A sunrise balloon flight over Alentejo Baroccal and Monsaraz, is one of the many activities from Sao Lourenco do Barrocal eco rural luxury hotel.

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!