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.

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.

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..

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!

In the midst of a 17-acre dune sand area surrounded by umbrella pines and cork trees, lies Sublime Comporta Hotel. Close to the rice fields and small fishing village of Comporta . This is quite an unspoiled destination and favorite of locals and many – famous – international guests alike. Portugal’s rustic Alentejo region hides its secrets very well. If you wouldn’t know, you will easily drive by the gated entrance. The atmosphere is relaxed because both staff and buildings radiate a zen calmness. This ethnic, understated chic rural retreat is where interior flows seamlessly into exterior. Nature is the great connector and the consistent use of wood proves that point. Just an hour drive from Lisbon or 1,5 from Algarve.

As if you are invited by friends who happen to live in an 18th century restored palace along the Tejo river. That is how I feel while staying at the new five-star luxury boutique hotel Verride Palacio Santa Catarina . On a side note, we’re talking friends closing in on the Forbes 500 top ten. No expense has been spared during the 10 year renovation of this unique property. The former palace is located in the heart of Lisbon along the Miradouro de Santa Catarina . This famous lookout point over the river Tejo is the spot where – young – locals and tourists mingle with street performers and musicians to enjoy sunrise and sunset. Yes, there is a contradiction between the serene tranquil atmosphere of the hotel and the hustle ‘n bustle outside. Do I mind? No, not really. You are in a busy city after all. What I like is that instead of distance between the two worlds, the hotel tries to connect and co-exists. By serving drinks outside while street bands are playing in the evening sun, for example.