Pousada de Faro - Estoi Palace Hotel ★★★★★

I leave the attractive bustle and antique charm of Faro behind, to be revisited and truly enjoyed once I am safely settled in my hotel a short drive away in the gorgeous village of Estoi. This tiny town has two main attractions, its Roman ruins and the majestic pink Palace built in the 18th Century that also happens to be where I will be staying. I have arranged a romantic break with my partner and he has travelled ahead of me and is waiting for me there now. We have been spending a lot of time working away from each other and this is our treat to make up for it. He had no idea what was awaiting him and although I've missed his initial reaction I cannot wait to see his face when I get there! My own face is a mask of wonderment as my taxi pulls up to the vast, rose coloured façade and I take in the sweeping drive, the white pillars and fountain. My man is there to meet me, sitting back in the shade in his cotton shirt and trousers as though he belonged here. I burst out laughing at such a perfect picture! He always says I am the sucker for luxury but it is quite clear that he's developed just as much of a taste for the finer things in life!

He steps forward and after an excited reunion we enter the hotel together. I am amazed by the striking gilt décor, the exquisitely painted frescoes, the lofty, arching ceilings and glittering chandeliers. It's an honest to goodness palace! Purchased by the Faro Town Hall and now a 'property of public interest', it has been carefully restored to its former splendour and rather than letting it fade away unseen, it has been tastefully made into a hotel. Our room is in the modern wing, which was designed by architect, Goncalo Byrne, and allows for the contemporary facilities necessary in a first class luxury hotel. This way we are offered the best of both worlds, royal living with all the modern comforts whilst respecting the ancient heritage of the palace itself, thus protecting its untouched authenticity. I am impressed by the effortless simplicity with which this project seems to have been achieved and it is with eager curiosity I follow my partner to our quarters.

On one of the upper floors, it is is airy, chic and spacious with spectacular views all the way to the sea from our private balcony. The grand opulence is contrasted with clean lines and a Zen-like serenity with dark, glowing wooden floors and soft shades of cream and white. Floor to ceiling glass windows make the most of the natural light and vistas, whilst the large double bed looks deliciously inviting with its crisp cotton sheets. I spot all the standard amenities one would hope for, including WiFi, cable channels, a sleek flat screen TV, air conditioning, Minibar, desk and safe. The bathroom is a sophisticated affair with shower, bath and quality complimentary products. We even have fluffy dressing gowns, a classic touch that never fails to make me feel truly relaxed and pampered. My man is grinning from ear to ear, he is loving watching my reactions and I suspect they very much mirror his when he first arrived. I have been gasping, exclaiming and sighing with satisfaction all the way and now that I am here I don't know where to begin. I feel like a child in a sweet shop.

Luckily my love has already planned ahead and, as it is lunch time, I freshen up and we descend to the O Visconde hotel restaurant where we have a table waiting with a frosty bottle of wine ready ordered. This we sip in mutual delight as we tuck into a feast of succulent seafood prepared with fresh, light ingredients and unpretentious yet imaginative flair. The food is excellent and by the time we're done I am sleepy and content. Yet the plan for the afternoon is not yet over. Having wished to surprise my man, he is turning the tables and surprising me! First he takes me on a romantic walk in the hotel gardens while we let the meal settle. Then an hour later he leads me to the hotel spa where we have special aromatic massages booked after making use of the marvellous heated pool, sauna and Turkish baths. We both emerge radiant and smelling divine and in this state of sheer relaxation we float back to our room for an evening siesta. Such splendid living is almost enough to keep us here locked up for the entirety of our stay! So spellbinding is the allure of the Posada de Faro hotel... Yet the white sands and fishing villages of the Algarve coast are moments away and I promise that first thing tomorrow we will venture beyond our heavenly haven and see what further treasures await!