Dress: Vintage (My Mama's), Shoes: And other stories, Hat: H&M, Bag: Cos
Bikini: New Look, Sunglasses: Gucci
Last weekend I jetted off to The Algarve in Portugal with two of my fave babes and it was SUCH a dreamy little get away so I thought i'd share all with you guys.
We stayed in a little place called Carvoeiro, in what was possibly the best hotel I've ever stepped foot in. The views over the Atlantic Ocean and sea caves from the balconies of the Tivoli were second to none. To be fair they had me at hello....from the moment we walked through the doors into the hotel we were sold on the decor alone. Wooden basket chairs (I liked to call them), chocolate marble side tables, shelved walls displaying more cute vases and ornaments than you can shake a stick at, and plush linen draped couches for lounging upon were just some of the delights awaitng us as we arrived. The palm tree laden view from our balcony looked liked something out of a Tom Ford film and the mimosa fuelled, all you can eat, freshly-flipped-omelettes-in-front-of-you breakfasts were something else. It. Was. Luxe. Something I'm not very used to on a Summer holiday since it's usually a case of 'we'll stay wherever as long as it's hot'. Unfortunately though I must mention that the service didn't quite match up to the surroundings which is such a shame for such an amazing place. It was a definite five star destination but the service was mediocre, so just bear that in mind if you're planning a trip to stay here.
We stayed in Carvoeiro for three days so quite a short jaunt, however we managed to pack in so much which made it feel like it lasted a lot longer. Obviously first and foremost we wanted to CTFO and lie in the sun, and so on the first day we did just that. We lay around the pool soaking up the rays before scaling a rock (Dora the Explorer who?) down to a private beach at the bottom of our hotel. It was the perfect first day before we headed out into the little local town for some dinner.
Dress: Free People, Shoes: Castaner, Bag: Cult Gaia
The second day was spent exploring the town a little bit and we found the most amazing little restaurant/ bar called Boneca in the middle of a cave over the sea. The perfect lunch spot in the sunshine with the most amazing views and an absolute must if you ever visit Carvoeiro.
Hat: H&M, Dress: Topshop, Shoes: Birkenstock, Tote bag: Smug shop, Sunglasses: Rayban
On the final day we booked a boat trip around the famous caves of Carvoeiro and it was amazing! There were only us three on the boat and it felt like we were in a Bond movie, lolz. We booked the Sea Siren boat with a company called Atlantik Morning and I couldn't recommend them any more. Our boat driver Silvio was also the perfect tour guide and photographer, showing us all of best caves and snapping away as we sailed (whizzed) around for two hours. Just before our time was up we pulled up close to the shore and all jumped off the boat into the sea for a little swim! The perfect end to our three days in the Algarve.
Sadly, and contrary to popular belief (or at least my belief) I didn't find any basket markets! In my head I wouldn't have been able to move for cute AF basket stalls, however Carvoeiro is definitely not the home of the basket. Home of the cork yes, alas baskets must reside in another part of the Algarve! Hey ho, I guess six is probably enough in my collection for now *emoji eyes*....
All in all a pretty perfect three days - I'd definitely recommend and would love to visit again!
Rachael X
Shop my holiday wardrobe: