Toca do Mocho

tWe had such a lovely stay at Toca Do Mocho! The people who own it were so friendly and hospitable. They offer a service of cooking food for you and bringing it to your apartment, which was amazing! (We had lamb shanks one night and Moroccan chicken stew, which were both delicious!) After a busy day at Zoomarine with the kids this was sooooo amazing! We stayed 4 days in April. It was a little chilly but we had a great time exploring the local area. We still made the most of the pool with wetsuits on! We would love to come back in the summer. The views were beautiful and the pool and garden were both gorgeous. It was super easy from the airport (only 20 minutes). I would recommend hiring a car through them too as we found their deal was much cheaper for car seats than anything we had found online (and we needed 3!) I would def recommend this place for a holiday as a family or as they have 2 apartments going with another family would also be really fun too!

My family and I have just had two weeks at Toca and loved every minute. My children are aged 6 and 2 and from the very start, both loved the two swimming pools. Mick and Sadie had everything that we could possibly need on site. We arrived late at night and the cot for my son was set up, his booster seat for the table, changing things were all ready. Sadie had done some shopping for us and so we were immediately able to relax and have a proper holiday. Mick is a fantastic cook. We ate on our terrace most nights, Mick brining our pre-ordered food to the table and taking the plates away when we had finfished- luxury for me. The menu is varied and Mick will do kids portions of the "adult" meals too, but his homemade pizza was always a favourite with our two. Really lovely place. Gorgeous views, gorgeous people. My son fell in love with sadie and Mick's dogs and is now asking for a dog for his birthday!
We did leave the villa/apartment to go to Tavira, Zoo Marine, Barril beach, Faro and Dounas Douradas but with the games room, pools, toys, dvds (when needed) - actually, we could have just stayed in all the time.
A lovely spot, we will be back.

We had a really lovely honeymoon at Toca do Mocho a few weeks ago with our toddler. The villa itself is huge, the view is phenomenal and everything is geared up for families which made it so stress-free.
Sadie and Mick were friendly and welcoming and Mick is a great cook!
We travelled around a lot as we were there for two weeks, and found plenty of nice beaches and cute towns. We preferred the Eastern Algarve where the villa is to the more developed Western Algarve.
We would love to go back again!

We had a really lovely honeymoon at Toca do Mocho a few weeks ago with our toddler. The villa itself is huge, the view is phenomenal and everything is geared up for families which made it so stress-free.
Sadie and Mick were friendly and welcoming and Mick is a great cook!
We travelled around a lot as we were there for two weeks, and found plenty of nice beaches and cute towns. We preferred the Eastern Algarve where the villa is to the more developed Western Algarve.
We would love to go back again!

We have just returned from a week at Toca do Mocho with our 10 month old and it was just perfect. Mick and Sadie are the most welcoming hosts and have thought of everything to make it enjoyable and relaxing. Mick's cooking is amazing and the location is beautiful. It is fairly remote which is exactly what we wanted but only 20 minutes to Faro or less to the nearest town. We are already looking to book next year! Helen, Nick and Hannah.

Sadie and Mick have thought of everything! We had a wonderful time with our two sons, 5 and 7. Even though the weather wasn't the best, there was plenty to do. Leisurely mornings while the boys played outside in the games room, no hassle tea-Mick can cook for you so you don't have to worry to get back to cook, black out blinds etc. A beautifully quiet place to sit back and relax. The pool is beautiful and perfectly safe, and because it is child friendly, I didn't need to worry about the noise! Easy drive from the airport-perfect! Thank you Sadie and Mick.

