Portugal Life & Travel Magazine | Page 29

Perfect Days | Monte Rei
Our villa is adjacent to Veranda , the focal point of the O Miradouro village , which has a swimming pool , tennis courts , restaurant and bar , a gymnasium and spa facilities . We make massage appointments for tomorrow to help us recover from our golf exertions . Even though we booked a 4-bedroom villa , the resort features smaller villas , also elegantly appointed , for short term rentals which we may consider on a future occasion . We feel privileged to be able to benefit from all the comforts and space of a private home whilst benefiting from all the services of a luxury hotel , including high quality bathrobes and slippers , Molton Brown toiletries , daily maid service and turndown in the evening . In-residence dining or a private chef is also available for an intimate meal or a function with guests .
We feel this is the ideal location for a family holiday , with an array of outdoor activities on offer and , in less than 10 minutes drive , some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve , including the stunning islands of Cabanas and Tavira which are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park . With Seville just over an hour drive , we even consider venturing into neighboring Spain – about 10 / 15 minutes away - for a change of culture and ambiance .
Wandering back to our villa , we have an aperitif by the pool before readying ourselves for our dinner at Vistas . We are just in time to see the sun set over the ocean before we stroll back towards the clubhouse . By now , the tranquillity of the day has given way to a buzzing atmosphere as golfers , holidaymakers and locals gather on the terraces to recap their day ’ s adventures . We strike up a conversation with a British couple who are here on holiday but with a view to buying one of the villas in the O Miradouro Village . They are considering whether to buy one of the four bedroom homes for € 1.9 million or construct their own home on one of the villa plots with prices starting at € 1 million . We envy their dilemma as our table is called .
Seated in the elegant surroundings of the Vistas restaurant , it is difficult to choose between the à la carte menu and the carefully designed tasting menu . Eventually we opt for the tasting menu and the wine list which matches a selection of Portuguese wines with each course . We are not left disappointed . Chef Jaime Perez has clearly taken the time to explore Portugal ’ s native ingredients to a delightful effect and each of the wines compliments its course perfectly . Each course is exquisite and satisfying , although by the end of the evening we struggle to eat the last few spoonfuls of our chocolate dessert … but somehow manage !
As we leave the restaurant , the stars twinkle above our heads and we stroll back to our villa with memories of a perfect day in a perfect location .
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club Sesmarias , Apartado 118
8901-907 Vila Nova de Cacela Portugal
Tel : + 351 281 950 950 Email : info @ monterei . com www . monte-rei . com
| www . portugal-life . net | Summer 2012 | 29