Cocktail in hand, fan-shaped feet on one of the sun loungers at Purobeach - the beach restaurant that turns into a nightclub at night - you gaze at the golden sands and azure horizon as you remember your birdie approach in the morning. Yes definitely, there are times when we say to ourselves that life is good.

Created in the 60s by the Portuguese banker Cupertino de Miranda, Vilamoura is part of the golden triangle of the Algarve, this little golf paradise (read below) where many high-end hotel complexes have sprung up. At the edge of Portugal's largest marina, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura does not shade the sun despite its nine well-appointed floors. This 5 *, completely renovated in 2016, has received flattering comments on the web, and rightly so.

At Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, you see things in a big way, from the reception hall (quick check-in and check-out and with a smile) to the swimming pool, which seems to extend the ocean. The 383 spacious and pleasantly decorated rooms of the hotel offer a breathtaking view of the sea or the marina. Fork-handlers are spoiled for choice: fresh Mediterranean produce at Organo and an international buffet in Chile. For meat lovers, head to Pepper's Steakhouse with in particular on the menu filet mignon with foie gras and black truffle or duck breast with an orange zest ... and (again) a superb view of the marina in addition . Gourmets can even smell a scent of France at the entrance to the Tivoli, on the port side. Le Glee, a café boutique opened last September, offers delicious macaroons, truffles, chocolates and other delicacies inspired by our art of pastry making.

Golfers know how much a quality spa offers added value to the stay. In a very soothing and well-spaced setting, the relaxing or sports massages offered are perfectly suited to your desires (you mention before the session the areas to avoid or to favor) by experienced practitioners. The icing on the cake comes in the form of a ginger tea that allows you to gradually put your feet back on the ground. The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, a real moment of escape.

Frank Crudo

GOLFER'S PARADISE In addition to a floodlit tennis court, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura has a putting green and a training area with bunker. No less than 10 famous courses are accessible within a 25-minute drive, via a hotel shuttle: Vila Sol (3 minutes), Pinhal (6 min), Laguna (9 min), Millenium (9 min), Old Race (10 min), Victoria (12 min), Vale do Lobo Ocean and Royal (19 min), Quinta do Lago North and South (22 and 24 min).

UThis special offer allows you to stay for a week, including breakfast, and play five of the most beautiful golf courses in the Algarve (Millenium, Laguna, Pinhal, Victoria, Old Course).

https://www.tivolihotels.com/uploads/minor/tivoli/documents/programmes/tmvi/htmarina-vilamouraspecialpvp2021.pdf