The Perfect Villa Vacation in Vilamoura
We are still yet to have our first holiday abroad with the girls. At the start of the year I wrote my 18 goals for 2018, and taking the family on our first every international holiday was pretty high up on the list. I have spent many hours browsing through the Clickstay website, looking longfully at places to stay, and dreaming of what our holiday would feel like! Whilst it is now unlikely that we will get away on holiday before the year is out (boooo!), it is something that I am keen to start planning for 2019. Having been on a few holidays both as a couple and with a group of girl friends prior to the girls being born, one place comes top of my list when I think of where I would like to return as a family of four or even with the grandparents in tow …. Vilamoura. Here are my reasons why it hits the top spot.
The Climate
Vilamoura in The Algarve is one of those rare places that is pretty much warm and pleasant all year round. We’ve been lucky enough to have visited Vilamoura in both June and August, the latter of which would possibly be a little too warm for the girls, but even during October half term you can expect to get a nice amount of sunshine and a pleasant daytime temperature.
Short Flight
The Algarve is one of the destinations for European holidays, with the flight from Birmingham being just 2 hours 43 minutes, ideal for the girl’s first flying experience. I have no idea how Neve in particular will react to the sensation of ear popping and potential turbulence, so for her first time, at least I don’t have to worry about being trapped in the air for hours with a crying baby!
Range of Accommodation
Vilamoura is one of those places that has accommodation options to suit a range of requirements, From romantic five star hotels to lively hotels with casinos, hotels sat on golf courses, there are also some beautiful apartments and villas in Vilamoura, the latter of which are ideal for families and larger groups. Having stayed in a hotel last time, I am keen to look at villas for our first family break – something that will offer us a home from home feel only with a hint of luxury.
A villa appeals because whilst Neve still naps, it means that the rest of us can enjoy some time catching some rays or splashing around in a private pool rather than having to go back to a hotel room and sit bored whilst I wait for her to wake up! We will also be free to plan our own agenda, with a self catering villa enabling us to eat out or cook inside depending on our mood, not being restricted by particular meal times or locations.
Beautiful Golden Beaches
I have really fond memories of the golden sandy beaches in Vilamoura – that soft white powdery sand that whilst it sticks like mad to suntan lotion, is perfect for building sandcastles! The girls aren’t keen on pebble beaches, so knowing that the sand is like the beach of dreams is something that definitely holds an appeal.
The Marina
When we go on holiday, I love eating out, and I love doing so in a destination which has a bit of bustle in the evenings. I have fond memories of strolling down to the busy Vilamoura marina in the early evening sun, and enjoying a meal outside listening to some live music and watching the moonlight reflect off the sea. Whilst I am sure with two children in tow it won’t be quite as peaceful as my recollections, I can be confident that there are plenty of choices when it comes to finding quality places to eat around the marina square. I am hoping the Chinese is still going strong, because their sweet and sour chicken was pretty special! 🙂
Mum and Dads Day Off
If we do end up going with grandparents in tow too, then one thing we would like to consider is a Mum and Dad’s day off. Whilst Vilamoura has a wide range of fantastic golf courses which would hold big appeal for Mike, there are also some fantastic day spas offering relaxing pampering in a place of utter relaxation. You can probably guess where I will end up!!
Family Days Out
For the girls, Vilamoura isn’t all relaxation, sun, sea and sand. There are also lots of family friendly locations right on the doorstep, ideal for keeping the girls entertained, including Zoomarine – an animal and marine park with a dolphin and sea lion show as well as a giant aquarium. I know Erin would also love Slide and Splash, a water park with giant water slides. rapids and jacuzzis – right up my little adrenaline junkie’s street.
As you can see, Vilamoura has absolutely loads to offer, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can share our holiday experience this time next year!
Have you been to Vilamoura as a family? Why was it the obvious choice for you?
*This is a collaborative post*
