If you are visiting the Algarve this year on a family holiday you have probably already been thinking about what activities are available to keep your children entertained. Whether you are planning on staying at the Four Seasons Country Club, in a hotel or in one of the fabulous Algarve villas, it’s a well-known fact that if your kids are bored your holiday could turn into a nightmare. So without further ado let’s take a look at some of the things that your kids could take enjoy when in this region of Portugal.
Lagos Zoo
Lagos Zoo is a great family activity option purely because it is popular with both young children and teenagers alike. Located close to Benasfrim, Lagos Zoo is home to over 50 species of animals and even has its own petting zoo which younger children are sure to love. Exotic birds, farm animals and domestic animals can all be experienced up close and your kids are sure to be tired by the time you return to your accommodation.
Aqualand
If you are travelling to the Algarve with older children, a trip to Aqualand is a must. Here children can enjoy cutting edge waterslides, wave pools and a wide variety of water based attractions that are sure to keep them entertained for hours. Young children aren’t left out either as there are a number of attractions that are specifically designed for them such as a shallow water pool with mini slides and giant crayons. The only problem you’ll have at Aqualand is convincing your kids it’s time to go home.
Crèches
If you and your partner want to schedule some “couple” time into your holiday but are worried about leaving the kids anywhere unsuitable, the Four Seasons Country Club has you covered. Here children of all ages are welcomed and a full time babysitting service is offered by the club so that you can rest assured that your kids are being well looked after. A full sized kids’ adventure playground, tennis courts and a children’s pool are all available to keep the little ones entertained whilst you are away.
With the weather still feeling pretty gloomy in the UK it can be hard to feel motivated to get fit and many of us are still carrying around our Christmas weight. If you want to step up your fitness programme and drop a few pounds in the process, the La Manga Club in the Algarve may just be for you. With warm weather experienced almost all year round and a wide selection of fitness activities to choose from, you won’t have any trouble getting motivated that’s for sure!
An Ideal Venue
The La Manga Club is set in a stunning location. Surrounded by lush countryside and situated close to the beach you will find it hard not to be amazed on arrival. The club is home to a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a golf course, tennis courts, a fitness centre and more! In fact no matter what sporting activity you would like to take part in to step up your fitness regime, you are almost guaranteed to find it here.
Regular Fitness Camps
On top of the regular fitness activities available at the La Manga Club, a number of fitness camps are also held throughout the year. Some of these include:
- Walkactive training camps run by TV fitness guru Joanna Hall – these take place in April and October and are designed to increase fitness levels as well as improve your posture. These training camps are suitable for people of all fitness levels.
- Four day fitness retreats run by celebrity fitness trainer Steve Halsall – these are available all year round and consist of a four day fitness and nutrition programme which focuses on detox, yoga, cycling and triathlon training. Not only will you be put through your paces on this course but you will leave will a personalised training and eating programme which you can follow when you return home.
- Adventure Fitness – these classes are yet to be scheduled yet are said to be coming available in the coming months. Run by Olympic champion Daley Thompson and former TV Gladiator Kate Staples the aim of these camps is to lose weight in a fun environment. People of all ages, including children can take part in these camps, making them ideal for those on a family holiday.
If you are planning on visiting the Algarve this summer but aren’t quite sure where to visit, maybe we can help! Algarve villas are widely available throughout the region but with over 400km of coastline each area does vary in its facilities and its way of life. In order to help make your decision making easier let’s take a look at five of the most popular locations in the region and see just why they are so great.
1. Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is an upmarket resort in the Algarve that is very popular with the rich and famous. Here the Algarve villas will be nothing short of luxurious and will contain all the high class facilities that you would expect to see in a five star hotel. Whilst this region is one of the more expensive in the Algarve, the experience will be out of this world and more than worth it.
