Da Balaia Portugal

Club Med is virtually the only platform that, imho, makes any effort to support a solo traveller. It’s crazy because decades ago Club Med was the first that made any effort to create kiddie clubs.

I digress…

I’ve been to countless clubs but the thing that remains its best feature is the staff without question.

For the uninitiated, it is different than other destinations whereby you can enjoy wonderful staff who service you, the Club Med platform interacts with you including taking meals with you should this be something you would like. The most skilled can create conversations between patrons by inclusion or by translation.

There are those here that were fantastic which was doubly important for an English woman travelling alone in a primarily French speaking club. It took a while to find that there was a table for those seeking conversation, there is one…and then two! Not all clubs do that. They had weekly cocktail parties for those travelling alone. Not all clubs do that!

Totally see a concentrated effort to satisfy the needs of all types of travellers…but it is a family club where the vast majority speaks French and if I experienced any difficulty, it was my inability to communicate with the population. That being said, I made connections that will endure outside the club and should I come back it would be because I experienced the kindness of the staff. (G.O.’s). Reception was particularly kind to me.

I was there for three weeks so those I would say thanks exceeds whom I will list, but if you are traveling alone start there.

Justine is a firecracker and started things off for me and created a social situation whereby I got to know other patrons. She created my first fun night. Francesca was a thoughtful dinner companion who appealed to more than she realized, everyone talked about her. Adored Celia who waitressed on the terrace.

Kudos to Mikael front desk. He made an incredible effort and was the most natural conversationalist. He gets a 5 trident!

My review speaks to the niche of solo travellers who only speak English. It’s tough but the efforts of the G.O.’s make it worth the consideration of coming back.

I don’t particularly prefer a predominantly English speaking Club Med, I like a mix…but you may feel somewhat isolated here if you don’t speak French.

Lots of great outdoor dining!

What a wonderful surprise to find the same amazing trapeze leader Ambre from the clubmed in Marbella now in Clubmed De Balaia- even more amazing was finding Charles there too! Meeting the rest of the team Louna, Sven and Jade only made it better!

Each member brings their own unique sparkle and personality, but together they form an absolutely exceptional team. They are kind, calm, fun, and incredibly attentive—always supportive and fully invested in giving you the best possible chance and advice to succeed plus so much fun.

I come to Club Med just for the trapeze—and highly recommend flying with this fabulous team. An unforgettable experience full of energy, natural high and fun guaranteed!

Thank you Amber, Louna, Charles, Sven and Jade for giving me wings and for these magical moments. You really are a dream team full of sparkle and so much fun :)!

G.O. incroyables surtout Yona, Sully, Laura et Luan

I commend Mr. Mehdi Kalmani, who greeted us everyday and has a village that is welcoming and a staff that looks happy to work for him. For our family of 14, these services were key: the Cuisine (thank you Luis Felipe and your staff), the Petit Club (thank you Maria and Olena), the Mini Club (thank you Nolan, Louis, Apolline, Francesco), the Bar (thank you Florian, Ana, Munish). The sports' Gentils Organisateurs (GOs) for the Yoga and the Tennis, the Infirmary (thank you Juliette), the Spa (thank you Aurelia, Asia). The gardens, the pools (please heat the small children's pool), the ping pong tables, the beach. Reception at the Club (thank you Sophie, Opaline, Flavio, Marilena, Marcos, Matteo, Justine) and at the airport (thank you Fatima, Paola). The photographer made beautiful photos of our family, particularly of my grandchildren, in 2 sessions: at the grass and at the beach (thank you Franck Panadian). I suggest you provide a list of photographers, departure times the night before.

Tips: Reserved a table for our big group at the Restaurant (thank you Luis Felipe), the Petit&Mini Club care was excellent and their Thursday Night Show was so much fun! Easter Egg Hunt at the Game Room (rainy day), Bars are children friendly
Suggestions: at reception provide a list of photographers, send a note with updated departure times the night before. Please heat the small children's pool, more indoor sports&activities for rainy days (we had 3 rainy days, and exercise classes did not have capacity)