Just a short, two-and-a-half-hour flight away lies the Algarve, Portgual's most popular holiday destination.
And – even better – Flybe offers flights to Faro from our very own Exeter Airport, so a departure on your doorstep means it's stress-free all the way.
If it's utter relaxation you're seeking, the coastal resort of Armação de Pêra will be right up your street.
The town, just a 40-minute transfer from Faro airport, was once a small fishing village and has since – like almost all similar coastal towns – grown to become a popular holiday destination.
And while it hasn't escaped the inevitable high-rise development which goes hand-in-hand with all such resorts, the town has more than enough charm to make it a welcoming and desirable destination.
Situated on the picturesque Algarve coastline, Armação de Pêra boasts a huge stretch of pristine sands, edged by golden rocky cliffs and palm trees in abundance.
The town itself offers lots of lovely little restaurants, both along the wide, pedestrianised precinct on the seafront and nestled among the narrow lanes, offering up the freshest of fish landed daily at the Fisherman's Village at the eastern end of the resort.
We were staying at the four-star Holiday Inn Algarve, situated slap-bang on the beach and opening out onto the pedestrianised precinct.
The hotel is the oldest in the resort, dating back 50 years, originally the Hotel Garbe.
Well presented and with extremely friendly and helpful staff, every aspect of the hotel was to the highest standard.
We were thrilled to open the door to our sea-view room and discover the view from the balcony, looking out over the stunning beach and bright blue sea beyond.
The hotel also offers two restaurants on site – one of which being an Indian restaurant with a mouth-watering menu – with a terrace for al fresco dining.
Taking our breakfast on the terrace each morning was a real treat – lingering over a choice of cooked breakfast, cheese and meat, cereal or fruit and yoghurt while soaking up the sunshine and stunning view over the beach.
The hotel also boasts a fitness suite for those keen to work off the excesses of holiday indulgence, but if it's real laid-back lounging you're after there's something for everyone.
For pool-lovers the hotel's pool, though small, is warm and deep – sloping down to a massive 3.5m – and with an outside bar alongside there's no need to wander far.
There is a limited number of loungers, however, so head down early if you want to secure one. If you miss out there are other terraces close by with more.
And for those who prefer the feel of sand between their toes, the main beach, Praia da Armação de Pêra, is handily accessed though a gate at the back of the hotel, leading straight to ready-laid-out loungers (we paid 13 euros for two).
We found the shade and windbreak essential on days when the wind was a little too brisk!
The sea was a little on the cold side (yes, it is the Atlantic), but most days there was a brave handful of people taking the plunge – so I followed suit and, after a rather prolonged, gaspingly cold entry (when the tide is out the sea is shallow for quite a distance), thoroughly enjoyed bobbing about in the beautiful clear water while my other half Jamie watched with no envy whatsoever.
You can also walk right along the beach, down to the traditional fishermen's huts and Praia Grande and its sand dunes.
For the more adventurous the nearby Aqualand offers lots of water park fun, perfect for cooling off, or if you prefer a more historical experience take a look at the remains of the 17th century fort on the seafront or wander around 17th and 18th century churches and chapels in the town.
There are also many fantastic bars and restaurants to sample once you tire of lounging by the pool or on the beach.
Our favourite was Rocha da Palha – a little further up the beach from the hotel, with huge double-bed squishy sun loungers and bean bags for a casual cocktail while watching the sun set.
The food was wonderful too, and reasonably priced – we enjoyed a starter, fresh fish main and drinks for around 20 euros a head.
Another little gem – thank you to Holiday Inn sales manager Vicki Good for the tip – was Ze Leiteiro, a tiny little restaurant tucked away down a side street at the fishermen's end of the town.
You don't order – you're simply asked what you would like to drink, and a bowl of delicious tomato salad and some potatoes are delivered to the table. Then comes the fish. Whatever they have caught fresh that day comes to the table plate by plate – straight from the grill. Just as you finish one serving, out comes another, and another, until you admit defeat and persuade the waiter you can eat no more.
We managed six fishes – including sea bream, mackerel, squid and salmon – all simply cooked with a sprinkling of salt. Absolutely beautiful, and amazing value for just 11 euros each, plus drinks.
After eating so much fish you can barely move, it's surely time for an al fresco drink on the beach.
Palhota Café is a great little bar nearby, with a few tables outside facing the sea, which served up the most delicious sangria.
My tip: Try the white version, totally delicious with little nuggets of fresh raspberry. Divine.
Jamie found himself unable to resist the litre of lager!
If you fancy pushing the boat out and treating yourself to a real experience of a meal out, head to the Vila Vita Parc Hotel, just a five-minute taxi drive from the town centre.
The spectacular five-star resort offers 180 rooms of luxurious accommodation situated in sweeping grounds with fountains, ponds, quaint pathways and lovely little nooks and crannies, and boasts a golf course, spa and boutiques.
The grand entrance lobby exudes splendour and elegance – beautiful classical tiles complemented by rich deep mahogany.
We arrived and took our drinks onto the terrace – overlooking the luxurious grounds we found ourselves daydreaming of our next break!
The Vila Vita also offers eight restaurants (two outside the resort) including a two-Michelin-star fine dining restaurant.
We were eating at the Adega – a typical Portuguese establishment – and what better way to arrive than a lift on a golf buggy so we could explore the hotel's lush green grounds? The restaurant's outside seating area surrounded a huge olive tree giving a wonderful and relaxed Mediterranean ambiance.
Jamie's Portuguese steak was to die for, while my trio of grilled fishes was beautiful, washed down with a crisp white and followed by a light and delicious sericaia dessert cake with plum compote. The attentive and friendly staff topped off what proved a very special evening.
Back at the Holiday Inn, the hotel bar was our final destination most evenings, with entertainment including lounge singers and musicians. The light and comfortably furnished bar was a pleasure to enjoy over a glass of wine or one of their extensive cocktails – especially in the early evening with the golden glow from the setting sun providing a stunning vista from the large glass windows.
The hotel attracts many Europeans who, thanks to its welcoming staff and home-from-home atmosphere, return year after year to enjoy a perfectly relaxing stay.
And with the Algarve within such easy reach thanks to flights from Exeter Airport, you can be sure
we'll soon be doing the same.
Travel facts:
Prestige Holidays (www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/algarve 01425 480400) is offering a seven-night break, departing in October, staying at Holiday Inn Algarve in a twin room on bed and breakfast, flying from Exeter Airport with Flybe (including 20kg luggage pp, shared transfers) from £499 per person. Shorter stays are also available. The operator is also offering breaks to Mallorca, the Costa del Sol and to La Manga in Murcia from Exeter this summer.
Visit www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/algarve/holiday-inn-algarve/ or call 01425 480400
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