LETS face it – it’s been a grim, miserable winter in Ireland.
Those of us lucky enough not to have been sloshing around in wellies as our neighbourhoods came under threat from a variety of deluges have nevertheless been left spending so much time indoors that we may as well be veal.
In short, we’re in desperate need of sun to let our weather-battered bones dry out, and where better than the sun-kissed Quinta do Lago resort on Portugal’s Algarve?
Of course, many Irish people are already very familiar with Quinta do Lago. When the resort took hold of Irish interest at first, back in the mid ’90s, it seemed it was the sole preserve of the more well-to-do tourist, but all that has changed.
Certainly, that aura of exclusivity still prevails – and let’s be thankful for that – but the difference now is that you don’t have to have a ‘strong portfolio’ or a rich daddy to stay here. In fact, the value is quite unbelievable, considering the classy nature of the area.
The latest addition to this resort is Martinhal Quinta, set amid the world-class golf courses that the area is renowned for around the globe.
A mere 20-minute drive from Faro Airport brings you to the family resort formerly know as Monte do Quinta, but which was taken over early in 2015 by the same folks who run the stunning Martinhal Beach Resort in Lagos, and the same attention to detail and luxury experience prevails here.
The private, gated community – although guaranteed to make the adults’ jaws drop – is purpose-built to accommodate the little ones, too. This is certainly one resort that proclaims its family-friendly credentials proudly – and really means it.
The centrepiece is the pool area, complete with baby pool, fun water features and water slides for kids, as well as sun beds with sunshades for parents. M Bar, Raposinhos Kids Club and the Blue Room are all conveniently located around the Pool Hangout area.
The kids can also while away the hours there with the trampoline, sand pit, table tennis and the signature VW Campervan that has been converted into a play area.
We visited as late as October of last year, and spent a glorious sunny afternoon at the pool drifting around on the ‘giant floaty bean bags’, as we decided to call them, Pina Colada in one hand, with the other hanging in the water, just in case an occasional change of direction took our fancy.
If you don’t feel like dining out, there is the onsite Mercado Deli & Bake, so you can stock up on the vittles for nibbling on in the drop-dead gorgeous villas.
The standard of accommodation here is stunning, and ranges from two-bedroom townhouses to five-bedroom villas – each with a private pool. Prices in spring start from €188 per villa per night, which is superb value for this kind of quality.
The area is liberally festooned with restaurants of all kinds, and is a foodie’s paradise. You want to put on your best duds and high-heels and dine in a Michelin star joint with all the trimmings? Yep, you’re covered.
Fancy eating freshly-caught seafood – more often than not plucked from the waters within a couple of hundred metres of where you’re sitting – in a family restaurant with a distinctly Algarvian flavour? You’ll be spoiled for choice.
Or just want to go somewhere a bit more laid-back with the kids for pizza, pasta or (local favourite) piri-piri chicken with chips? Once again, it’s all there.
Some restaurants that I can highly recommend are chic steakhouse Bovino, Casa do Quinta and Gourmet Natural. However, a special mention must go to one of those off-the-beaten-track haunts situated down a sleepy side street in the nearby village of Almancil, Restaurant Malveiro.
The sheer bang-for-your-buck in this family-run restaurant is unbeatable, and the food is a real quality affair. Trust me, you will not be disappointed here.
As for the service? You’ll feel like you’re part of the family, or certainly one of the local regulars, as main man Lionel looks after your every need after greeting you with one of those familiar smiles that makes you think you’ve met before.
If you’re a golfer, you may never want to visit any other resort ever again – if there’s a heaven waiting just for fans of the ancient game, it might look something like Quinta do Lago.
Hit a ball in any direction from the front gates of Martinhal Quinta and you should land on one of three of Quinta do Lago North course, Quinta do Lago South course or Pinheiros Altos.
A little further down the road is Quinta Laranjal – the ‘new kid on the block’ situated in an old orange grove, and with some of the slickest greens you’ll ever play on. Tiger Woods booked the facilities here for a private visit for himself and his kids last year – I think that speaks volumes about the quality on offer.
Nearby, you can also visit Vale do Lobo, a long-time favourite of the well-heeled, playboy types, which centres around the many restaurants, bars and shops around the entrance to the beach. The red cliffs framing the sun worshippers here will be instantly recognisable, as they’re so often photographed and used in promotional material for the Algarve. Perched atop those red cliffs are two fine Vale do Lobo courses – The Royal and The Ocean. A few minutes further up the road and you have the wide selection of Oceanico courses in Villamoura. So, almost year-round sunshine, quality dining, some of the best golf courses in Europe and accommodation prices like that?
For more info and prices visit www.martinhal.com/quinta/en/
