortunately, some resorts may occasionally experience interruptions to their water or electricity supply, and supplies may be cut off without prior notice for varying periods of time. We ask for your patience and cooperation in such circumstances, as, understandably, these situations are beyond our control.

Please remember that the electricity supply to your villa may differ from that in your home and, as such, will be limited in terms of the number of electrical appliances that can operate simultaneously. This tends to be the usual cause of any power failures. In many properties, a power failure may also result in a loss of water, as the water is pumped using an electrically powered pump.

In the event of difficulties, your villa manual should indicate the location of the fuse box and provide instructions on how to reset it.

Swimming Pools, Gardens and General Maintenance

It is important that the pool attendant, maid and gardener are able to carry out their duties to maintain the villas. However, due to their workload, the times of their visits cannot be fixed and may not always be convenient for everyone. We ask for your cooperation when they visit.

Final cleaning is included in the rental price. For stays of 10 nights or more, a cleaning service will be provided, together with a complete change of bed linen and towels. This service is normally carried out midway through the stay or as agreed at check-in.

Check-in and Check-out

Villa occupancy is from 4:00 pm on the day of arrival, with departure by 10:00 am on the day of departure, to allow sufficient time for the villa to be properly prepared for new arrivals. Cleaning a villa on changeover days can take a considerable amount of time, and the maid may still be preparing the property if you arrive before 4:00 pm. On the day of departure, the maid may arrive at your villa as early as 9:00 am.

We pride ourselves on offering our clients a DISTINCTIVE service. Our clients are welcomed on arrival by one of our staff members. To ensure a smooth check-in, we require your flight details and/or your estimated arrival time at the villa. Please ensure that you have included this information in your online check-in so that your check-in time can be scheduled as requested and access to the villa can be provided as quickly as possible. Please note that there is no reception at the villa, so the above information is very important to us.

Before leaving the villa, please ensure that you have collected all your belongings.

We can arrange luggage storage in the event of early arrivals or late departures, provided you notify us of this requirement in advance.

Extra Beds, Cots, Highchairs and Child Gates

Most of our villas have an extra bed available for an additional charge. However, this is normally a Z-bed, which is more suitable for children. Please note that the facilities at the villa may not necessarily accommodate an additional person.

If you require a cot or highchair, please request these at the time of booking so that we can ensure they are at the property upon your arrival. Cots are supplied locally and will differ from those you use at home and, in some resorts, a travel cot will be provided.

If more than one cot and highchair is required, an additional charge will apply.

Child gates are not available.

Kitchens

Kitchens include a hob, oven, fridge/freezer, basic cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery. Most of our accommodation also has additional equipment such as washing machines, dishwashers or microwave ovens. Irons and ironing boards are normally provided and are listed in the villa description when available.

Please note that cleaning products or materials are not provided, and any condiments or leftover food are normally removed for hygiene reasons. Although our properties are checked regularly, crockery, cutlery and other equipment may become damaged through normal use or may be removed. Please report any damaged or missing items to our resort staff so that we have the opportunity to repair or replace them.

Rubbish

You will need to take your rubbish to a nearby collection point on a daily basis. Please help us by doing so, as this not only reduces the risk of unpleasant smells but also helps prevent insect infestations. Bottles should always be disposed of separately.

Barbecues

All our villas have barbecues and, wherever possible, these are built in brick. Due to the risk of fire, barbecues must always be supervised and extinguished after use.

Air Conditioning

Whether the cost of air conditioning is included in the villa rental price or is payable as an extra, the units should only be used while you are at the property, with all windows and doors closed. Under no circumstances should the units be left running continuously while the property is unoccupied. Portable fans may be available for hire. Please contact us to confirm.

Satellite TV / Video / DVD / Games Consoles

If the written description of a property states that satellite television is available, you can expect to receive at least one free English-language channel, which may be a news channel. Subscription channels, including Sky and FreeSat, are not available unless specifically stated in the property description.

Some of our properties are equipped with standard televisions which receive only local foreign-language channels. We cannot guarantee the suitability of the channels received and recommend that you exercise the same care and supervision with children as you would at home.

If the villa is equipped with a DVD player, video player or games console, you will need to provide your own DVDs or games.

Electricity

Electricity is 220V AC with continental-style two-pin plugs. Please remember to bring an adaptor if you are bringing any electrical appliances with you.

The electricity supply at the villa may not always be as consistent as it is at home. The electricity may trip if too many appliances are being used at the same time. If this happens, simply switch off some appliances and reset the main fuse box (the location and full details are provided in the villa manual).

Please take care, as it can become very dark, and if in doubt, contact your Distinctive Portugal representative.

Smoking

It is prohibited by law to smoke inside any of our holiday villas. When smoking outside the villa, please ensure that cigarette ends and ash are disposed of carefully and away from the villa grounds.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Portugal is safe to drink. However, bottled water is available at all restaurants and service stations at a reasonable price.

Holiday Extras

Please refer to our Holiday Extras section to check the extras available and their respective costs.

Internet, Wi-Fi and Telephone

Please note that our villas do not have telephones. We recommend that clients bring mobile phones with them in case of an emergency.

Internet access and/or Wi-Fi is available where indicated in the accommodation description. Signal quality may vary from villa to villa and at different times of the day.

Additional restrictions may be imposed by service providers due to, but not limited to, technical problems and/or high demand, and websites providing video streaming services are likely to be restricted.

Although we endeavour to ensure that you can make the best possible use of the service provided, we are unable to guarantee:

• the availability of the service at any particular time;

• the speed at which information can be transmitted or received through the service;

• that the service will be compatible with your equipment or any software you use.

Distinctive Portugal accepts no responsibility for any loss of internet connection or service, or any subsequent consequences, and no compensation will be offered for such loss.

