Sheraton Algarve, Pine Cliffs Resort

The resort, which has repeatedly been voted Portugal’s best, comprises the luxurious Sheraton Algarve Hotel and a number of privately owned houses and apartments, available for rent, scattered around the grounds.

Architecturally, the resort has been designed to resemble a village, with none of the whitewashed buildings higher than three floors. Pine Cliffs is a great destination for a family holiday, providing a relaxed environment combined with excellent facilities. These include a nine-hole golf course, a golf academy staffed by a team of professionals, five tennis courts (including two floodlit), three outdoor swimming pools and a health club with an indoor pool, gym and massage treatments.

A panoramic lift takes you down to the sandy beach, where watersports including sailing, windsurfing, body-boarding, kayaking, waterskiing and pedalos are available.

For children, there’s one of the best kids clubs in Europe, linked to other parts of the resort by a mini-train and complete with wooden pirate ships, two pools (one for swimming, one for remote-controlled boats), an 18-hole mini-golf course and a bouncy castle. For older children, there’s also a juniors club offering activities such as football, volleyball, basketball and archery. Last but not least, dining options at Pine Cliffs range from a beach bar to a sushi bar and a choice of gourmet restaurants.