2. Sao Bras de Alportel
Sao Bras de Alportel is a small town located a short way away from the beaches of the region. Here the landscape is hilly and you will be able to experience the true Portuguese way of life. A number of attractions are available in Sao Bras de Alportel and the food here is to die for. The Algarve villas are also slightly cheaper here due to the location.
3. Tavira
Located in the eastern Algarve, Tavira is a quiet fishing town and the perfect location for those of you who want to relax in peace and quiet for a week or two. The Algarve villas here are priced modestly and tend to be quite traditional. If you choose to visit Tavira make sure you taste some of the fish dishes served in the local restaurants – you won’t find anywhere fresher.
4. Albufeira
Albufiera is one of the most popular destinations in the Algarve mainly due to the happening nightlife. Most young holiday makers choose to rent Algarve villas here due to the low prices and the wide range of attractions available in the area. Everything from water parks to clubs can be found in this town.
5. Vilamoura
Vilamoura is an absolutely beautiful seaside town that is the ideal location for families with young children. Luxury Algarve villas can be found here as can a number of golf and spa facilities. The amenities in the area are numerous so you won’t have to worry about a thing and with so many attractions on your doorstep this is sure to be a fun filled location.
With golden sandy beaches, warm, clear waters and world class golf courses it should come as no surprise that more and more people are choosing to holiday in Vale do Lobo in the Algarve each year. What many people don’t realise however is that there is more to Vale do Lobo than golf and the beaches, and in fact there are a number of extreme sports activities that can be enjoyed by all who visit.
Surfing
Vale do Lobo has really developed its surf industry in recent years and it is now considered to be one of the best locations for a surfing holiday in Europe. Both beginners and experts can enjoy the surf on offer here and there are a number of surf schools offering private and group tuition to surfers of all skill levels. The surf experience in the Algarve is fantastic and with warm weather all year round you can take part in this activity all year round.
Skydiving
This is an activity that will really test your nervous system however if you are into heights and near death situations you will love skydiving in Vale do Lobo. The skies are clear almost all year round and the scenery is magnificent – imagine falling to earth as you watch the beach drawing closer and closer; in fact if you go skydiving you’ll probably be disappointed when you land on the good old terra firma.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the calmer extreme sports activities that you can enjoy in Vale do Lobo but one that is still a lot of fun. You can hire a kayak from one of the rental shops close to the beach and then cruise the coastline for an hour or three. Not only will you be able to relax on the beautiful warm waters but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore hidden coves and alcoves that aren’t easily accessible by any other means of transport. If you want to be sure to visit the best places you can even hire a guide to take you on your adventure. This is an ideal option for people visiting the resort with their family or young children.
If you are thinking about heading to the warm sandy shores of the Algarve for your next holiday away you have a lot to think about. The Algarve is home to some of the best resorts in the whole of Europe but choosing where you want to stay isn’t so easy. Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Dunas Douradas are commonly thought to be the best resort towns in the region, but which would be the most ideal for you and why? Let’s take a look.
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is the most popular destination in the Algarve and if you choose to stay here you will have a variety of accommodation options available to you. As well as being home to two of the most popular golf courses in the region, Vale do Lobo is also a hotspot for tennis fans and holds numerous national and international fixtures annually. Restaurants and bars are plentiful in Vale do Lobo and this is the ideal location for you if you want to be in the heart of the entertainment.
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago is an exclusive and luxurious resort town that is set amidst the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is definitely the location for you if privacy is at the top of your holiday wants list. Quinta do Lago is also the home of some of the Algarve’s best golf courses so if you are purely travelling to the Algarve in the hope of a golfing weekend, there is no better resort to stay in. Of course the beautiful beaches that the Algarve is so well known for are also not far away.
Dunas Douradas
Dunas Douradas is a popular resort town with families as it caters for children of any age. The beach is fantastic and most of the resorts hotels, villas and apartments are within walking distance. The Portuguese restaurants in Dunas Douradas are especially good however for families who would rather cook their own meals there are various mini-markets in the town where meat, veg and essentials can be found. Ideally suited to families this may be the best location for you if you are planning to travel with small children.