We stayed in one of the apartments at Toca do Mocho in late September 2016, for 10 days, and loved it. The villa is in a rural setting down a small road and you feel miles away from anywhere - gorgeous views, and so peaceful. Such a warm welcome for us and our two children (2.5 years and 6 months) from Mick and Sadie, and dogs Bonnie, Mac and Daisy.
The apartments aren't super luxurious but well maintained and have all the kit you need, including baby kit and a proper cot for our toddler. Sadie did a food/nappies shop for us before we arrived, which was a huge help (no need to go to the shops on our first day) and batches of laundry throughout our stay.
There are decent facilities to cook food yourselves but we just got basic supplies for breakfast and lunch, and Mick and Sadie cooked for us every evening. We were extremely well looked after. Delicious food which you can choose from a pretty varied menu, and they take the washing up away as well (hurrah). This made it SO easy - no boring meal planning/cooking/washing up! - and it felt much more like a proper holiday than it normally does when self-catering with children in tow. Also we felt like we were eating out each evening, with dinners on the terrace, without having to worry about babysitting (though they will do that too - it was just that my 6 month old was being disobliging about bedtime, so most evenings were spent with her at the table!) One evening we had a barbecue dinner together with our friends who were renting the other apartment - an amazing spread of meat and salads. And they do separate children's teas which our toddler had every day at 5.30pm. Breakfasts were supplemented by Mick and Sadie with a big fresh fruit platter which we ordered in advance every morning, and pastries from the local bakery in Estoi.
It's a 25 minute drive to Faro beach (which is really lovely, despite being surprisingly close to the airport), and about 40/45 minutes to other beaches (Tavira and Barril were the ones we visited). I thought this would bother me but it didn't at all - it was the perfect nap length time for the children - the roads are practically empty, and very fast - and it was great having lots of beach options to explore. Along the Ria Formosa all the beaches (apart from Faro) are on the other side of the lagoon - so you take a boat or, at Barril, a mini train to the beach. Beach excursions felt like a proper adventure! The ones we went to had decent restaurants, cafes, and loos etc, and you could hire sun loungers and parasols, Mediterranean style, so you didn't need to schlep too much stuff with you. We also just stayed in the villa for a few days - there's a beautiful pool (perfect for children, although maybe a tad chilly for the baby), pool toys and very comfy sunloungers- or went out locally.
It suited us down to the ground - as we really loved the peaceful location and being so brilliantly looked after - and we definitely plan to go back.

Myself, hubby and our two girls (4 & 2) have just returned home after our third holiday at Toca do Mocho. It is a truly wonderful place to stay, I would happily recommend it to anyone. Sadie and Mick are amazing hosts and have created something very special.
We first visited Toca do Mocho 4 years ago after reading reviews online. I was initially worried about how difficult a holiday with a baby might be; extra things I would need to take and the idea of being stuck in a hotel room after DD had gone to bed, having talk quietly while she slept seemed a daunting prospect. Sadie and Mick have really thought about everything and make the holiday special for children and parents. They offer to do a food shop for us before we arrive so we have all essentials, they put any child equipment that we request in our room and we ask Mick to cook dinner for the girls at 5.30pm and then to bring ours to our balcony at 8pm after the girls have gone to bed. It feels like hubby and I are going out for dinner every night and is great to have some down time. The pool is great, perfect for little ones learning to swim and we often had the pool to ourselves. We stay fairly local as my youngest gets still gets tired and stroppy in the afternoons but there are lots of things you can do within a short drive, you really can do as little or as much as you like. We have come home very relaxed and already booked again for next year. Massive thanks to Sadie and Mick for making our holiday so special.

We LOVE Toca do Mocho!!! We have just come back from our second visit. We have one child (he was 18 months on first visit and is 4 and a half now). It is very quiet (there will only ever be one other family) so you always have plenty of space to relax and play in the pool or the playroom.

Sadie and Mick are amazing hosts and make you feel really welcome. There is a menu to choose from that Mick cooks (his cooking is fantastic) or they will babysit so you can go out to the lovely restaurants they recommend (with a taxi service there and back).

The pool area is fab with good sunloungers and toys for the pool. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained.

There is a good playroom with all the toys for indoors, pool and beach that you would need. Packing is easy as cots etc are all provided.

This is a perfect mix of self catering and B&B. Sadie and Mick are always available but are never intrusive. Toca do Mocho is a great place for exploring the Algarve and Spain. We are sure we will visit again!

Recent upgrade to pool area. Everything you need for children. Fabulous home cooked food served to your terrace as the sun sets.

