Leme Bedje Residence is a quiet beachfront apartment complex, 10–15 minutes’ walk from Santa Maria. Large pool, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, but very different experiences depending on the apartment. Book carefully and ask detailed questions before confirming.
When you book a place and actually book a lottery
Leme Bedje sounds great on paper: by the sea, quiet, a large pool, and within walking distance of Santa Maria. And sometimes, it really is. Other times, not so much. Because here you’re not booking a hotel, you’re booking a collection of apartments with many different owners, and that changes the rules quite a bit.
At Leme Bedje there isn’t one single experience — there are several, and not all of them end well.
What Leme Bedje really is
Leme Bedje Residence is an apartment complex located on the edge of Santa Maria, right by the sea, designed for those who value calm over nightlife. The complex itself is spacious and pleasant, with well-kept gardens, a large swimming pool and a relaxed atmosphere that many guests appreciate after a day at the beach or out exploring.
The key point — and it’s important to understand this from day one — is that not all apartments are the same. Some are well maintained, clean, with good views and professional management. Others, according to multiple reviews, are clearly neglected, don’t match the photos, or operate with unclear rules (extra charges for air conditioning, limited Wi-Fi, missing basic supplies).
When everything lines up, the experience is very good: peace and quiet, friendly staff, cats wandering freely and that easy “laid-back resort” feeling. When it doesn’t… serious complaints appear about cleanliness, water supply, maintenance and how problems are handled.
Close, but not central
Leme Bedje is about a 10–15 minute walk from the centre of Santa Maria. Close enough to stroll in, far enough that you won’t hear bars and music at night.
From the airport, a taxi usually takes 15–20 minutes. The area has small supermarkets, beach bars, diving centres and kitesurf schools right opposite, so you’re not isolated — just slightly removed.
Pool time, walks and the beach… with caveats
The typical routine here is simple:
– Mornings by the pool, which is large and clean (though many describe it as cold).
– A walk into Santa Maria for the “main” beach, restaurants and atmosphere.
– Alternating with the beach in front of the complex, which does exist but doesn’t always invite swimming; several travellers mention it’s not very appealing and that hardly anyone swims there.
For active travellers, diving, kitesurfing and excursions are close by, and staff are generally happy to help organise them.
What really makes the difference
1) Ask exactly which apartment you’re booking.
This is not an exaggeration: apartment number, owner, recent photos. It matters here.
2) Clarify extras before arrival.
Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cleaning, hot water — get it all in writing.
3) Bring insect repellent.
Mosquitoes appear in quite a few reviews. Not dramatic, but preparation helps.
4) If something feels wrong on day one, act quickly.
The longer you wait to complain, the harder it becomes to fix or change.
5) Choose tranquillity, not luxury.
This isn’t a polished, uniform resort. It’s a large complex with charm… and contrasts.
When calm is the priority
It works well year-round, especially if your priority is sleeping well and switching off. In windier periods, the pool becomes more attractive and the nearby beach less so. During busy seasons, some apartments show more wear and tear.
A good place… if you know what you’re signing up for
Leme Bedje Residence can be a great choice — or a serious disappointment. The complex itself has plenty going for it: a quiet location, a large pool, nearby services and easy access to Santa Maria. But the experience depends almost entirely on the specific apartment you end up in.
This isn’t about whether Leme Bedje is good or bad. It’s about choosing wisely within Leme Bedje.
