A week well spent in a luxury Villa located in the stunning Quinta do Lago, Algarve. A private pool, fresh seafood, champagne by the ocean, a toddler, a baby…and a diamond ring. This was one to remember!
We booked Villa Cinara, a luxurious 4 bedroom, beautiful and traditional Algarvian Villa, located on the prestigious golf & leisure resort, Pinheiros Altos. It was only a 20 minute drive from the airport which was a reassuring thought after a 3 hour plane journey with a 5-month old! Driving up it felt like millionaire’s row, every house looked absolutely out of this world. We arrived at our villa and it was as equally stunning as the villas we had passed on our way there.
We booked through a company called totstotravel.co.uk. They were very helpful in helping us find a villa that would suit our needs with the young children. I am talking cots, toys, stair gates – and above all – the gated pool – really gives you peace of mind with an excitable toddler buzzing about.
The nearest shops were about a 5 minute drive so a car was essential, there you will find the Quinta shopping plaza. The pretty square has some exquisite, high-end shops and boutiques as well as a few nice places to sit and grab a coffee. Our favourite spot in Quinta do Lago was a little pub called The Cheeky Pup. The Cheeky Pup is a cool, stylish, Irish gatsropub with a buzzing atmosphere, delicous food, craft beers and fine wines – a great spot in the evenings.
We had been told about some fantastic restaurants close by but there was one we had heard about that really grabbed our attention. A unique, beachfront, shack-styled seafood restaurant close by Quinta named ‘Gigi’s’. We parked as close as possible and arrived at a wooden bridge that looked like it could go on forever. Perched in distance, just on the horizon, overlooking the tidal lagoon on the sand dunes, Gigi’s. There are not many tables, so probably wise to book, this little seafood treasure was very popular..and now we know why! There is not a menu per se, just a specials board with a price per kilo of the fish caught that day. We shared a large, full seabass, cooked to perfection, mussles, shrimp and oysters. The freshness of the fish, combined with the delicate seasoning and perfect cooking are what makes Gigi’s a must visit if you are in the area! Harry even enjoyed a few mussels – if you are a fish lover you absolutely must visit here if you are in the area, an exceptional lunch and atmosphere. Parent tip: make sure you remember EVERYTHING from the car, you do not want to have to be running back over that bridge and back – and this is talking from experience!
For a livelier atmosphere, Vale do Lobo is 15 minute drive away, a gorgeous resort of about 15 restaurants overlooking a long and pristine sandy beach. There was a welcoming and relaxed feel, with a choice of cuisines from beach bars, creperies, Mexican food and more. There are some lovely spots to sit with a drink and watch the tide come in, in particular, Breeze bar. Our favourite restaurant at Vale do Lobo was called, Sandbanks (another fish restaurant) but if you are in the mood something slightly different, The Teahouse serves excellent Asian fusion cuisine. The beaches were lovely, very accessible and great for the kids. Vale do Lobo also had one of the most fantastic outdoor children’s play areas I have ever visited: ride on cars, bouncy castles, painting and so much more, Harry was in his element.
This holiday was spent with my parents, it was wonderful to see Harry splashing about in the pool with Grandad, making special memories on holiday they will both treasure forever.
Another great reason to take the grandparents, in house babysitters! We took advantage one night as they allowed us to go on a date night… It turned out to be our best one yet!
Thomas had booked us in to a special, 2 Michelin star restaurant he had read about; Vila Joya. Hidden away among a modest row of buildings we arrived to a large, lavish gate. As we were buzzed in and drove through we were completely blown away with the beauty of the building. We were greeted by a host of incredibly attentive staff that guided us to a lavish golden waiting area and served us champagne and fresh fruit whilst we waited for our table to prepared. We were seated outside, overlooking the beautiful Atlantic ocean whilst the sun set just over the horizon, a candlelit dinner… perfect! Whilst enjoying fine wine, dining on incredible food, laughing and chatting, (about the kids obviously) to my surprise, Thomas pulled out a box.
My heart stopped, I didn’t want to believe it was real; in fact, until he got down on one knee and asked me, I was convinced he was joking! He opened the box to reveal the most gorgeous diamond ring, I was in complete shock, it was a feeling I will never forget! I said yes, of course, and the staff came and presented a bottle of champagne for us to celebrate. All this occurred before we had even had our first official course of the tasting menu. There had been a series of appetisers, and “chef’s specialties”, which were incredible but the 8-course tasting menu was unbelievable. Each course was sensational, ranging from goat’s cheese to lamb rump to lobster and everything inbetween. The final stop on our tasting menu journey was dessert. A plate of 6 different mini desserts was delicately placed in front of each of us simultaneously by the two waiting staff dedicated to our table. As with the rest of the meal, it was all incredible, in particular, the champagne magnum was truly spectacular.
Love from,
The Big Dreams Family x