Salgados Vila das Lagoas ★★★★

Driving through the Algarve countryside where whitewashed villages meet the shore and orchards of fig, almond and citrus groves stretch into the horizon, you’ll begin to see why so many fall in love with the area and holiday here year after year. An expanse of green manicured lawns, punctuated by small lakes and palms, greets you as you arrive at stylish and modern complex of the Salgados Vila das Lagoas.

With the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop, you’ll be shown not just to your room, but your own private villa or apartment, fully equipped with everything to make it feel like home. From a washer/dryer to an iron, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge area and free WiFi, you’ll find everything you could possibly need in your sleek and minimalist apartment. So, begin your sunshine break by making yourself a cup of tea or coffee in your very own kitchen and admiring the views from your own private terrace across the pools and golf course.

With a total of an incredible seven pools dotted around the complex your first priority (and the kids’) will be to go and try them all out. There’ll be no fighting over sun loungers here, with plenty of space for everyone. And if you find you need an even bigger space to swim in, the beach is located just a short walk away, through reed paths and past estuaries and lakes filled with wading birds. The resort’s location is situated perfectly halfway between the natural world and the life and culture of the towns along the Algarve coastline.

Hire some bicycles from the hotel to explore the area further or spend the morning enjoying a range of water sports available down on the beach, from windsurfing to canoeing, fishing and diving. In the afternoon why not enjoy some quiet time to yourself by dropping the kids off at the excellent kids’ club and heading off to the golf course to play a round or even indulging in a treatment or massage at the hotel’s spa facility?

If you want to explore the area, Albufeira and its pretty old town lies just less than seven kilometres from the resort. When you’re not using the sporting facilities or pools, time can be spent here exploring the Moorish cobblestoned alleyways, shopping or enjoying a wealth of bars and restaurants. The beautiful Praia da Galé beach, one of the best in the area, also lies not too far away - a long sandy arc, never too crowded and perfect for water and jet skiing.

In the evenings, your kitchen will allow you to cook all your family’s favourite meals, but if you feel like a break from cooking you’ll find a poolside bar for quick and easy lunches and a restaurant for evening meals, where you can enjoy both international dishes and traditional Portuguese ones.

The whole family will remember their time at Salgados Vila das Lagoas with fond memories and maybe you’ll become one of those families who come back to the Algarve again and again to enjoy its wonderful climate, friendly people and stunning beaches.