Arriving at Quinta do Lago is simple. It is just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport. The hard part is leaving. The exclusive resort is set in a jewel of a landscape: 800 acres of pine forest bordering the Ria Formosa Natural Park - a Conservation Area of World Importance - and a stunning stretch of the Atlantic Ocean. All this and 300 days of sunshine each year, with temperate summers and mild winters.

The original concept of entrepreneur Andre Jordan, when he was shown the site in 1970, was to retain its spectacular pine forests and lakes while developing properties of the highest quality in a low density setting.

Nothing has changed, protected by strict planning and environmental policies to preserve the exclusive ambience. The resort’s international awards include recognition for its preservation of the environment as well as excellence in tourism and golf.

Arrive at Quinta do Lago for the first time and you will be taken aback by just how verdant and unspoilt the area is. The skyline is still dominated by the powerful lines of the beautiful umbrella pine trees; the crystal lakes scintillate in the sunshine, and the wildlife is as abundant today as it ever was.

Stroll along one of the nature trails through the Ria Formosa Natural Park and you’ll glimpse rare birds stopping over on their long migrations between Africa and Europe.

Quinta do Lago is about immersing yourself in the luxury of space and privacy that this resort offers.

The sports facilities are simply first class - four top quality golf courses, and water based sports including windsurfing and sailing, as well as more leisurely pursuits such as a luxury spa.

Tennis players will always find a game at the Jim Stewart Tennis Centre. Horse riding is also popular here. The experienced staff at the riding centre on Avenida Ayrton Senna are delighted to cater for all standards - from novice to advanced.

At the two shopping centres - Bouganvilia Plaza and Quinta Shopping - you’ll find everything you need, from banking and supermarket shopping to designer boutiques, cafés and elegant restaurants.

The appeal of Quinta do Lago comfortably crosses the generational divide.

Discreet but effective security means that children can play safely and be entertained here while their parents and grandparents relax. The beach itself is a sheer delight - 3 1/2 km of beautiful golden sands backed by undulating dunes.

Eating Out

Pequeno Mundo - Rustic and very charming converted farmhouse, excellent fine dining with great service. Tel: 00351 289 399866 - closed Sundays.

Gigis - See and be Seen. Quinta beach restaurant with flair and some of the best grilled fish in the area. Start your meal with one of their famous Caipirinhas! Tel: 00351 289 394481.

Casa Do Lago - If you don’t want to leave Quinta do Lago, this restaurant is great for indoor and outdoor dining. Great views, food and service. Tel: 00351 289 394911. 2

Passos - Another trendy and excellent beach restaurant. Tel: 00351 289 396435.

A Quinta - A favourite among locals and visitors, for excellent cuisine and great value, make sure you book in advance for lunch and dinner. Tel: 00351 289 393357.

Vincent - With a hard-earned reputation for some of the best food on the coast, Vincent and Wilhelmine know their business. Worth a visit. Tel: 00351 289 399093.

Paixanito - And now for something completely different. Well worth a trip up to Loulé, this cosy restaurant serves you Portuguese style tapas, and much much more... also a superb selection of wines. Great service too. Tel: 00351 289 412775.

Villa Joya - the only Michelin star in Portugal - located just beyond Albufeira. Tel: 00351 289 591795

What to See

Sevilla - This vibrant Andalucian city just across the border in Spain is closer than you think. Just 1.5 to 2 hours and you can be in a different world. Sightseeing, shopping, dining and nightlife second to none. Don’t miss the tapas bars and some Flamenco! If you want to stay over night, try Hotel Casa Imperieis or the Don Alphonso 13th.

Lisbon - Portugal’s capital city has lots to offer.

Zoo Marine - A favourite with the young and old, the Algarve’s answer to Seaworld has many attractions to keep the family busy and it’s open all year.

Ria Formosa Bird Sanctuary - Go to the famous wooden bridge at the bottom of Quinta Do Lago. Two wonderful nature trails start from there.

Shopping

Quinta Shopping, QDL - Exclusive boutiques, cafés and restaurants - a great place to see who else is in the area at the moment. You are sure to meet them there!

Forum Algarve on the road to Faro and Algarve Shopping in Guia - Two shopping malls where you will find many high street brands, a cinema complex and more fast food than is good for you. There is also ten pin bowling at Algarve Shopping. Open all day every day.

Faro, old Town - quaint walking streets with more boutiques and cafés - don’t miss Antonio Manuel on the main avenida.

Sports

Swim - The Atlantic!! - Stunning beaches, clean ocean water. Lifeguards are on duty during holiday seasons.

The lake in Quinta do Lago - The calm salt water lake at Quinta - good for swimming, and water sports. Sailing, pedalos, windsurfers and kayaks for rent. Tel 00351 289 394929.

Golf - The four well-known Championship courses in Quinta do Lago. Quinta do Lago North & South Tel: 00351 390 700, San Lorenzo Tel: 00351 289 396522 and Pinheiros Altos Tel: 00351 289 359910, and another 10 courses within 20 minute drive.

The natural features of the terrain, together with the excellence of the design and maintenance of the fairways, places Quinta do Lago among the best golf courses in Europe and indeed one of the 50 best in the world (Golf Digest) Two 18-hole courses designated "Quinta do Lago North" and "Quinta do Lago South", cover over 240 hectares of Bermuda grass (Tifton 419 and Penn Cross greens).

The course is par 72, in either combination. The original 27-hole course was designed by American golf course architect Williams Mitchell of Palm Beach, Florida, and the other nine-holes were designed by Florida- based architect Joseph Lee and his associate William Roquemore. Quinta do Lago has been the venue for varius international tournaments, including seven Portuguese Opens.

Several amateur competitions are also staged each year including the Johnnie Walker Amateur Euro Classic. Together with the excellent Dona Filipa Hotel's San Lourenzo 18-hole course and the 18-hole Pinheiros Altos course, Quinta do Lago is one of the largest golfing complex in Europe and accounts for more than 20% of golf in the Algarve. Golfing facilities here include excellent driving ranges, putting greens, Clubhouses with bar and restaurants as well as pro-shops.

Tennis - Jim Stewart Tennis Club in Quinta has good facilities and a fun atmosphere. Telephone: 00351 289 398848.

Quinta do Lago Horse Riding Centre - Tel: 00351 289 396099

Chill Out

Hotel Quinta do Lago Spa - Elegant new spa, with a wonderful selection of treatments to relax or revive after a hard day on the golf course, or late night out! They also have an attractive indoor pool and Gym. Tel: 00351 289 350350.

Lisa’s Beauty Salon - Go and see Lisa at the Pinus Ria Hotel for a relaxing facial, a massage or the best manicure or pedicure. Tel: 00351 289 359160 ext 213.