Portugal’s Algarve has long been a popular destination for UK travellers; just a short flight away, it offers golden beaches, historic buildings and a warm Mediterranean climate. Lagos is found on its western shores, a little away from the more touristy areas of the south, ensuring a genuine taste of Portugal, with all the trappings of a sheltered and sunkissed resort. Theme and water parks make it a good choice for parents seeking a balance of family-friendly activities as well as Portuguese culture (head to the cobbled streets for some authentic local restaurants).
Casa Mãe
While many resorts here border the beach, this 19th-century casa feels more like a mansion home, both in terms of its location (within the city’s winding streets) and ambience. It has just 34 bedrooms all set around a kitchen garden, a triangle-shaped pool and a courtyard, flanked by Lagos’ ancient fortifications. Its amenities include a restaurant Orta, a yoga room, a spa (with a rooftop lap pool, a hammam and a relaxation room), an outdoor cinema and a chic boutique. Casa Mãe’s owner has infused much of the style of his homeland (France) into the decor, in collaboration with interior designer Martin Blanchard.