GOLF BALLS BEACH BALLS: QUAINT QUINTA DO LAGO

Those who work hard deserve to play hard as well. Whether an individual is middle class or wealthy beyond belief, if they are working hard for a living, they deserve an opportunity to play hard too. A luxury holiday is the best way to enjoy some much needed time away from work and home, but where to go? For many Britons, the top travel destinations are those which offer warm sun, sandy beaches, and tropical environments that stand in stark contrast to the dreary winters and springs in the UK.

Tucked in nicely on the tip of the European continent, jutting out into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is an excellent destination for millions of Britons: the nation of Portugal. With a multitude of options, Portugal has a lot to offer any tourist, but for those looking for a luxury holiday Portugal has some of the world's best destinations to offer.

Quinta do Lago

If you've been thinking about taking a luxury holiday to Portugal, then the only destination that should come to mind is the quaint resort of Quinta do Lago. Nestled in the Algarve region of Portugal, Quinta do Lago offers something for all the family and the surroundings provide the ultimate in luxury for any holiday.

The main attraction of the resort is the three championship-quality golf course layouts available at Quinta do Lago. In addition to being one of Europe's premier courses, the resort has the pleasure of hosting a golf academy on its grounds, which is run by European Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley. Aside from working on your game on the links, it is also possible to get technical help from the 3D Trackman Pro, which records and analyses your swing. The courses at Quinta do Lago offer the following greens fees:

Laranjal: €95 per person w/shared buggy

North/South: €82 per person

Three Round Package (Laranjal/North/South): Starts at €229 per person

But if you're worried that it's all golf, golf and more golf, then fear not; the resort has more to offer than golf for mum and dad. There is plenty of opportunity for non-golfers and children to enjoy the beauty of Portugal's Atlantic Coast as well.

Algarve's Beaches

Swimming, snorkelling, diving, surfing, and kite surfing are all possible outdoor excursions near the Quinta do Lago resort. Below is some basic information to get any tourist started when planning a trip to Portugal:

Praia do Ancao: easy to find from Quinta do Lago, this beach features golden sands and is a popular destination for families looking for a day at the beach.

Praia de Marinha: this beach is dominated by white sand beaches and has been ranked as one of the ten best beaches in Europe by the Michelin Guide.

Praia do Alvor: A favourite among both locals and tourists, this beach offers kite-surfing opportunities along with pedalo and kayak rentals. Additionally, this beach is famous for its calm waters, making it ideal for families and individuals alike.

Making Arrangements

Before hopping a plane to Portugal, it is wise to take a moment and plan the perfect holiday to Portugal. Those looking for the ultimate luxury holiday might consider using specialists like Club Med. The company is particularly popular for all-inclusive packages that include all the luxury amenities you're looking for.

However, should you choose to make your own arrangements, the following information is helpful to have. Portugal's Algarve region is most easily accessed via Faro Airport in Faro, Portugal. Numerous UK-based airlines service Faro Airport, including British Airways, Monarch, Thomas Cook, and Ryanair, which has made Faro a regional hub. April through June offers the best window to visit Portugal, with warm days and comfortably cool evenings.

About the author: Alex Norman has family in Portugal, and visits there as much as he can. When he's not visiting Portugal, he's researching and writing about his favourite place.