Salgados Dunas Suites Hotel ★★★★★

Arriving in Albufeira, I'm welcomed by the sight of the Salgados Dunas Suites hotel. A shimmering oasis between the dunes, this high-end resort appears to me almost as a mirage. Lounging beside the ocean, it rises out of a fantasy landscape of wild sand dunes, palm trees and olive trees. Yet the Salgados Dunas Suites is not a mere figment of my imagination, it is a dream become real; at the pinnacle of elegance and idleness, face turned toward the ocean. The hotel surpasses my expectations. No fewer than nine swimming pools, gardens as far as the eye can see and miles and miles of sand await me on my voyage of relaxation.

Five centuries of Arab occupation have left the Algarve region, in the far south of Portugal, with a distinctly exotic flavour. Moorish architecture cosies up to Roman ruins, while the local pastries and cakes are filled with nuts and dried fruits, showing the region’s culinary legacy. Yet the real jewels of southern Portugal’s crown are surely its beaches. Coves tucked away out of sight or long stretches of golden sand have helped to transform the Algarve into one of the most sought-after seaside destinations in Europe. Depending on your tastes, tranquil sheltered beaches have something for the family, while swollen waves provide endless thrills for water sport enthusiasts. Wherever you choose, the sun is an almost permanent fixture, blazing away in the azure skies.

I enter my sea-view room, a contemporary gem overlooking the ocean, replete with the promise of delicious nights rocked by the waves. The clean lines draw my eye straight to the sea, which is allowed – quite rightly – to occupy centre stage. Out on the balcony, hours slip through my fingers like sand as I contemplate the idyllic setting of the Praia Salgados.

With the sea salt on my lips whetting my appetite, I make my way without any further ado to the hotel restaurant. Or restaurants, I should say. I kick off with a cocktail and sink into a soft sofa in the Jazz Bar. The understated ambiance reminds me of something from 1920s New Orleans. With my aperitif quickly dispatched, I opt for a change of scene and settle on the Bossa Nova Restaurant, where even the name suggests harmony and unfamiliar treats. Here I tuck into a parade of flavourful specialities before I finally tumble back along the path to my oh-so-cosy bedroom for a night of deep and restful sleep.

In the morning, I take the wooden walkway down to the beach. This little raised walkway inspires me, because, just at this moment, as the sun begins its long journey across the sky, the day stretches out before me like a blank page waiting to be filled with a thousand experiences and endless moments of relaxation.

If you do one thing, heed my advice!