São Rafael Atlantico ★★★★★

Sao Rafael, for anyone who is wondering, is the archangel Raphael. In Christian tradition, he is known for his healing powers and is the patron saint of travellers. Appropriate, then, that the CS Sao Rafael Atlantic should take his name. Upon your arrival, you will surely feel like somebody has been looking over you on your travels, guiding you to the finest hotel in the whole Algarve! And as for the healing powers, whether it is by pampering yourself in the vast 1800m2 Atlantic Spa, sunbathing by any one of the three outdoor pools, or lying on the beach listening to the soothing sounds of the waves on the rocks, by the end of your stay you are sure to feel refreshed, revitalised and renewed.

Aside from it being famous for its spectacular beaches, beautiful countryside and picturesque golf courses, I must admit that I knew little about the Algarve before our arrival; but this wonderful corner of the world wowed me from start to finish. As soon as we drew up outside, it was clear that this would be a hotel to remember. I knew all about its seaside location, but I could scarcely believe our proximity to the famous beaches – the sea was already visible, just beyond the olive and palm trees of the hotel gardens, which reached out and touched the Atlantic coast. And the building itself was striking for its sleek, modern design - glass and large windows everywhere provided an extraordinary luminosity which dazzled the stylish hotel lobby and filled the rooms with sunlight.

After a friendly welcome, we were shown up to our room, elegantly furnished with a spacious bathroom and a whole wall of glass, leading out to our own private terrace with sea view. There was little time to take it all in, however – the excitable kids were bouncing up and down, eager to get straight out to the beach. Though I tried to calm them down a little, I will admit that I shared their gleeful enthusiasm, and could not wait to get out there myself! We made our way outside, through the trees of the sun-drenched gardens and down the steps towards the beach, where we were met with an absolutely jaw-dropping sight…

Put simply, the Algarve’s reputation for amazing beaches is completely justified. In front of us, the turquoise water sparkled and shimmered under the scorching summer sun; striking rock formations punctuated the coastline and afforded the beach an air of seclusion and isolation; and the soft sand under our feet was enticing, an idyllic spot to lay out under the cloudless blue sky. It was the kind of clichéd image of paradise that you can never seem to find in real life, and yet here we were!

If, like us, you are travelling with children, then the CS Sao Rafael Atlantic is the perfect hotel to keep them busy, happy and satisfied. And if not, rest assured that children will not be under your feet, and will be keeping themselves occupied elsewhere! They have their own swimming pool, where they can scream, splash and play to their heart’s content. A personal favourite activity was making use of the bike rental and going for a family bike ride, exploring the stunning scenery in the surrounding area. The beach, of course, will entertain a playful child for hours on end, and they even enjoy access to the Kids’ Club just up the road at the CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel. In short, this offering from CS Hotels has almost as much excitement for children as CS Lewis’s Narnia!

While the kids are busy, or if you come just as a couple, there is plenty to keep adults entertained too. Take the opportunity to treat yourself to a massage, Scottish shower, Turkish bath, or relaxing dip in the hydro-massaging pool with whirlpool features, all in the extensive Atlantic Spa. The revitalising power of water is at the centre of this calming spa experience. And as the sun goes down, you will never tire of sitting on the terrace of one of the seven bars and restaurants, enjoying a refreshing drink or an exquisitely prepared meal as you take in the dramatic, unspoilt views of the sunset. Particularly recommended is the Italian ‘Al Fresco’ restaurant, which opens in the summer and offers staggering panoramic sea views.

Sao Rafael may be the patron saint of travellers, but this will not make it any easier when the time comes to pack up and travel home. A stay at the CS Sao Rafael Atlantic is pure bliss, an experience unlike any other. Difficult as it may be to return to the real world, I at least went safe in the knowledge that I had memories to stay with me for a lifetime, and a firm resolution to come back.