If you have been planning a holiday to the beautiful paradise island of St Kitts, or deciding whether to stay in one of the hotels or in one of the privately rented St Kitts villas, you will no doubt have read about the dormant volcano that is located in the centre of the island. Situated in the heart of the lush rainforest Mt. Liamuiga is famous in the Caribbean and there is no better way to see it than up close. Anyone who is reasonably fit can climb the volcano and the view from the top is so fabulous that this is an experience that you won’t want to miss out on.
Mt. Liamuiga
Most tourists who choose to climb Mt. Liamuiga do so with a guide. These can be hired from most resorts and tourist offices and are the best way to ensure your safety during the climb. Most hikes begin at 1,000 feet and generally finish at around 2,000 feet high although if you are adventurous it is possible to hike up even higher to the crater. Don’t worry about the volcano erupting – Mt. Liamuiga has been dormant for over 1,600 years and is completely safe to climb.
Your tour will see you passing through clouds and if you are really lucky you may even get the chance to see one of the clouds being sucked into the crater. The tours generally take around three hours so remember to take your camera along as this is an experience you won’t ever want to forget. Hiking tours of Mt. Liamuiga are popular on St Kitts and you will be in completely safe hands with your experienced guide.
Relaxation
After hiking through the beautiful rainforest and climbing Mt. Liamuiga you are going to be in need of some serious rest and relaxation. Thankfully the St Kitts villas come fully equipped with all the facilities you could ever need to truly relax and rejuvenate. When your legs have recovered from the hike, the beaches on the island are an ideal place to chill out for an afternoon. All are relatively undeveloped and there is no better sound than that of the waves lapping gently across the shore as you close your eyes for a few winks.
If the idea of staying in a truly luxurious location that is not too far away from home appeals to you then you may want to look into booking a stay at the beautiful Monte da Quinta resort. Located in the Algarve in the beautiful country of Portugal, Monte da Quinta screams luxury. The weather is fabulous almost all year round so whether you would prefer to visit the resort during the school summer holidays or even during the low season in October or November you are guaranteed to have an amazing time.
Things to Do
Monte da Quinta isn’t known for being a luxurious resort for no reason. It is a popular location with many of the rich and famous and for good reason. Located close to the resort are some of the best golf courses in the whole world so you can relax and enjoy a game of golf on a perfectly designed course that overlooks the ocean before heading to the club house for a delightful meal and a refreshing drink. If golf doesn’t interest you though don’t worry as there is much more to the Algarve that meets the eye.
Located not far from Monte da Quinta are a variety of traditional shops that sell both souvenirs and a selection of Portuguese wares and you could spend hours browsing through them and checking out the local specialties. Monte da Quinta also boasts its very own spa which is a great place to relax and be pampered for an afternoon. Children aren’t left out either as there are a variety of sporting activities that are guaranteed to keep them entertained for days.
Accommodation
The accommodation at the Monte da Quinta resort is the epitome of luxury and you really won’t find anywhere more luxurious in the Algarve. A choice of apartments and townhouses are available so no matter how big your travelling party is you are sure to find something ideal. All accommodation is fitted out with all the facilities that you could ever need and with so many conveniences to be found on the resort you won’t go for anything. Monte da Quinta is one of the most luxurious resorts in the whole of the Algarve and once you have experienced it for yourself you will understand why.
Barbados is renowned throughout the world for its beautiful beaches and high standard of accommodation. Although quite often thought to be only a destination for the rich and famous, Barbados now offers something for every budget and both Barbados apartments and villas can be rented by those who don’t fancy the restrictions of a resort or hotel. What you can be sure of if you choose to holiday here is that the island is luxurious, even the cheapest accommodation options are designed with utmost comfort in mind, guaranteeing you the holiday of a lifetime.
