If you’re looking for winter sun just three hours from the UK in an exclusive resort, Four Seasons Fairways is the perfect place.
Nestled snuggly in the affluent area of Quinta do Lago in Southern Portugal’s Algarve, Four Seasons Fairways offers luxurious villa style accommodation set amongst perfectly manicured and landscaped gardens.
You don’t have to be a golf enthusiast to enjoy this area of the Algarve – the setting alone with its wide quiet roads, greenery as far as the eye can see and stunning beaches just a short drive away, make this an idyllic choice for 15 degree heat during the day when it’s still icy cold in the UK.
We visited in February, and while it’s not quite warm enough for a full day of sunbathing, and the nights are still a little chilly, the sun is strong enough for you to go out with your sunglasses on, jacket off and absorb some much needed vitamin d.
What we also loved about Four Seasons Fairways at this time of year was the peace and quiet. Busy enough so the restaurants and outdoor pool area have a pleasant buzz about them, there’s a tranquility present that you’re unlikely to find in the summer months. Saying that, your private villa is spacious enough to provide you with all the solitary moments you might need!
Each of the 132 luxury residences have just been renovated and boast high quality finishes, modern, stylish décor with a designer feel, and an expansive terrace complete with pool or jacuzzi and barbecue ,so you can bathe and eat in privacy!
Our two bedroom villa had a gorgeous feel flowing from the hallway into the large kitchen area and open plan dining / lounge space. Letting in a tonne of natural light, the master bedroom felt like a home from home – a really comfortable space with plenty of wardrobes and a built in vanity mirror and dressing table. Our huge bathroom had more mirrors – taking up one whole wall and the jacuzzi bath was yet another welcome surprise!
Four Seasons Fairways offers so much more than just its private villas though. The multi million euro refurb includes a beautiful heated outdoor pool (perfect for this time of year), along with indoor pool, large jacuzzi (set at a blissful 40 degrees!), and downstairs, men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas. We were proud of ourselves for also checking out the gym – equipped with all the best TechnoGym machines.
Other communal areas at The Four Seasons Fairways Clubhouse include the VIVO Bistro & Cocktail Lounge where hearty breakfasts are served each morning, as well as lunches and dinners. We loved the piri-piri prawns in garlic and white wine, tiger prawn tempura and fragrant crispy monkfish Thai green curry. Pulling up high stools each evening before dinner, we enjoyed many a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned (the bartenders really know their stuff here), while there’s also live music twice a week and wine tasting masterclasses, not to mention the restaurant’s incredible wine cellar.
The Four Seasons’ second restaurant Amara wasn’t quite complete when we visited, but will be fully ready for the summer season, including outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Summer will also see the Mini Market re-launch which will boast a deli, bakery and plenty of seasonal local produce including wines, vegetables and cheeses.
With Faro airport just a 20 minute drive away and the shopping centre, stunning beaches with cycle friendly routes, Ria Formaosa Nature Reserve and world class golf courses all on the doorstep, we loved exploring the local area on the Four Seasons’ bicycles, but of course car hire might be your preferred option – the private member’s club has adequate parking should you need it.
Think of all the home comforts you’d wish to have abroad, and then add some first class exclusivity and you’ve got the Four Seasons Fairways resort. A brilliant choice for exploring all that Portugal’s incredible Algarve area has to offer. Between March and May, a two bedroom, three bath villa with pool is priced at 2100 euros.
