Pine Cliffs Resort - The Algarve
Sitting above Praia da Falésia, which was this year crowned the World's Best Beach 2024 by TripAdvisor - no mean feat - is a real jewel in the crown of the Algarve. Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, is just 30 minutes from Faro airport and close to Albufeira - and has become renowned for being one of Portugal's most lusted after holiday destinations. Surrounded by shady pine trees, the vast five star resort has some of the most beautiful views in the Algarve from its cliff top situation (does the hotel name make sense, now?) - and from the very edge of that cliff is the perfect bar, Mirador, where you can watch the sunset every evening.
Accommodation
Pine Cliffs has several options when it comes to accommodation with its main hotel, Ocean Suites, residences and villas - and all of them will offer a different experience. We stayed in the Ocean Suites, and our room had its own kitchen (complete with dishwasher and washer/dryer - music to any parents' ears) as well as a balcony for those early evenings when all you want to do is sit in your robe and drink a cold glass of wine - all sun kissed and blissed out. The larger villas obviously cater to bigger groups - and there is a supermarket on site so you can cook for yourself which has big appeal for longer trips.
Food
There are so many dining experiences to choose from there's something to suit every mood - whether you want to keep things casual or enjoy a more dressed up, formal evening. Our favourite restaurant was O Pescador, primarily a fish restaurant with an emphasis on local catches (the sea bass was incredible) which also has excellent vegetarian options, but the O Grill was also perfect with its buffet style dining which is great when you're a larger party, all with very different likes and dislikes. The beach restaurant, called Maré at Pine Cliffs, is the ultimate seafront hangout - it has the most stunning views, and the relaxed dishes (think guac and chips, quinoa salad or burgers) were the ideal way to refuel in between sunbathing, sandcastles and snooze sessions. Coming soon is a new Italian restaurant called Portofino by MIMO.
Family Friendly?
Pine Cliffs Resort couldn't be more family friendly if it tried, but if you aren't there with children this won't impact your stay, it feels utterly tranquil. Every restaurant has a kids' menu and there's ice cream at every turn. Porto Pirata, the hotel's 7000 square metre on-site children's village for children ages 12 months to 8 years, is by far the best kid's playground I've seen on holiday. Supervised by well-qualified staff, children can enjoy their own adventures complete with a basketball court, trampoline, a swimming pool just for kids, and an 18-hole mini-golf course to entertain the whole family.
We travelled with my parents and the resort really was perfect for multi-generational groups - there were serene spots for the grandparents to chill out and read, and many areas for us to spend time together as a family, playing chess or exploring the pirate ships together. The memories we made are magical.
Spa and Wellness
Serenity - The Art of Well Being sits within the Ocean Suites and offers a range of treatments which draw from local produce and practices, and you have to check out the Thermal Oasis pools. When it comes to fitness you are spoilt for choice, with two gyms, an indoor lap pool, eight swimming pools, an active studio (where you can access Pilates classes), bootcamp classes, a 9-hole golf course, and the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy where you can book to play or take lessons. Sunrise yoga is available, and water sports are also on offer from the beach which is just a lift ride down from the hotel.
For more information visit Pine Cliffs Resort's website.
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5* Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, from £399pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 November - 30 November 2024 inclusive. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 1 checked bag at 23kg per person and accommodation. Book by 16 June 2024. For reservations visit www.britishairways.com/algarve
Four Seasons The Ritz, Lisbon
If you’re looking for a quick city break with the beach on your doorstep, look no further than Lisbon. Rich in history and the largest city in Portugal, the coastal town is filled with IG-worthy pastel-coloured buildings and adorable trams that will whisk you from A to B. From climbing the castle of São Jorge and strolling through the Alfama to tasting deciduous food and dancing into the night, Lisbon has dozens of things to offer and is perfect for that girl trip that you’ve been planning for years. But if you’re looking for the best place to stay while in the city, then checking out the Four Seasons Ritz is a must.
Accommodation
Lisbon has a variety of hotels on offer, but none come close to the iconic Ritz in the heart of the city. Only a stone’s throw away from the Estatua do Marques de Pombal and Parque Eduardo, the hotel is perfect for those who love casually strolling through the city at their own pace. Taking over the hotel from the Charles Ritz chain in 1997, the hotel has kept many aspects of the Art Deco aesthetics, including its grand foyer. But of course, the rooms have had an upgrade since the takeover, with the Four Season’s signature bedding, which you can purchase online and a private balcony that overlooks the beautiful city
Food
If there is one thing that is just as important as the accommodation when you go on holiday, it’s the food, and the Four Seasons delivers. From the classic breakfast buffet that includes just about everything you could imagine to the Michelin-starred Cura that you’ll be dreaming off for months after. Headed up by Portuguese Masterchef’s very own Pedro Pena Bastos, Cura takes you on a sensory journey with his meticulous and artisanal dishes that take you around the country. From the succulent merino lamb to the saffron-infused red mullet, the restaurant is perfect if you’re a foodie like me, and if you want to try it all but haven’t can’t fit it all in, their 13-course tasting menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is flawless.
For more information visit https://www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/