Best way to start the day is with a round of sea side golf. Clear the head while counting some 15.000 steps at the same time. Especially in these Covid-19 times, with wearing a mask almost all day, fresh air is a bare necessity. Our 4 day golf destination is located just an hour North of Lisboa. The Marriott Praia d'el Rey golf & beach resort has two great golf courses, both Praia d'el Rey and Westcliffs are challenging and even more so when the weather (I mean wind) is in play... The resort area is quite large, almost a village, and located between Atlantic Ocean seaside, dunes eucalyptus woods.

A sunrise balloon flight over Alentejo Baroccal and Monsaraz, is one of the many activities from Sao Lourenco do Barrocal eco rural luxury hotel.

Some people love to browse real estate websites. My guilty pleasure is scanning wellness destination websites. Each to their own, right? Reading a spa menu could also be a form of meditation. When I saw Anantara Vilamoura amongst the retreat listings in Algarve on Dutch Puur & Kuur site, it caught my attention. I already read about this resort which is only 20 minutes by car from my Algarvian home and replaces the old Tivoli hotel. Time for a wellness staycation.

Our vegetable garden in Algarve keeps on giving fruits and vegs with a leading role for courgettes at the moment. There are only so many ratatouille's, grilled courgettes or courgette soups one can make, I needed a new courgette solution. Because, as those who enjoy the perks of a veggie garden know, very often all produce is ready at the same time...  So, the last weeks I’ve been trying out various recipes – can’t just stick to one recipe, have to make changes. And came up with my own version of a (refined) sugar free courgette bread with - I hope - a balanced sweet-and-savoury taste.  Ridiculously easy to make and perfect companion for either honey, goats cheese and fresh figs. Or boiled egg with avocado. Or a thick layer of peanutbutter. Or. Or. Or.

If I have to make a choice between to dine or to lunch, the latter often wins. That's what I like about Portugal, or other southern countries, they take lunching (almoço) out very seriously. 2 Passos (pronounce Dos Passos) is another lunch gem just behind the beach at Praia do Anção. So, settle in the morning on the beach (beds) and take a long walk to increase the appetite.

The Beach Club (beds, parasols, beach bar and restaurant) is the latest addition to the continuously innovating Sublime Comporta resort family . At the same time that Covid-19 restrictions are released, the beach club opened late June. Not re-opened, but opened. Good timing. As expected, this place is in style with the hotel: minimalist eco chic. Who says no to lunch with sea view, especially the widely stretched pristine beaches along this particular part of the Portuguese west coast? Carvalhal Beach is only 10 minutes away from Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa .

Monte Rei Golf & Country club is as luxury as golf gets in Algarve. Located in the hinterland of Eastern Algarve, this secluded and private estate has one goal and that is to spoil their golfing guests. This starts from the very moment you drive up the lush green courtyard. All you have to do is hand in your car keys and the friendly staff takes it from there. While you check-in for Monte Rei North course in the well equipped pro shop, they unload your (golf) bags, set up your buggy and park the car. The award-winning Jack Nicklaus signature course is spread over a vast natural landscape with great rural views. A true golf experience for those who love a testing game..

I love the Algarvean countryside and Portuguese food. Don’t get me wrong, it's not without reason that we call this Southern part of Portugal home . But from time to time I crave authentic Japanese food . Even more so after our incredible trip through Japan in 2018. Yes, you can file this under first world problems. So when my friend Annelies – local hero – shared here enthusiasm about an authentic Japanese restaurant in the center of lovely Loulé, our Asian culinary destination for the next day presented itself. Artigo três , cozinha Japonese is the name. Muite prazer!

We finally made time for a little road trip to explore more of our beloved Portugal. With just a two-hour drive north of Lisbon, Coimbra is our first stop on our way to Porto. Which we, btw, never reached due to some heavy rainfall in the North... So Porto is still on the future travel list. Some say Coimbra is the Oxford or Cambridge of Portugal. I understand what they mean, having visited both now. This charming medieval town with the oldest university of Portugal, has the same romantic intellectual atmosphere. As in impressive historical college buildings and students wearing long black cloaks while hastily crossing courtyards. But Coimbra has definite more beautiful tiles!