Your use of the service must not be illegal or inappropriate, and we have no responsibility for or control over the information you transmit or receive through the service.

Insects / Animals

Mosquitoes, ants, spiders and other insects are common in warmer climates, particularly in rural areas. Ant powder is a good deterrent, but it is also helpful to keep crumbs to a minimum and remove rubbish from your property regularly to keep them under control.

Mosquitoes can be kept at bay with a good insect repellent, which can be purchased from local pharmacies and supermarkets.

Many of our properties are surrounded by gardens, so field rodents, native reptiles and arachnids may also be common, together with farm animals.

Local dogs and cats sometimes roam unattended and may cause disturbance, so we ask that you do not encourage stray animals by feeding them. Many local families have dogs which live outdoors and may occasionally be heard barking. We therefore ask for your patience and understanding should this occur.

Please note that, in accordance with the requirements of the property owners, pets are not permitted in any of the accommodation.

Building Works

We have no control over, and receive no prior notification of, any building works, roadworks or construction that may be carried out by local authorities or private developers. However, if we become aware of any construction work that may have a negative impact on your enjoyment of your holiday, we will notify you as soon as possible.

Where possible, we will endeavour to offer you suitable alternative accommodation. If we are unable to offer an alternative, you may choose to cancel your holiday. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for the applicable provisions.

If you have not been informed of active building works before travelling but find that your holiday is being significantly affected by local building, construction or maintenance work, we ask that you contact your Distinctive Portugal representative immediately, as there have been rare occasions when such works have been temporarily suspended.

Although we will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience, we regret that we cannot accept responsibility in such circumstances.

Leisure Activities in the Local Area

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided about the various leisure activities available in the local area, Distinctive Portugal cannot accept responsibility for its accuracy.

Transfers

Transfers are not included in the villa rental price but can be booked through us (simply ask us for a quotation).

In all cases, transfers are provided by private taxi or minibus and will take you directly to the villa. A vehicle of an appropriate size will be requested; however, when this is not available, a larger vehicle may be used.

Child seats are a legal requirement for all children under 12 years of age. However, it is the passenger's responsibility to provide them, not the driver's. Most of our transfer companies provide child seats free of charge or for a small fee, which must be requested in advance.

Welcome Packs

Basic food welcome packs can be provided at an additional cost. If you expect to arrive when shops may be closed, you should consider ordering one.

Please note that the cost of a food pack also includes the cost of delivery and the time spent purchasing the items.

A welcome pack can be purchased at the time of booking, but we cannot cater for specific dietary requirements or allergies. The pack is designed to provide light refreshments upon arrival in case the shops are closed.

Driving

In Portugal, driving is on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking is on the left. Please ensure that you bring your driving licence with you if you intend to drive during your holiday.

Local Attractions / Activities / Excursions

All local attractions, activities and excursions referred to are independent and provided by third-party suppliers and not by Distinctive Portugal.

Travellers with Disabilities

Some of the holiday accommodation we feature may be less suitable than others for guests with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. It is therefore important that, when making enquiries about your holiday, you inform our travel advisers of any special requirements that you or a member of your party may have.

By informing us, you are helping us to ensure that we offer the property most suitable for your needs. Please note that it may not always be possible to meet your specific requirements.

Child Safety

Distinctive Portugal does not claim that any accommodation is completely child-friendly or child-safe. You should therefore exercise care at all times, particularly around swimming pools, balconies, main roads, unfenced areas, etc., and children should always be supervised.

Some accommodation is more suitable than others for young children and people with limited mobility. The client should check the suitability of the accommodation before making a booking.

Parents are responsible for the actions of their children at all times.

Personal Health and Safety

If the client or any member of their party is pregnant or suffers from any pre-existing medical condition, they should seek advice from their doctor regarding the suitability of travelling abroad and, where necessary, carry a valid medical certificate confirming fitness to fly for the duration of their holiday.

The client must inform us at the time of booking of any special requests so that we can check whether the proposed arrangements are suitable. In all cases, the client must provide us with full details in writing at the time of booking.

Although we will do our best to accommodate our clients' requests, we regret that we cannot guarantee that these will always be met. Failure to meet any special request will not constitute a breach of contract on our part.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) and entitles you to receive public healthcare either free of charge or at a reduced cost. The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance, but it is important to have an EHIC as well as valid private travel insurance.

Unfortunately, crime against people and property has become a fact of life throughout the world. We therefore advise all clients to remain extremely vigilant and to take every precaution regarding their personal property and safety.

You should ensure that all windows, shutters and doors are locked at night and whenever you leave the property.

It is essential to have adequate travel insurance to cover your personal belongings. There are normally limitations regarding cash and valuables, so you should check your policy carefully.

Behaviour

If the client or any member of their party behaves in a manner that causes distress, annoyance or injury to any third party, causes damage to property, or fails to respect or comply with local laws and customs, we reserve the right to terminate their holiday immediately.

In such circumstances, we will have no liability or financial obligation towards the client, and the client will be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred as a result of their behaviour.

Festivals

Local festivals take place throughout the year in our destinations and, although they can be enjoyable, they may be noisier at night in certain areas.

Weather

Our resorts have considerably more sunny days than your home country, but heavy rainfall can occasionally occur.

Villas may not be suitable for adverse weather conditions, which can result in temporary water ingress into the villa, water marks appearing on ceilings or walls, or dampness.

Missed Flights

Distinctive Portugal accepts no responsibility or liability if you miss your flight because you have not checked in at the correct time and/or on the correct date.

Currency

The local currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).

Office Hours

We have a dedicated office ready to take your call and deal with any situation that may arise, arrange local excursions and provide general information and advice.