São Rafael Suites ★★★★★

The Algarve is rightly one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Europe. With endless miles of pristine golden beaches, lovely countryside, warm blue sea and vibrant picturesque towns like Albufeira and Vilamoura, what more could anyone want? Well, just a couple of things according to Annie: plenty of activities for the children and all-inclusive services and catering so that she doesn’t have to lift a finger, not even as much as deciding where to eat. Well, we found that and more at the São Rafael Suites.

It is in a secluded location right beside the golden beach of São Rafael which gives its name to our hotel. A modern building curves around a large round pool edged with palm trees and sun loungers, and beyond, we can see the roofs of the village and the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Inside, everything is bright and airy with modern furniture, unobtrusive services and friendly staff. Annie and her husband had taken a family suite overlooking the gardens. They wanted to be sure it would be quiet in the evenings. It was very spacious with a large living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large nicely furnished balcony. They left the children negotiating over which of them would occupy the top bunk and came to see our room. We had taken a double room with a balcony overlooking the garden. Ours was bright, fresh and spacious too – so far everyone in the family was happy.

And so the scene was set for our week of family togetherness and relaxation. Togetherness came at meal times; relaxation was the individual activity of our own choosing. The children were delighted with the Kid’s Club which has its own dedicated spaces, and there are lots of supervised activities, including supervision in the children’s pool. That meant that Annie and I could relax on a sun lounger by the pool in the morning, and in the afternoon retire to a spa treatment and lounge around in the Hammam and hot tub. My husband and son-in-law, when they were not on the beach, only ten minutes’ walk away, were off on the golf course. They particularly liked the Alamo course, which they said was challenging but a lot of fun.

Meal times were when we enjoyed family gatherings and Annie had her wish of never having to lift a finger, at least for one precious week. There were even special chairs and menus for the children, which they appreciated. Little conservatives as children tend to be, they were happy to be able to choose familiar fish fingers and leave the more exotic Portuguese dishes to the adults. We loved the Buffet São Rafael Restaurant at lunchtime, dinner in the à la carte São Rafael for modern Portuguese cuisine, and a huge breakfast spread of fresh fruit and savouries, including a lovely choice of Portuguese pastries.

Exciting or relaxing, playful or sporty, each of us found what we wanted at the Sao Rafael Suites.