Couldn't praise it enough. Mick and Sadie are fab hosts who have built a great home from home. We (2 adults, 3 kids (14,5,3)) had a great time. Mick's cooking is exceptional - makes deciding where to eat every night easy. Left wanting for nothing. Personalised shopping essentials arranged to be in the apartment for our arrival, food intolerances catered for, special requests accommodated. Would be back every year if we could. Thanks Mick and Sadie (and Bonnie and Mac!)

Couldn't praise it enough. Mick and Sadie are fab hosts who have built a great home from home. We (2 adults, 3 kids (14,5,3)) had a great time. Mick's cooking is exceptional - makes deciding where to eat every night easy. Left wanting for nothing. Personalised shopping essentials arranged to be in the apartment for our arrival, food intolerances catered for, special requests accommodated. Would be back every year if we could. Thanks Mick and Sadie (and Bonnie and Mac!)

Have just returned from a fantastic 9 days at Toca do Mocho!
We booked this holiday almost a year ago on the strength of the reviews on Mumsnet and it not only lived up to the reviews but exceeded them! The apartment was beautifully clean and comfortable. The children (9,11 and 14) loved the Games room and all of us adored the pool and spend many hours chilling there.
The real wow factor of Toca do Mocho is Sadie and Mick, who are the most friendly, kind and helpful hosts you could hope for! Happy to chat, helpful advice on days out and Mick's cooking was really the icing on the cake - we had dinner on the balcony every night and it was all delicious. Additionally, he was happy to cook for the kids at 6 and then for us later so we were ably to relax over dinner whilst the kids watched a DVD or played in the games room.
We did not need any equipment for young children but anything you might need could be borrowed from Sadie.
Great days out - the beach, Aquashow, Zoomarine (tickets are cheaper if you prebook).
All in all, it was a lovely holiday and we have already asked to go back next year!

Having read all these glowing Mumsnet reviews, and having booked our holiday a full 11 months in advance based on said reviews, the bar was set pretty high for our stay at Toca Do Mocho as we had looked forward to our trip for the whole year. It absolutely did not disappoint! Our family of four (children aged almost 5 and 2) had the most fantastic holiday thanks to Sadie and Mick. We enjoyed brilliant action-packed days on stunning Portuguese beaches (loads of useful info in the apartment on places to go), at the Slide & Splash aquapark and of course in the gorgeous pools at the villa, followed by relaxing evenings as a couple (games room, evening swimming on our own, eating delicious food on the balcony) whilst the babies were safely in bed and within earshot via the baby monitor. A very special place, clean, beautiful, spacious and with everything you need for the kids (and adults!) and Sadie is a super attentive host. Hard to pick one favourite element, but being cooked for every night was probably the best bit of all and demonstrates how family-focused Sadie's offer is, really understanding what a treat this is to parents of young kids to have a nightly meal delivered to your balcony. Mick's cooking is really super, he is a talented chef and we loved all of it and so did the kids (who had lovely early teas most nights before their bedtime, an added bonus for tired parents). Our favourites were Portuguese baked lamb chops, piri piri prawns, swordfish, grilled dourado, secrets of pork and the sticky ribs but everything was excellent and there is an extensive menu to pick from. We are absolutely sure we will be back and I was sorely tempted not to write a review to keep it under wraps, but the truth is already out there and Sadie and Mick are too nice not to support with a well-deserved, 5 star review! Truthfully, it was our best family holiday yet (and we have had some really lovely ones!).

Just back today from our 1st amazing family holiday and we couldn't have chosen anywhere better. We were so sad to leave.

Toca do mocho apartments are just lovely - spacious, sparkling clean and perfectly set up for children with stair gates, cots, bed guards etc. And the view is stunning.

What really makes this place though is Sadie and Mick who are so incredibly welcoming, friendly and fun and make a family holiday really easy and relaxing. Our two boys (2 yrs and 4yrs) adored them. Mick's cooking is excellent and it's a real treat not to have to do that too on what should otherwise be a self catering holiday!

Most of all, as one half of a couple who work 5 days a week and long hours, this holiday allowed us to spend time with our kids in a relaxed, happy and perfect way.

Best holiday ever!

