Of the major European holiday destinations, Portugal is the only one so far to have made the government’s green list of places travellers from England can visit once the country welcomes British tourists again. (The rules differ for travellers from the rest of the UK, so do check the latest information.) Fortunately, when it comes to holidays, “Portugal has it all”, says Laura Hampson in the Evening Standard.
Wine country
The Douro Valley, for example, in the north of the country, “where rolling hills flank its namesake river”, is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, as well as a Unesco World Heritage Area. The Six Senses resort, 90 minutes east of Porto, sits in a renovated, 19th-century, terracotta-hued manor house, with 57 rooms and three villas set in 22 acres of land. “While your day away at the outdoor pool before retreating to the wine library in the evenings for in-house tastings.” From £449, sixsenses.com.
A hedonistic beach retreat
“Beaches are what Portugal does best,” says Mary Lussiana in The Daily Telegraph. “Fine golden sands run all along the Algarve coastline, in long stretches or tiny coves, framed by mellow limestone rocks.” Vila Joya, in Albufeira, is the Algarve’s “most hedonistic retreat”. Set on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, it houses a two-Michelin-star restaurant presided over by Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, a small spa, “abundant” gardens, and 22 individually decorated suites, all with ocean views (and some with private pools), not to mention “a cool white-on-white beach shack down on the sand” serving cocktails and sushi. “This is the kind of place that most people don’t leave once they have arrived because nowhere outside is quite as lovely as where they are.” From £673, vilajoya.com.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
A spa for sun-worshippers
The new five-star Savoy Palace, based in Madeira’s “charming” capital, Funchal, is the Portuguese island’s biggest hotel launch to date, says Leanne Bayley for Hello magazine. The suites offer “stunning views” of the sea and the bathrooms come with standalone baths, rain showers and “marble everywhere”. In the spa, you’ll find a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, ice fountain, sensory showers and an indoor heated pool. Not that sun worshippers aren’t spoilt for choice for sunny spots to “catch the rays” outside. The small infinity pool on the 16th floor is a great spot for enjoying the views. It’s also just the place for sipping cocktails and watching the sun go down. Doubles from €200, lhw.com.
-
10 vinyl records worth up to £10,000 - is one in your collection?News Vinyl is experiencing a resurgence and collectors will pay up to £10,000 for some albums - is it time to dust off your old records?
-
FCA: Banks are still short-changing savers
The latest FCA review finds that while public shaming has encouraged providers into offering better deals on savings, many of those with closed accounts are still being shortchanged.
-
Calilo – sustainable luxury on a Greek island: MoneyWeek Travel
MoneyWeek Travel Rupert Hargreaves visits Calilo, a resort on the Greek island of Ios, where sustainability and luxury live in harmony
-
England’s sparkling wine industry has potential for early investors
Global warming has changed the game for England’s sparkling wine industry – even growers in Champagne are planting in England. Brave investors might like to join the party early.
-
Hotel Indigo Durham review: a delightful stay in Durham – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel During a stay at the Hotel Indigo Durham sees Matthew Partridge revisit his old student stomping grounds.
-
The Brando, a Polynesian paradise – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel Sustainability meets the last word in luxury on Marlon Brando's island in French Polynesia, says Chris Carter
-
The 10 cheapest countries to travel to
Features Looking to get away but want to keep costs low? Check out these 10 holiday destinations which remain cheap despite rising inflation.
-
A South African adventure
Reviews From buzzy Johannesburg to big game drives, South Africa has it all, says Katie Monk
-
Villa Gaia Rock: perfect harmony in Corfu
Reviews Blend in with your surroundings at the new Villa Gaia Rock in Corfu.
-
Indulge your wild side with a safari in deepest Kent
Reviews Get up close to the animals at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, says Matthew Partridge
