Corona Virus information

The Coronavirus crisis has affected us all, and at this uncertain time our thoughts go out to all of you, our customers, who are living through difficult times and unsure whether you will be able to enjoy the holiday you planned. 

For 2021 we have made changes by reducing our deadline for balance payments from 6 weeks to 4 weeks before your arrival date.

We guarantee that should travel restrictions apply in your home country or in Portugal that prevent you from travelling to your destination, you will be provided with a credit voucher in the amount already paid, towards another booking later in the year, or alternatively carried over to 2022.

Here in Portugal there are capacity restrictions in place, so the distancing between tables and people can be implemented. Face masks must be worn by everybody in confined spaces such as shops and supermarkets. All shops and restaurants provide the possibility to sanitize your hands before going inside and on leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would happen if we are advised we cannot travel more than 4 weeks before we are due to travel? 
Should the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth office) or equivalent abroad issue advice against "all but essential travel", we will provide you with a voucher in the amount already paid, towards another booking later in the year or in 2022.

What happens if FCO advice gives the go-ahead for travel without restrictions, at the time we are due to pay our balance (4 weeks before arrival date)?

If there are no restrictions in place in either your home country or Portugal, you must decide whether or not to proceed with your holiday booking at the time of paying your balance (4 weeks before your arrival date). If you decide to proceed with the booking, the balance will be due. If after paying your balance you then change your mind and decide not to proceed with the booking despite travel being allowed between both countries, our normal cancellation policy will apply.

Should we decide we don’t want to travel more than 4 weeks before, (at the time our holiday balance is due), yet the FCO or equivalent deem that it is safe to travel and there are no border restrictions, what would happen?

If there are no travel restrictions in place either in your home country or in Portugal, you must decide no sooner than 4 weeks prior to your arrival, whether or not you wish to continue with your villa booking. If,  at that time you decide not to continue with your booking, we will provide you with a voucher in the amount already paid, towards another later in 2021 or in 2022.

What happens if travel restrictions are put into place before we are due to travel?

If there are current travel restrictions in place either in your home country or in Portugal at the time your balance is due, you must decide whether or not you wish to continue with your villa booking. If,  at that time you decide not to continue with your booking, we will provide you with a voucher in the amount already paid, towards another booking later in 2021 or in 2022.

If you decide to continue with your booking despite travel restrictions being in place, the balance payment will be due. If restrictions continue to be in place on your arrival date making it impossible for you to arrive, we will provide you with a voucher in the amount already paid, towards another later in 2021 or in 2022.

For last-minute bookings made up to 4 weeks before the due arrival date, full balance payment will be due at the time of booking. If travel restrictions prevent you from travelling to your destination, we will provide you with a voucher in the amount already paid, towards another later in 2021 or in 2022.

If I move my dates, is there an option to change to a different property?

In most cases this will be possible, however it’s always better to communicate with us so together we will find a suitable solution for you. The credit voucher allows you to use all funds paid towards another booking, subject to availability. The price for your booking will be calculated at the prevailing rate for those new dates or a different property.

Can we claim on our travel insurance if we are unable to travel?

You should check your holiday insurance conditions to check this.

We would like a refund of our monies rather than a change of dates. Can we have one?

Silver Holidays acts as a named agent for the owner of properties we manage and rent. When making the confirmation of your booking and on receipt of the deposit, payments are sent to the property owner to confirm the booking, and hence we no longer have the funds. We have worked with most of our owners for many years and the majority are very understanding and flexible with offering alternative dates for your booking, or a credit voucher to the value of your payments made, for use later in the year or in 2022.

Cleaning of our rental properties 

• Our holiday villas and apartments are thoroughly disinfected with appropriate cleaning products and as per government health department’s recommendations. Our team has a checklist of all items that need sanitising on an arrival clean.
• Due to the current situation we have decided to cancel our mid-week clean whereby normally our properties get a quick clean of the bathrooms and a change of towels, we now arrange that on your arrival date you will have more bath towels at your disposal
• When staying for longer than a week you will have a full clean including a change of bed linen in the middle of your holiday, we will advise you when the clean is being carried out and during maid service, we would ask you to not remain in the property but have a drink or two outside at the pool area 
• All linen and towels are cleaned with hospital grade disinfectant by a private and professional laundry company.
• Our housekeeping staff will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment 
• The pool quality is strictly monitored, and pool surrounds will be disinfected prior to your arrival.