By admin | | Posted in: Pine Cliffs
When most people in the UK think about resorts in the Algarve, the first thing that comes to mind is golf. My husband absolutely loves golf, so it was an ideal destination for him. I’m also fond of a few rounds, but we have two young kids. I was a little concerned that a golf resort in the Algarve wouldn’t be the best location for a family holiday. I shouldn’t have worried. It was actually one of the best decisions I could have made.
Of course, Pine Cliffs Resort isn’t your standard golf resort. It has a lot more to offer than just pleasantly manicured greens and fairways. For one thing, there are five incredible swimming pools which provide a well needed counterpoint to 18-holes, whether you’re a golfer or not. These pools are surrounded by beautiful 5-star accommodations and perfectly landscaped gardens full of sunbeds, with the crystal clear, azure blue waters of the Mediterranean just a few steps away.
As tired parents of young children, we were particularly grateful for the fact that Pine Cliffs is just a 40-minute drive from Faro airport, which is only 3 hours from Gatwick. Rather than the pseudo-retirement community vibe that the Algarve location infers, we found a resort full of young families much like ourselves, with bars and restaurants that are more than happy to cater to kids.
Pine Cliffs certainly doesn’t suffer from a lack of choice, with a full-service hotel, self-catering apartments and private villas available. This all adds up to create a large and diverse resort.
The Pine Cliffs Resort Hotel is large enough to cater for big groups. Despite the size, it still manages to maintain a warm and friendly atmosphere. It definitely doesn’t seem like it’s owned by a huge company, so don’t be put off by the brand name. If you prefer to go self-catering, the Pine Cliffs Residences and Terraces are a fantastic option.
I used to be a fan of quiet, sleepy places. That all changed when I had young children. Now, I really appreciate having a lot of facilities on the doorstep. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with bored kids.
Thankfully, that certainly won’t be a problem Pine Cliffs. In addition to the aforementioned swimming pools, there is also a giant “Children’s Village”, with playgrounds, mini-golf, bouncy castles and even a huge pirate ship for kids to play on! There’s also a supervised kids club for children aged 6 months to 8 years, and a junior club for older kids. Teenagers and energetic adults can enjoy a range of sports, both in the water and on dry land. There’s also a magnificent spa and, of course, golf.
The Algarve is one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean coast, and sadly this is no secret. Thousands of tourists flock here each year, which can make the beaches fairly busy. However, if you’re looking for a more secluded spot to relax, you’ll find plenty of quieter stretches of coastline within a reasonable distance of Pine Cliffs.
There are many restaurants in and around Pine Cliffs, but don’t miss the many restaurants in the Pine Cliffs Resort hotel. These range from casual, relaxed eateries to the area’s most special fine dining options. There is also an elegant champagne bar, which pairs a great wine list with incredible views of the coast.
While the area around Pine Cliffs is very popular with tourists, it’s easy to hire a car at Faro airport, so consider this if you want to explore areas that are more authentically Portuguese. You won’t have to go far to find bars and restaurants full of locals.
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