Trip to Armacao de Pera in the Algarve is the recipe for relaxation (From Bournemouth Echo)

Trip to Armacao de Pera in the Algarve is the recipe for relaxation

2:00pm Saturday 6th March 2010 in

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I HAVE always had a bit of a soft spot for the Algarve, probably the result of spending four summer holidays in a row there in the early ’90s when the children were small.

From the lush golf courses of Vilamoura to the mountain beauty of towns like Monchique and then down the most westerly point of mainland Europe at Cape St Vincent, I’ve explored a fair part of one of Europe’s most popular getaways.

With superb weather and beaches (over 100 miles of them), excellent accommodation and plenty of charm, the Algarve has something for everyone but it is particularly great for a family holiday.

However not until a few months ago did I discover one of the Algarve’s most charming and relaxing resorts,Armacao de Pera.

Halfway between the garish Albufeira and the fishing town of Portimao, Armacao is the perfect spot for the ultimate in unwinding.

And that goes for the fourstar Hotel Garbe, the resort’s best known hotel, perched right on the long, sandy beach (one of the longest on the Algarve) and a short walk from some excellent restaurants and shops.

This was a brief four-day break but one that brought the stress levels right down to zero and recharged the batteries to full – not just mine, but those of my 24- year-old banker son, whose holiday of choice is big city America and who doesn’t normally do lazing by the pool.

He doesn’t normally have the patience.

The Garbe has stunning views from the sun terrace, the pool and excellent Por Do Sol restaurant.

The acclaimed Indian restaurant, Raj at Garbe, is popular with guests and local residents and is frequented by Sir Cliff Richard, who owns a vineyard nearby.

There are three bars and entertainment is provided most evenings.

The bedrooms and suites – I pulled rank and had the suite – have every comfort you could wish for.

Most have seaview with balcony.

The Garbe also has a hairdressing salon and beauty and treatment centre and a games room downstairs.

You can either stroll into town along the beach or by the beachfront promenade which was being painstaking relaid brick by brick while we were there in an expensive redevelopment programme.

It has now finished and looks superb.

We tried a different restaurant each night and found each one served up an excellent three-course meal for about 12 euros each – the so-called ‘tourist menus’ are unbeatable value.

Each restaurant was family owned and chatting with owners added to the fun.

As well as being a great location in its own right, Armacao makes the perfect base for exploring this part of the Algarve.

It’s easy to get around on the local bus service, but we hired a car and retraced some of the steps from nearly 20 years ago – Albufeira was unrecognisable in parts because of the huge development that has continued relentlessly over that period.

Half an hour walking down the infamous ‘Strip’ was quite enough for both of us.

But head inland for lunch at historic Silves for instance and you can still enjoy the authentic flavour of the Algarve.

This part of Portugal remains a lovely blend of old and new.

Two decades on from first discovering its delights, I am pleased to say I’d still thoroughly recommended it.

And so would the city boy.

Getting there

Andy Martin’s trip to Armacao de Pera was organised by Palmair, flying from Bournemouth to Faro. Transfer time by coach about 1hr 45 mins, less by car. Bournemouth based Palmair offers holidays to eleven destinations including Majorca, Lanzarote, Tunisia, Minorca, Madeira and the Algarve, with seat only available on some flights.

Prices for seven nights at the Hotel Garbe start from £429 per person.

For more information call reservations on 01202 200700 or any branch of Bath Travel.