Attractions
One of the main reasons why Barbados is often described as one of the best islands in the Caribbean is because it offers something for everyone. You can travel back in time and see the history of the slave trade on the island through the museums and remnants that still exist to this day or you can party the night away in one of the many nightclubs located in the livelier resorts.
Of course you can’t visit Barbados and not check out the beaches that the island is so well known for – the white sands will leave you enchanted as you relax and listen to the waves lapping over the shore. A variety of water sports activities are available to visitors of all ages so grab a surfboard and ride the waves or rent a mask and snorkel and experience the underwater world. If you fancy heading inland, lush tropical rainforests await you and the botanical gardens on the island are also worth checking out.
Accommodation
Barbados may not be the “posh” island that it was once thought to be but the accommodation options are still enticing. Barbados apartments can be found in both the resort towns and in more private locations and which is best for you will depend on the size of your travelling party and your tastes. The island is often said to resemble a mix of old and new and this is also portrayed in the island accommodation. With options available to suit every budget you will have plenty to choose from, and you can be sure of an amazing time.
St Lucia is the ideal place to head to for your honeymoon. Scenic beach strolls and romantic candlelit dinners are a way of life here, and no matter when you travel you can be sure of beautiful weather. St Lucia villas are plentiful and are the ideal place to spend your honeymoon in paradise. Completely private, villas can be either traditional or modern and most will come complete with all of the modern amenities that you would expect to find in a five star hotel room. Whether you love culture, history, sports or just want to relax, St Lucia is the ideal location.
Latille Waterfall and Gardens
This enchanting site is a favourite with honeymooning couples on St Lucia. Located close to the rainforest on the island the Latille Waterfall and Gardens are enclosed by lush greenery which offers peace and tranquillity away from the rest of the island. The waterfall is 20 foot high and makes for some fabulous photo opportunities. Couples can bathe together in the pool below whilst taking in the enchanted surroundings. This is a moment that neither of you will ever forget.
Fond Latisab Park
If you and your loved one really want to immerse yourself into the St Lucian culture, the Fond Latisab Park is an ideal location for a day out. By spending the day with the island’s indigenous tribes you can get to know more about the traditional way of life here. Learn how to make bread in the traditional St Lucian manner or try using traditional tools to catch crayfish from the local river. Where else in the world could you get to experience something so unique?
St Lucia villas make the ideal place to relax in after some fun filled, romantic days out. This will be a honeymoon that you will never, ever forget!
Have you been thinking about taking your loved one away for a romantic weekend? Do you want to find somewhere perfect for a honeymoon or even to pop the question? If so luxury villa holidays may be the ideal solution. Luxury villas can be found throughout the world but if money is an issue, you don’t need to look any further away than Europe. Spain and Portugal are two fabulous locations that are both affordable and full of sunshine almost all year round.
Why a Villa?
Hotels can be great places to stay in but they’re not exactly ideal for a romantic holiday. Villas cater for couples perfectly: you can wake up at any time you choose and return home after a romantic evening at any time. You can opt for self catering luxury villa holidays and cook and eat a romantic meal on your balcony. You can swim in your private pool under the moonlight with just the crickets in the background and the stars up above. Need we say more? Luxury villa holidays can be catered exactly to your tastes, and you won’t find any holiday accommodation to be more private.
The Mediterranean
There are few better places to visit in Europe for a romantic holiday than those lining the Mediterranean. Spain and Portugal are excellent locations due to their fantastic weather, great sightseeing opportunities, fabulous villas and beautiful beaches. You can choose to visit during the winter months when the white sandy beaches will be deserted or during the warmer seasons when you will be able to take full advantage of your private swimming pool. Cafes and bars line the resorts in the Mediterranean so you can take your loved one out for a romantic meal if you don’t feel like eating in. Great food, buzzing nightlife, interesting attractions and a beautiful villa – your loved one is sure to love every minute!