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Privacy NoticeSummer may have been and gone, but sunny skies, sandy beaches and superyachts are just a short plane journey away. And given that she’s the queen of daytime TV, why not take inspiration from This Morning’s very own Holly Willoughby when it comes to deciding where to go next? Over the years, Holly has been seen spending her summer holidays in Quinta do Lago – a luxury estate in the Algarve. With its golden cliffs, excellent hospitality and 300-plus days of sunshine, the region of Portugal makes for the perfect escape, whether it’s something you save for summer or head to a little sooner.
Holly Willoughby is known for jetting to the Algarve when on holiday from This Morning
(Image: Instagram / Holly Willoughby)
The Algarve is known for its sunny skies, sandy beaches and golden cliffs
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So, here’s OK!’s top six reasons why you should give the Algarve a go … You can experience a taste of luxury VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa, in Porches, is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and for good reason. The luxurious, five-star resort is set in 54 acres of sub-tropical gardens with a secluded beach exclusive to guests. There’s 170 rooms, suites and villas, which are suitable for families and couples. But even when fully booked it feels like you’ve stepped into your very own oasis. All the rooms are light, breezy and spacious and offer epic views. We stayed in The Residence on the second floor, which I’d recommend nabbing, as it’s only a short walk to both breakfast and the infinity pool.
VILA VITA Parc Resort and Spa is set in 54 acres of sub-tropical gardens
You’re guaranteed to come back relaxed Check out Portugal’s only Sisley Spa at the hotel to enjoy the sauna, steam room and ice grotto, or choose from a selection of blissful treatments. I opted for the Golden Quartz Signature Treatment, an award-winning, 90-minute ritual taking place on a heated bed of “sand” (tiny crystals) designed to emulate the feeling of relaxing on the beach. My therapist began by pushing the sand around my body, before “gonging” singing bowls up and down my spine. Air jets beneath the sand created gentle pulsations while I was treated to a full-body, hot oil massage.
The Sisley Spa is the perfect place to sit back and relax
You can even give aerial yoga a go in the resort’s suspended yoga studio
Another form of Zen can be found at the spa’s fitness studio. From meditation to power and aerial yoga, classes are available for both private and group bookings. Every holidaymaker is catered for So much more than world-class golf courses and busy resort towns, Portugal’s southernmost region boasts unspoilt beaches, spectacular rock formations and traditional fishing villages. The Algarve’s dry, hot summers and mild winters mean visitors are drawn to the outdoor life. And while nature provides plenty of Instagram-worthy shots, history buffs will admire the old towns of Lagos and Silves, with their mediaeval monuments, Moorish architecture and centuries-old castles.
Away from the stunning beaches, there’s plenty to see in the old town of Lagos in Algarve
The region is less than three hours by plane from the UK, but the clear turquoise waters, palm tree-lined streets and the endless stretches of golden sands create a breathtaking landscape that is reminiscent of a tropical island. You can try out a one-of-a-kind dining experience… With 10 restaurants to choose from there’s no going hungry at VILA VITA Parc. But for those looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, book a table at the resort’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Ocean. Chef Hans Neuner shows off his talent with a superb tasting menu, Route To India, inspired by his travels. Each dish is an elaborate work of art, with one course served up in a fishing tackle box, and each dish paired perfectly with wine from the hotel’s “secret” cellar.
The Cave de Vinhos is located eight metres under the resort
…And you can get a history lesson too Eight metres under the resort you’ll find Cave de Vinhos. The vaulted cellar is home to Portugal’s largest private wine collection and is available for wine-tasting sessions and private dinners. We enjoyed our final meal here – a delicious tapas menu teamed with a range of vintage wines. Our sommelier spoke passionately about the history of each wine before demonstrating the 18th-century method of opening a bottle using a heated metal tong.
You’ll be able to learn all about the vintage wines you’re treated to while in the Cave de Vinhos
The views are breathtaking To take advantage of the hotel’s coastal location, hop aboard one of its boats and yachts offering private trips, from dining at sea to exploring impressive caves. During our excursion, we checked out the famous Algar de Benagil, a sea cave with a huge hole in the ceiling known as “the eye”. It’s a must-see. For those who prefer to take in the sights from land, the hotel offers a hiking trail experience along the beautiful clifftop and coastline. There are also nearby facilities for horse riding, windsurfing and biking, plus lots of activities onsite, such as watersports, minigolf and tennis. Well, there’s only so long you can recline on a sun lounger!
Hopping on a boat or a yacht is the perfect way to take in the sights
How to book Doubles at VILA VITA Parc from £285 per night, including breakfast. See vilavitaparc.com READ NEXT: 5 bucket list adventures in the Bahamas including Kate and William’s top resort Live like a star in Las Vegas with free roulette and The Strip’s best hidden bar ‘I’m a TOWIE superfan so went to Marbs to find the Wrights and made a party faux-pas’ Dorset’s unexpected hidden treasures from boujie bars to glam seaview retreats Sign up to our daily newsletter for the BIGGEST exclusive celeb interviews, TV news and more Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHolly WilloughbyTravel
