Columbia Hillen
Ever seen a fairy?
You may at luxury resort in Portugal’s western Algarve.
Such is its dedication to family vacation fun, the resort has developed a special ‘fairy trail’ to keep children happy.
The innovative idea is just one of many guest activities developed at this beach-side destination, just three kilometres from the town of Sagres.
Columbia Hillen
Having been established 14 years ago by entrepreneurs Chitra and Roman Stern, the resort has developed from well-earned experience the right kind of activities that suit its guests best, one reason it had very high occupation when I visited recently before the main holiday season had started.
While it can accommodate 800 guests, the resort doesn’t seem overcrowded. That’s because only around 25 of its 40 hectares are built-up, the rest being ‘green areas’ comprising a wide array of herbs, flowering plants and trees such as conifers and palm crisscrossed by pathways.
Columbia Hillen
Being a dedicated family resort in the Algarve for so many years, lots of activities are arranged for children including five different ‘Kids’ Clubs’ covering age groups from six-month-old babies to teenagers, as well as swimming pools, a mini-golf course, pétanque and tennis courts and a soccer field.
Columbia Hillen
In what is termed ‘the Village,’ there is a games-room with billiards, table tennis, a Pac-man machine and a cinema showing movies every evening. Adults can sit outside here and enjoy drinks and snacks while watching their kids at an outdoor playground.
Families can also rent bicycles for outings in the local area. The resort’s water-sports center offers classes in various activities. I watched as staff member, Iara Ramos, trained guests in the skills of wind-surfing. Guests can also enjoy trips to the offshore islands by kayak.
Columbia Hillen
Martinhal’s Finisterra Spa is also a popular place for relaxation. It is nestled in a quiet garden setting with exotic plants and trees, outdoor seating on whicker armchairs and a rockery with a small decorative fountain. With six treatment rooms, it not only offers facials and massage treatments but also a sauna, steam-room and a leisure area with soothing music. A statue of Buddha watches over all.
Columbia Hillen
One afternoon I enjoyed a deep full body massage by Alta, a therapist from the Ukraine, whose skills helped soothe the travel tension. Families enjoy the couples’ room where children and parents can experience ‘bonding’ treatments together.
Designed by British architect Terrence Conran with furnishings specifically produced in Portugal for Martinhal, guests can choose various categories of accommodation, from 37 rooms in the hotel to duplexes and villas throughout the resort.
Columbia Hillen
We stayed in bay view room, 131, with varnished wood flooring and a verandah with lounge chairs offering glorious views over the sea, the 700-meter beach and the nearby islands. Furnishings included a working bench, twin soft armchairs and coffee table, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and a decorative stand-up lamp made of whicker. The tiled bathroom featured a walk-in shower and bathtub, the toiletries being from Irish-based company, Voya. Robes and slippers were provided. A built-in cupboard provided ample space for clothes storage.
Columbia Hillen
Several diverse dining venues are offered.
As Dunas, a restaurant with indoor and alfresco options, presents views of the ocean, some offshore islands and the coastal town of Sagres. With floor-to-ceiling windows allowing an abundance of natural light, it has a bright and refreshing ambience, one enhanced by attractive soft blue and white seating.
Columbia Hillen
With a fish market nearby in Sagres, which you can see across the bay from the restaurant, the seafood on the menu is fresh and varied, purchased direct from source. Having lunch there, our choice included razor clams, fried shrimp and calamari while many other choices ranged from sea and golden bream to turbot, sea-bass, brown meagre, john dory, lemon sole, lobster and common pandora.
Columbia Hillen
Non-fish lovers also enjoy a wide selection, ranging from hamburgers and T-bone steaks to linguini and curries. Desserts include almond with custard, chocolate and raspberry vegan cake and cheesecake. The restaurant also has separate menus for children and babies.
Columbia Hillen
O Terraço, the same location where breakfast is served, presents international options, a fusion of Mediterranean, Asian and South American flavors, with starters ranging from clam broth and ceviche to duck tacos, toasted beetroot with mollet egg and tahini labneh. My companion chose shrimp and pork on Japanese bao buns while I opted for sauteed sea scallop and salmorejo, a traditional soup originating from Andalusia, comprising tomato, bread, extra virgin olive oil and garlic.
Columbia Hillen
The menu has a strong meat presence including rib eye and T-bone steaks, beef tenderloin and pork chops from Alentejo. I enjoyed a dry-aged Rubia Gallega sirloin, a prized breed of cattle native to Galicia, Spain, with truffle mashed potatoes while my companion remained with seafood choosing the grilled tiger prawns. Vegetarians are also well-catered with mushrooms burger, curry and ramen, a Japanese noodle dish, on the menu.
Columbia Hillen
With its vast experience in the family vacation sector, Martinhal Sagres is a well-planned destination that offers an array of services to suit all ages.
