The Lake Spa Resort

This upscale Vilamoura-based resort boasts a unique feature - its own beach! One of the three outdoor swimming pools has a natural sand bottom, which extends out of the water to form a beautifully soft and golden "shoreline." The seaside atmosphere is tangible and perfect for tourists staying with kids, who can scamper down to the water's edge and play in the sand under the watchful eye of their parents. Extending youngsters' recreation options is a Kids Club - a veritable playground for children between the ages of three and 12.

Comprising 192 deluxe guest rooms, of which nine are spacious suites and 95 superbly appointed apartments, the resort is named after the freshwater lake that meanders through the gardens, a magnet for wildfowl. Rooms, all of which have private balconies, afford this view, a garden aspect, or one towards the coast.

Leisure amenities include three wonderfully appealing restaurants. At Fusion, the union of Mediterranean and Oriental gastronomy provides a deliciously appealing contrast of flavors. Gustatio and Mare Nostrom restaurants showcase Portuguese and southern European cuisine. Meanwhile, the Blue & Green Spa invites you to embark on a wellness journey around the world, the concept inspired by five of the continents and five senses. And if you're still stuck for things to do, there's always the fabulous marina or nearby Falésia Beach to explore.