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