Algarve, Portugal - travel review

We were now skipping across the waves as a golden expanse of sand rose up on the horizon.

This was one of the wonders that the sun-drenched Algarve had to offer, which can now be experienced through affordable luxury holiday packages being offered by travel operator Jet 2.

Ilha Desert Island felt like something out the Pirates Of The Carribean.

You could be forgiven for thinking it was somewhere in the middle of the ocean, but the island was in fact a short boat trip off the Portugese coast.

It is a long thin strip of land measured several kilometres and is one of the reasons why the Algarve is considered a slice of paradise.

It has everything to offer the budding British holiday maker on just a three-hour flight away - sun, sea and golden beaches.

Jet2 opened up the region to the Midlands market in March with flights from Birmingham and East Midlands airport.

Alongside flights, the company is offering holiday packages including five-star hotels.

This was the emphasis on my visit and I stayed at three five-star hotels during my trip to experience the 'affordable luxury'.

A week-long stay at each hotel - including flights and bed and breakfast - cost less than £1,000.

Compare this with a family trip to Orlando in Florida, which is of a similar climate, and it works out cheaper whilst having top quality accomodation thrown in.

My favourite hotel was the Conrad Algarve, situated in the prestigious golf resort of Quinta do Lago, and within a 10-minute walk from the beach.

The beauty of the hotel's architecture is what took me back on first impression.

It's grandure resembles that of a palace, with a driveway lined with palm trees leading down to a gleaming white entrance. Inside, the reception is housed under a glass dome roof which circular rows of floors lead up to.

Of course, you should never judge a book just by its cover. However the facilities and service inside was equally as impressive.

An indoor pool, a sauna, spa, Jacuzzi and outdoor pool are all at your finger tips to help you unwind. And for ultra-rich guests, there is a master suite where the roof can open at the flick of a button.

Equally, the Epic Sana located in Albufeira and Anantara located in Vilamoura were on par in terms of the quality on offer.

However the Eipic Sana has is focused on health and well-being - like a rehabilitation camp.

Guests were seen taking part in runs and circuit training around the grounds - not your typical image of a holiday.

Gym facilities, an indoor and outdoor pool, and yoga classes are available.

Meanwhile inside the hotel rooms, you'll find bright-green toilet paper, illustrating the emphasis of well-being.

What I liked about the hotel was a beach was literally on your doorstep, and some of the rooms looked directly onto the sea.

The Anantara is located next to Victoria Golf Course, where the Portugal Masters is held as part of the European Tour, and so it is a popular spot with golfers.

The interior had gold-tinted like it was designed to an Egyptian theme.

It had spa facilities, three outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool, alongside a fitness centre and a restaurant which served up a chic dinner menu.

Again this hotel earned all of its five-stars.

Tourist bosses are keen to show off the luxury hotels on offer in the Algarve - but of course there are cheaper alternatives to stay where you can enjoy the best that the region has to offer.

Golfing is popular in the Algarve. Aside from the Victoria Golf Course, there are ranges situated in Quinta do Lago - a wealthy golf and residential resort which is frequented by celebrities.

Meanwhile the marina bay at Vilamoura has a variety of bars which offer a lively night-life.

But if you want to get away to more peaceful settings, the salt flats by Gigi Beach and the Ilha Desert Island offer great opportunities to take in the Algarve's natural setting.

A boat ride on board a powerful dingy will take you to the desert island. It will take around 20 minutes, passing through the salt flats which is a protected area and home to numerous birds.

That proved my favourite part of the trip. The island is home to a restaurant which serves up delicious sea food.

Another destination worth visiting to tempt your taste buds is Quinta do Frances vineyard - located in the countryside - which is an award-winning vineyards.

The Algarve makes a great getaway destination which promises great sunny weather and a relaxing place to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Factbox

- A seven-night stay with bed and breakfast at the five-star Epic Sana in Albufeira costs £719 per person.

- A seven-night stay with bed and breakfast at the five-star Conrad Algarve in Quinta Do Lago departing from Birmingham on October 12 (2017) costs £849.

- A seven-night stay with bed and breakfast at the five-star Anantara Vilamoura in Vilamoura departing Birmingham on October 12 costs £799.

- To find out more about the range of Jet2 holiday packages, visit www.jet2holidays.com or call free on 0800 408 5599.