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Family-friendly five star luxury in Portugal
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, one of the Algarves newest resorts and certainly one youre unlikely to find anywhere else.
This is luxurious but child-friendly, not things that often go hand-in-hand. If you bring your children theres every chance you may not see them during the day as they race off to enjoy the five Kids Clubs. Children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years can be left here for up to six hours a day, all under the watchful gaze of qualified childcare professionals. The focus on family was a key part of the resorts design, so while theyre making new friends and exploring, you can enjoy the swimming pools, the beaches, the food and a little romance.
The resort takes pride in its Portuguese roots, from the natural materials and timber used to build the hotel to the exclusively Portuguese wine list (bar some French Champagne for those who simply have to indulge) and local ingredients used in the restaurants.
There are three restaurants and even these have childrens play areas alongside, so you can keep an eye on your little ones as you tuck into the freshly caught sea bass or bream, try local sausages with duck, or polish off golden calamari with a glass of chilled Portuguese wine. Dining al fresco adds that extra holiday feel, especially as two of the restaurants sit above the ocean and the private beach, promising a cooling sea breeze and glorious views. As Dunas specialises in fish, with wonderful twists to traditional Portuguese dishes, while in the formal restaurant, O Terraco , white linen and an a la carte menu await.
Martinhal can be as relaxing or as active as you want. Take a stroll to one of the five pools and settle down to a mornings sunshine. If you prefer the real deal, dip your toes in the ocean and walk over golden sands. For those who like it a little more adventurous, theres mountain-biking, Padel tennis (a cross between tennis and squash), surfing, parasailing and hiking through the nature reserve. Elsewhere, you can take a trip to the Fortaleza de Sagres, which stands commandingly above the Atlantic waves on a distant headland, or visit the town of Lagos or one of the Algarves famous golf courses.
A holiday here is all about relaxation. It is also about choices, whether its where to eat, what to do or where to stay. The hotel has 38 bedrooms, all beautifully appointed with an effortless chic. The windows are the width of the room and promise fabulous ocean views. If you want to rent a house or villa thats easily arranged, and some come with a private pool. Whatever you choose, Martinhal offers plenty of everything.
Kevin Markham is owner of the Golf Courses Ireland.
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