We have just returned from our 4th consecutive visit to toco do mocho and we're sad to leave. With two young children it is the ideal holiday place for us as they are safe and comfortable in their surroundings and we get to enjoy a relaxing holiday too.. The apartments are spacious, clean and fully equipped. The recently renovated pool and surroundings are magnificent and as there are only two apartments you more often than not have it all to yourselves. Mick and Sadie are always going out of their way to assist and ensure that you have everything you need to make your stay comfortable (get shopping before you arrive, supply toys, prams etc..). we enjoyed meals cooked by mick nearly every night (only night we missed was the night we went out for dinner when Sadie babysat and mick drove us there and back to the restaurant). We certainly ate well enjoying spare ribs, black pork, lamb shanks a delicious barbecue and mick's famous fish and chips.

On each visit our daughter has made friends with the children in the other apartment and has enjoyed playing in the pool with them and in the games room. Sadie also took time out of her day to do some mosaics with the kids. This is a real home from home place where everyone gets to relax and have fun..

mick and Sadie, Bonny and Mac (the dogs) have become great friends and we are already planning our next holiday...

We have recently returned from a lovely week at Toca do Mocho with our two children aged four and two. The apartment was brilliant - spacious, clean and comfortable (and was the first holiday place we've stayed in where the wi-fi actually worked!) The pool, its surroundings and views from the terrace are idyllic, and as there are only two apartments there are never many people swimming. The water wasn't heated but in the hot sun this was fine. Sadie and Mick were very helpful and got some shopping for us before we arrived. Having equipment such as a buggy, potty and step up stool available was also very helpful. We enjoyed the delicious home-cooked meals on a few evenings. Both children loved swimming and looking at the orange and lemon trees.

The only drawback was that the location is rather out of the way. On the plus side it was quiet and we got to see some of the countryside, but it meant quite a lot of driving every day to get to the beach. We found the driving a bit daunting at first (not having driven abroad much before) but got used to it after a few days. Faro beach was accessible by car and the children loved Barril beach with the little train but most of the other beaches are only accessible by a short boat ride. Don't forget your insect repellent as there are a few mosquitoes about in the evening.

We stayed here the last few days in April into May 2015 and had an amazing time. Sadie and Mick could not do enough for us and really made our holiday. Our four year old was constantly entertained jumping in the pool, playing with the two dogs and enjoying the nearby beaches. As we also had a young baby with us Mick kindly cooked for us an erray of delicious dishes on many nights which we thoroughly enjoyed on our terrace with a sneaky glass of wine or two! We weren't bogged down in baby stuff either as they have everything you need. if you're looking for a relaxing time in beautiful surroundings then you needn't look further

We stayed at the end of September for a week as our first holiday with our 5mth old baby. Mick & Sadie couldn't have been better hosts - from all the baby kit that's available if you need it(changing mats, monitor, baby baths, toys, playmates etc); to the offer of them doing a shop for you ahead of your arrival; to Mick's fantastic cooking and the great selection of DVDs to collapse in front of once your little one is asleep! The apartment has everything you need and Mick and Sadie have plenty of recommendations for things to do/places to go locally - it made our first family holiday a relaxing one!

First time staying at Toca do Mocho during 1st week of September my husband and 2 year old daughter. Fantastic place for families - Sadie and Mick have thought about everything - from the practical stuff like stairgates, high chairs, and even full size cots - but have also gone out of their way to add some lovely touches like a childrens' library, lots of toys, games and DVDs to keep them entertained. The fact that they even do a food shop for you before you arrive is a real godsend too after a long journey and travelling with a little person! The apartment we stayed in was very spacious and immaculate - as was the whole villa. Pool area was lovely too and the views from the balcony were just stunning. The only downside is that you have to drive everywhere as the villa is nestled in the hillside and surrounded by countryside, rather than being in a town or on a resort, but for us that wasn't a problem as there were so many plus points about staying here. Also it's not that far from the airport - took us about 30mins to drive to the villa - so if you don't want a long transfer, it's perfect. Owners Sadie and Mick were very friendly and cooked a couple of lovely meals for us as well as giving us great tips on places to visit. All in all would definitely recommend to friends and family looking for a relaxing holiday in the sunshine!

