We departed Lisbon following 4 wonderful days and thorough enjoyment at UPon Lisbon Prime Residences which were wonderful, with great location near Metro access and terrific fitout. Our driver arrived to transfer us to Lisbon International Airport at 9.00pm. The loading of our luggage took 10 minutes but all fitted well.

The drive to the airport took 40 minutes as we were held up due to an accident on the freeway.

Checkin was smooth and passage through airport security pretty quick (within 15 minutes) and we were walking through the terminal to the TAP Executive lounge by 10.10am. We left the lounge at 11.20am to find gate22A. This was easy and we were boarding at 11.35am down to bus for transfer to the aircraft. We boarded from the bus at 11.45am, with everyone loaded by 11.55am. The TAP flight departed at 12.05 pm and we landed at Faro Airport at 12.45pm.

We were st baggage carousel at 1.10pm, collected our luggage at 1.20pm found our transfer company at 1.26pm, awaited our driver.

He arrived at 1.30pm,then we were driven to our resort at Vilamoura by “Stirling Moss” at breakneck speed. We arrived at Don Pedro Portabello Apartment and Golf Hotel. This is one of the 4 star golf complex hotels owned by Dom Pedro , here in Vilamoura. Initial impressions were positive, in ideal location beside the Vilamoura Marina , one of the largest Marina in Portugal.

We were in our apartment suite within 15 minutes of arrival, yet Ken was surprised and disappointed with the quality and fitout. Rooms are clean and of generous proportions, but fitout is old and very tired of 1950’s vintage.

Certainly not what we thought we were getting for in excess of Euros800 per week.

But the noisy air conditioning works, there is no laundry facility but the unit is clean and tidy. We will make it work.

We unpack then walk to the Marina for dinner . We select the Mayflower Restaurant for dinner sitting on a barge moored to the wharf. It is idyllic with a beautiful evening with a cooling breeze.

Jeanette selects Risotto, whilst Ken selects a Hamburger. We start with olives and bread rolls. It is the most perfect environment for dinner on our first dinner here in Vilamoura . Ken enjoys local Portuguese wine and Jeanette has a virgin Pinacolada.

Ken’s hamburger bun, is coloured dark blue throughout, something we haven’t seen previously anywhere else.

Sundet is 7.30pm and we walk back to our hotel feeling very much at ease.

We relax, Ken is in bed asleep by 9.00am and Jeanette by 10.30pm. It is a good night to sleep. Ken awakes at 7.15 am and Jeanette at 7.45am, breakfast is served downstairs and is very good.

We awoke after a long night’s sleep as commented above, both enjoy an excellent breakfast. Following this we sort out a place to do our laundry next Tuesday with drop off at 7.30 am and washing folding and pick up next day at 10.00am. They weigh your bag of washing and charge by the kilo.

Then on our return Ken’s Rental clubs arrive, very good TaylorMade clubs and bag with pickup next Wednesday at 5.00pm.Fo.lowing this Ken boos three games of golf at leading Dom Pedro courses here in Vilamoura . Cost is Euro 339 after hotel guest discounts.l

He is playing Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Great courses, shuttle service from Hotels is provided.

Ken then walks around the whole marina complex overabout 2 hours, takes photos but also inquired as to a tour and trip to the caves.

Unfortunately, whilst it looks calm and flat the boats cannot get into the caves due to a 2.5-3.5 metre swell, arising from the recent storm. Suggested we come back on Sunday or Monday when the seashave calmed. We are informed that the caves are a must see.