We holidayed here in the summer of August 2008 and were completely entranced. There are no cars on the island, apparently someone has a bike but we have never seen it! There are maybe a few hundred 'people in the know' and the best bit? The children can roam and play with no worries. You can only get here by ferry or private boat. It is only 15 minutes across the Ria Formosa Lagoon and yet 40 years away from the chaos of modern life. There are over 12 kilometres of pristine beach, rolling sand dunes, excellent fishing and clamming (which is very very popular), beautiful sunrises & sunsets, a few portuguese 'corner shops' selling fresh produce, a couple of cafes/restaurants where the locals seem to sit all day and drink endless cups of coffee, that is - until it is too hot and the 'cervajas' BEER's are the order of the day! As the ferry docks at the little jetty you will see there is a little crowd of people waiting to board the ferry to go back to civilization in Olhao. But you're the lucky ones - this is where your holiday begins. As the ferry pulls away from the jetty the children all whoop and run across the jetty and start diving bombing and swan diving into the Formosa. Its a very popular game and the teenage boys spend a lot of time (watching the girls in skimpy bikini's) while perfecting their impressive dives. A short walk along the main footpath that leads from the lagoon beaches to the large sandy beach you come to the children's playground and Cafe Convivio - our little villa is just behind here. As you approach you will walk down a little pathway lined with pepper and mimosa trees. The whitewashed walls of the villa can be seen tucked down the pathway backing onto the tidal lagoon that if you are lucky enough to be there when there is a really high tide the water will lap at the back of the garden! Inside the villa is a open plan lounge with fireplace and brand new modern kitchen. Off this area there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The family bathroom has a fabulous 'indoor pool' style bath that you can fill up and relax at leisure in the water. Look up and you can see the high ceiling and a mezzanine open plan room - up here is another 2 single beds and more generous living space with comfy sofas and tv with Satelite and dvd player. Outside the villa there is a grassy front garden and terrace and at the back of the villa is an enclosed terrace with tables and chairs and a brick BBQ. There is also another grassy garden and views towards the Ria Formosa and the beautiful sunsets. The best part of the villa?? the upstairs wrap around balcony and terrace with views across the Ria Formosa towards the mainland.....at nighttime the coast line twinkles with lights and is very mesmerising. There are all the modern facilities you need including hob, oven, washing machine, tumble dryer, fridge & freezer and 2 TVs & DVD player also MEO satelite programs - but seriously ...... you will not be interested in TV! Robins Nest on Armona Island (Illa Da Armona) is a perfect retreat for families, singles, couples - anyone who needs to 'get away from it all' and those who intend to write that long thought of book. All your inspiration is here and its paradise! See our website www.sandyblue.com for more photos and information.