This was our 3rd visit to “Toca Do Mocho” and I must confess to having reservations beforehand about holidaying at the same location 3 years running. How wrong could I be! Not only was this the best holiday we have had but the whole family are all keen to return. Whilst exploring Portugal each year and the familiarity of the same location has undoubtedly helped strengthen the bond with the country it is not possible to do justice the role both Mick and Sadie have played in this.

You simply cannot ask for two nicer people as your hosts who both strive to make your break enjoyable which leaving you the space to relax and enjoy your holiday. Mick is an excellent cook and I fully recommend the dishes on the menu (especially the Thai Red Curry). Sadie is always around for advice on places to go, assistance with doing things and is always happy to help.

The villa is superb, Mick & Sadie are fantastic and I cannot recommend the “Toca Do Mocho” more highly.

Jason, Bev, Reuben & Patrick

We’ve just returned from our 9th, yes ninth consecutive visit to Toca do Mocho. Mick and Sadie are no longer just great hosts but now great friends too. We thought that as are son grew up he might not find new things to do going back to the same place each year. The truth is he is as he grows up we find different things to do and new places to go.
This year we went back to some old favourites and experienced some new challenges and sights. Sea kayaking at Lagos is great fun and a great challenge. An overnight stay on the coast of the Alentejo made for a whole new experience with its stunning coastline from sheer cliffs to enormous sand dunes and mountainous waves. Good surf is less than an hour and a half away from the villa. We’ll be back for year 10 to have our first surfing lessons.
Karting has been a favourite at Almancil and Olhao for the past couple of years, but this year Thomas has progressed to the big boys karts so we can all race together. No guessing who was the fastest!
We were worried that going in August this year might be too crowded and too hot. However, we were pleasantly surprised that we were always able to find a place to park and the beaches, although busier, are so vast that we always managed to find a quiet spot.
After a busy day out, it was great to come back to Mick’s fabulous homemade cooking, Chicken Piri Piri, Sticky Ribs, local black pork to name a few and enjoy a glass of local wine or two! Totally spoilt!
So if you’ve been before and are not sure whether to go back again, considering it for the first time, young or old, family or couple then look no further than Toca do Mocho. There’s something for everyone.

I've never felt the need to right a review before but Toca Do Mocho deserves to be talked about! What a perfect place to take a young family! It really has everything and with Sadie and Mick, nothing is ever too much trouble.
Recently married, my wife and I decided to take our 2 year old to Toca Do Mocho with us on our honeymoon. From the website and reading the reviews on here before we came, we were convinced it was going to be a good choice and we certainly weren't disappointed!
The apartment was perfect, the whole place was immaculate and very well looked after. The little things like a non-slip bath mat and step for our toddler to reach the toilet made things so easy for us. We instantly felt very comfortable and at home at T d M.
When Holidaying with toddlers packing can be a nightmare. The beauty with T d M is that everything is there to meet your child's needs. DVD's for the TV.....Toys for the pool.....buckets and spades, pop up tents and blankets for the beach..... The list goes on and on.....
Sadie and Mick really have thought of everything and are only to happy to help with any questions you have. They suggested where to go for day's out, beaches to visit, restaurants to eat at...(not that we ate anywhere else apart from T d M because Mick's cooking was to die for!!)
We stayed for 2 weeks and poor old Mick cooked for us every night. With stunning views and excellent food, we never felt the need to go anywhere else to eat.
Mick even took me for a round of golf which was most enjoyable (especially as he let me win). This also allowed my wife and daughter to join Sadie in a mosaic session which they both enjoyed very much.
A special mention to Bonnie and Mac (the dogs) for keeping our daughter entertained everyday! They put up with a lot from our daughter but were a good as gold!
Toca Do Mocho more than lived up to our expectations. We really can't recommend it enough! It's a beautiful place and we really can't wait to go back next year!

