Frequently Asked Questions

 
Will I be comfortable visiting the guest house by myself?

Yes, you will be totally comfortable from the moment you arrive. Because we are a small guest house there is a home-from-home atmosphere which makes it very easy to mix and share experiences with ourselves and other guests.
 
How fit do I have to be?

No one should feel they need to do more than they want, all activities are tailored to suit individual needs.
 
Do you provide maps for guests to use?

A map can be provided on request.  We also offer free guided rides and discuss routes with you in full and answer any questions before you embark on your training session.  

What happens if I get lost, have a mechanical problem or injury whilst out. Can you collect me?

Yes. We provide all guests with our contact details on a card which they can carry whilst out training. If they encounter any technical problems or injuries then they can telephone us and, where necessary, we will pick them up. This may incur a small contribution towards fuel.

Can my non-riding spouse/companion come and stay at Delucci Retreat?

Absolutely. There are several off-road trails and quiet roads directly outside the retreat which are ideal for walkers.  There is also a freshwater mountain swimming pool nearby with picnic area and restaurant which is an ideal place to relax in the hot summer months. There are many other activities and places of interest within driving distance. Please see our Relaxation & Leisure page for further information.  We would highly recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your visit, but transport can be arranged on request to nearby locations.

How do I get medical cover for travelling abroad from the NHS?


Do you accommodate children?

Children over the age of 11 are welcome. We do not have the facilities to cater for young children and babies.

Are people allowed to smoke in the house?

No.  For the enjoyment and health of all guests, we have a completely non-smoking policy.

Do you allow pets?

No, we do not accommodate pets.

Do I need to bring indoor shoes?

You may wish to bring a pair of slippers or flip flops for your own comfort as we have tiled floors throughout.
 
Is there a good selection of restaurants locally?

Yes, there are several good restaurants in Miranda do Corvo, all of which are very reasonably priced.

Is it easy to take my bike on an aeroplane?

Yes. Your bike will need to be protected in either: a bike bag/box which can be bought or hired from your local bike shop; or cardboard bike boxes (that new bikes are supplied in from manufacture) which can be obtained from your local bike shop for free if you ask nicely. To pack the bike, you will need to take the wheels and pedals off and turn the handlebars 90 degrees. Pack clothes around the bike to protect it or go to B&Q and buy some pipe lagging for a couple of pounds to protect the tubes.

Yes, we offer bike hire and have a good selection of Specialised road bikes for hire during your stay.
NB: Please bring your own helmet, shoes and pedals.
Unfortunately we do not offer mountain bike hire but there are extensive off-road trails if you wish to bring your own mountain bike.

Do you have a bike workshop?

Yes, we have a bike workshop with all the most common tools needed for building your bike on arrival plus tools needed for maintenance and basic repairs.

Do you stock bike spares?

We stock common spares such as inner tubes, chains, cables and brake blocks for road bikes and mountain bikes. Gary would be more than happy to help you with replacing any of these items if you have any unexpected bike problems.  We also stock energy drinks, gels and water bottles.

What types of cycling are available in the area?

We have everything directly on the doorstep. Climbs up to 4000ft or flat roads towards the Atlantic coast. See our Training tab for more information.  Mountain biking is also excellent with miles of forest trails to explore.

What clothing should I bring?

Standard summer cycling clothing plus arm and leg warmers and a light gilet should be more than adequate.

What type of running kit will I need?

Standard summer running kit plus a pair of road shoes and trail shoes.

Do you have wetsuits I can hire?

Yes. We have a selection of Speedo wetsuits available for hire during your stay.

What can I do when I'm not training?

In addition to relaxing in the sheltered courtyard at the retreat, there are many other options for you to choose from on your rest days.  There are several off-road trails and quiet mountain roads to explore on foot directly from the retreat and there is also a freshwater mountain swimming pool nearby with picnic area and restaurant which is an ideal place to relax in the hot summer months. There are many other activities and places of interest within driving distance. Please see our Relaxation & Leisure page for further information.
We would highly recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your visit, however transport can be arranged on request to nearby locations with a small charge towards fuel.

See our Prices and Booking page or send an email enquiry to flash@delucci.co.uk.
 
What if I cancel after paying my deposit?

You should notify us by email that you wish to cancel your holiday. In the event of you cancelling the deposit is non-refundable. We will return any other balance you may have paid. We recommend that you take out relevant travel insurance to cover such events.

How and when do I pay the balance?

Payment of the balance is due in euros on arrival.  We accept: bank transfer, cheque drawn on a Portuguese bank account or cash euros.  Unfortunately we do not have facilities to accept credit or debit cards.

Payment for any transport costs during your stay is payable in cash euros and can be paid on the final day of your stay with any other additional costs.

Yes, we change bed linen weekly and towels twice weekly.  Please bring your own towel for use outside the guest house (e.g. lakes, beaches and swimming pools).

Are there clothes washing facilities?

No, but we offer kit wash for a minimal charge and provide drying racks for your use.

For any meals - what if I have special dietary requirements?

Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements so that we can cater for you. If you do not tell us until you arrive, then we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs. Please see our Food page for further information.
Central Portugal benefits from long, hot summers in which temperatures average 25˚C from May until September, and daily temperatures can soar into the high 30’s.  The rain during winter months is what gives the region its lush green landscape!