Testimonials

Testimonials

Never a dull moment!


  • “Our stay at Delucci Retreat was everything we hoped for and more...

    Gary and Susie were the perfect hosts; they were so welcoming and friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them.  Susie’s cooking was excellent, not just extremely tasty but plentiful and nutritious - just what you need to refuel and provide energy for the following day.  


    Its tranquil setting in the hills with easy access to a myriad of different rides makes Delucci the perfect location.  On far superior road surfaces to the ones we are used to back in England - and with virtually no traffic - we experienced a whole range of beautiful Portuguese landscapes, including the spectacular dam and reservoirs of Pedrogão Grande, stunning vistas along the Mondego River,  pretty Schist villages and rolling hills dotted with vineyards.


    Gary is an expert guide.  He quickly assessed our cycling ability (not quite at the level of the many elite athletes that he has worked with!) and tailored our rides accordingly, constantly encouraging us and giving us handy tips along the way and, with his amusing catchphrases and hilarious stories, there was never a dull moment.  


    We so enjoyed our experience that we have already signed up for the six-day event, Ride Across Portugal, which will take us all the way from the North to the South of this beautiful country.  We can’t wait!

Tim and Kate Cato

What a fantastic place!


'We arrived for our first trip to Portugal in a very hot august.  Met by Gary (Flash) we made our way to Delucci Retreat in the mountains.  What a fantastic place, descents are safe as the roads are excellent and quiet!  The scenery is breathtaking.  Gary's excellent advice, knowledge and experience makes you feel you can achieve anything.  Susie makes the most delicious meals nothing is too much trouble, we enjoyed our evenings just chatting away.  Thank you for a wonderful time, we did 'The madness'!
Carol & Jason - August 2021

Try it, you will love it!


  • "Delucci Retreat. Well what can I say? I've been here quite a few times now to enjoy the mountain cycling in the centre of Portugal and see my old mate Flash aka Gary Blesson. If you like good cycling, quiet roads, delightful weather, great food, great accommodation, great company, a quiet retreat, cheap but quality cafes etc then this is the place to come. ...

    ... Flash takes you out every day for an epic ride, the perfect guide who knows all the best routes, cafes etc on the way. Bring your own bike or hire one of his at very competitive prices - all top quality and meticulously maintained. Unfortunately our 2020 plans have been scuppered by Covid-19 but we will be out again in 2021 to rip up some tarmac and smash MFO. Even get some running and swimming in at various locations. Flights are pretty cheap from UK to either Porto or Lisbon too and there are plenty of transfer options with trains, car hire and Delucci airport transfers. Try it, you will love it

Dean Hardie

The wonderful Delucci Retreat!


  • "The thing I love most about Flash is his awesome personality, fantastic sense of humour and general joie de vivre, which, when combined with his extensive knowledge and experience of cycling, makes a visit to Delucci Retreat an irresistible prospect. ...

    Not only is Flash the perfect host, he is the perfect guide, from building a bespoke bike to meet your specific requirements, through to developing a daily training plan and selecting appropriate routes around the wonderful Serra da Lousa mountains, his pre-ride instructions are clear and informative and his encouragement throughout is motivating and innovative.


    Flash’s dedication to his craft is an inspiration and I look forward to my next visit at the wonderful Delucci Retreat.”

Lesley-Ann Hinchcliffe

Great cycling on quiet roads


I just wanted to say thank you for a great time at Delucci retreat.  Great cycling on quiet roads with some killer climbs and lots of different routes.  Food and hospitality were great and I really enjoyed the local bars and restaurants, everyone is so friendly.  I look forward to visiting again soon.
David Gunn

First class personal treatment!


  • "I had two fantastic trips to Delucci and each time coming away having improved my cycling, took in some running on the beautiful trails and overcame my fear of swimming in just 30 mins with Flash!...

    ...The whole set up is incredibly welcoming from the moment you set foot inside this bundle of paradise and it wouldn't be the same without the first class personal treatment from Flash & Susie.


    The accommodation is spotless, very comfortable and the views from the balcony are beautiful each morning and evening. The climate pretty much guarantees uninterrupted cycling.  Over two trips, total of 12 days, in end of April and end of October, not one day of cycling was lost due to poor weather!


    With nutrition being so important for Flash's mountain rides, the food from the Delucci kitchen is just as superb.  Chef Susie's culinary skills are just fantastic, so much time, effort and thought goes into selecting the best ingredients and menu, always ensuring that you get right nutrition for your next day's cycling.


    Cycling with Flash can be as serious or fun (infact, you get big helpings if both) as you wish.  By asking all the right questions, Flash can assess how to go about ensuring that you cycle away from your time at Delucci an improved cyclist.   Even if you are already an accomplished cyclist, Flash will have plenty of challenges up his sleeve to test your metal.


    On my first trip Flash taught me how to really engage with a bike ( I hired one from his wide range of top bikes), and one of his first assessments was that I had been 'sitting on my bike, not riding it' !  I soon learned how to ride my bike!  And on my second trip I even managed the infamous MFO.


    Getting to Delucci Retreat, couldn't be easier.  The first time, I hired a car, but didn't really need it once other than to get from and to the airport. The second time, I took the train (with a bike box) to Coimbra, all very straightforward. For the return, I had first class transportation using the shuttle service, from outside the Delucci door, straight to the door if the passenger terminal in Lisbon.  This is definitely the way to end a fantastic time at Delucci.  I for one will use that service for my third trip."

    Shirley Hayden

Best Service Ever!


"Gary is an excellent guide who listened to what we wanted by way of rides and then delivered. As a bonus he also kept us entertained all week! The arrangement of the mid-week sports massage was an unexpected and very welcome bonus. Thanks for everything and see you next time.... the Stella boys will be back!"
Mark, David, Steve & John
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