Just back from a great relaxing week in Toco do Mocho!
Can agree wholeheartedly with all the other reviewers, this is a fabulous holiday option, especially with babies or toddlers. We were travelling with 9 month old in early May.
- Apartment is brilliant: large, spacious, cool, spotless, well equipped in the kitchen etc.
Equipment for babies is superb. All detailed on website but in addition, there were toys and books galore. It was a proper cot.
- Pools really nice and clean. Surrounding is AstroTurf not tiles, so soft and cooler than tiles.
- the FOOD!!!! Oh, what a treat! Mick is a really, really great cook and cooks everything fresh for you. We tried many things from menu and all excellent. Such a luxury to have it delivered to balcony after little one in bed.
- Pictures on website really do not do gardens justice. Sadie and Mick have put so much work into the landscaping and planting, the gardens are huge and stunning with loads of interesting large cacti, succulents, birds of paradise etc. Sadie also has some great mosaic statues dotted around. Lots of sections to garden, with different seating areas, and baby monitor even stretches to far end of gardens where there's a lovely spot to sit with a glass of wine after dinner.
- Sadie and Mick are wonderful hosts, very friendly and lovely to have them around. 2 very friendly dogs and rescued birds which our baby loved.

TIPS FOR OTHER VISITORS
- it was around 25oC when we were there. We brought a neoprene swim suit (covering body, not arms/legs) for baby and she was very happy swimming in outdoor big pool in late afternoon for 30-40 min each day. We were worried it would be too cold for her but really pleased it was fine.
- We found if we wanted to have an outing, it worked best to go out really early (a new holiday concept!) and be back for lunch, so baby would sleep during heat of day before swimming etc. we found it hard to find out what would be open / doable in the early morning! Boat trips round Ria Formosa are generally in afternoon and boats we saw did not have shade, but maybe more options in summer. A few options we found for morning outings in May.
- olhao has nice shady promenade. Indoor fish and fruit / veg markets interesting with excellent ice cream place on side of building.
- from olhao (follow signs to marina, lots of free parking near boats) there is 08.30 ferry to Armona. Then ~ 10 min walk through shady path lined with holiday bungalows / gardens / playground to a long boardwalk leading to beach. Can take buggy on path and boardwalk almost to waters edge! Beach deserted when we went, really lovely. Take sun tent.
- found it hard to find ferry times till we found this site
http://www.algarvebus.info/041.htm
- from tavira, ferry to tavira island for another beach option. We didn't know ferry times so didn't time correctly so not much time to explore tavira island but looked worth a longer visit.
- Environment education centre of marim. Drive to tavira and take N125 left towards tavira ( traffic light and lighting shop on corner of junction). signposted Ria formosa on right after couple kms. Open from 8am. Nice nature trail through ria formosa, quite a bit of shade, lots of information boards about the ria formosa and different birds / habitats to see.
Would be ok with buggy, but some paths were gravel. We used baby carrier. Interesting place. Toilets etc in visitors centre but no cafe in May.

Overall, a great holiday.
Nick, Lisa & Andrea

We were greeted on our arrival by a waggy-tailed Bonnie (after a beautiful drive up the hill to T d M from Faro) and welcomed by cheery Mick who showed us around our really spacious, clean apartment with stunning views if the green fauna surrounding the villa. We instantly felt at ease and Sadie had kindly bought all our essential shopping in so we didn’t have to rush straight to the supermarket. Our 10 month old quickly explored the apartment and tested all the baby friendly facilities. Everything you could possibly wish for for a little one is provided and if it is not in the flat already, Sadie probably has one to lend to you. The tiny things really touched us such as a box of parasols and reusable shopping bags outside the front door ready for you to use should you need. We felt very at home within the first afternoon eating our lunch on the stairgated patio overlooking the pool. Our son enjoyed dipping his toe in the pool and crawling around the sunlounger area, in addition to be enthralled by the huge variety of plants, trees and flowers in the garden. Despite having such a friendly, family feel, there is also so much space so you never feel on top of one another. Mick cooked us a scrumptious meal on the first night...fresh, chunky monkfish and the incredibly tasty black pork. We also had meat marinated for us for a BBQ one night and lovely salad prepared which we enjoyed so much we had to have it on our last night too! The local villages are a joy to explore and miles of sandy beaches are in easy reach. We had a very special treat of joining Sadie for a mosaic session and produced 2 pieces which will always bring back fond memories of our very special first trip to Portugal with our son. We felt totally relaxed at T d M (something I didn’t think possible with a very active wriggler) and enjoyed each & every day of our stay thanks to Sadie and Mick’s incredible hospitality. We cannot wait to go back!