Algarve
Nestled amongst the tranquil green of the Oceanico Victoria golf course, lies the sophisticated Anantara Vilamoura Resort. Boasting 280 elegant rooms and suites, incredible views, an indulgent spa, fitness centre, and kid’s club managed by Worldwide Kids, it’s the ultimate family holiday destination. Take a cooling dip in one of the five swimming pools, or admire the sculptures, paintings and installations of local artists, which adorn the hotel. Six restaurants and a range of classy bars serve Portuguese food, seafood, international cuisine, refreshing drinks and tasty snacks in a range of quirky settings.
There’s also an adults-only option called the Cascades Pool Bar at Anantara Vilamoura, open between June and September. Tee off on one of Europe’s best golf courses, or choose a tranquil treatment at the Anantara Spa, which offers Turkish hammam rituals, Asian treatments, a sauna and a Turkish bath. Yoga and tai chi are also offered at the resort, and there is a fitness centre and many leisure facilities. Vilamoura’s marina is just five minutes away, where a multitude of shops, clubs, bars, restaurants are found next to the beach.
The Algarve is a rich and diverse region, both in culture and in its landscape. From the rugged cliffs and the Atlantic winds of the Southwest coast near Sagres, with its white sandy beaches and pleasant coves around Lagos and Albufeira, to the stretches of sandbanks and tranquil water of Faro and Olhao, the Algarve offers something for everyone.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for adventures on land or on sea, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. The gleaming, turquoise sea offers great opportunities to go snorkelling, SCUBA-diving or on boat tours to see dolphins, whales and unique caves. For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled things to do, try windsurfing, jet skiing or cut loose in one of the many waterparks that are found along the coast. In Vilamoura, quaint shops, lively restaurants and cosy cafes hug the coastline, while those with an interest in ancient history can explore the Roman ruins of Cerro de Vila, located on the other side the marina.
