A DJ pumps out summer-vibe tunes, while we soak up Atlantic Ocean views from a rooftop terrace.
The soundtrack is perfect for an international crowd of families, honeymooners and cool kids, all enjoying the end to another spectacular day at the W Algarve hotel.
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It’s not just the sunsets that are to die for.
Every part of this design-led hotel is a joy to admire.
At the hotel’s flagship Paper Moon restaurant, we were served a feast of Italian dishes, from grilled octopus and king prawns to homemade pasta and juicy steaks.
Keen not to miss out on any of it, I insisted my family followed a strict dish-sharing policy.
It worked a treat until puddings, when my daughters Savannah, 12, and Scarlett, nine, scoffed all the profiteroles and tiramisu before I could get a look-in.
I was informed they were delicious.
Only a nightcap at the hotel’s Sea Sky bar, overlooking the Armação de Pera bay, cheered me up.
The next morning, our biggest challenge was tearing ourselves away from our Residence apartment.
It featured two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and dining room and every toiletry you could dream of, plus a private garden area for sunbathing.
My daughters could have spent the day playing with the room’s swanky mood-lighting system.
But best of all, you have the services of a swish hotel at your fingertips.
It’s luxury worth shelling out for
While on the more expensive end of the scale for Algarve hotels, the spectacular modern design and quirky mod cons make it luxury worth shelling out for.
Those travelling without kids in tow can enjoy the Wonderful rooms — vast spaces with king-size beds, sitting area and walk-in wardrobes as well as a spacious balcony from £167 per night in January.
Whenever and wherever you stay, the breakfast buffet is a must.
Our jaws dropped at the huge variety of treats, from poached eggs to fresh fruit, pancakes and waffles.
Trays of freshly-baked Portuguese custard tarts proved irresistible.
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With bellies full, it was time to burn off a few calories.
While my mum Marsha headed off for a yoga session on the sun terrace, the kids made a beeline for the split-level pools.
The sweeping, serene infinity pool, featuring a jacuzzi-style area is for those aged 12 and over.
We headed for the fun-filled second pool, where a selection of inflatables draw the hotel’s youngsters.
The pool toys were an instant ice-breaker, and my girls quickly made friends.
Leaving them under the watchful eye of their grandmother, I went off to explore.
The W resort is a 30-minute drive from Faro airport and the popular town of Albufeira.
Here there is a host of activities from dolphin cruises and water parks to the sprawling golf courses for which the Algarve is famous.
Closer to the hotel, a complimentary shuttle bus takes you to Praia do Castello, a golden stretch of sand, enclosed by cliffs.
If that’s too much effort, it’s a five-minute walk to Evaristo Beach, which has an excellent seafood restaurant with a popular beach bar.
Next up was the hotel’s spa facilities.
Just one day into my sunshine break, I’d already relaxed into holiday mode, but a blissful back, neck and head massage sealed the deal.
I could have lounged in the steam room and sauna all weekend, but dad duty called and it was time for another foodie adventure.
Seeking out the most authentic Nando’s-style dinner we could, we we discovered the Ramires restaurant just a few miles away in the little village of Guia.
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Established in 1964 and split over three levels, it has a menu that focuses purely on Peri-Peri chicken.
For just over £10 you can enjoy a huge portion of meat, the freshest fries and a tasty tomato salad.
A million Brits typically head to this part of Portugal every year.
For an oasis of calm among the bustling tourist hotspots, the W Algarve is just the ticket.
GO: ALGARVE
GETTING THERE: Multiple airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways fly to Faro from most UK airports.
Return flights in January from around £50pp. See skyscanner.net.
STAYING THERE: King rooms at the W Algarve from £167 per night in January, Residence two-bed apartments from £318 per night, see marriott.com.
A week-long room-only stay in April 2024, including flights form Manchester or Birmingham, is from £809pp – see jet2holidays.com.
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