My family has been coming to Portugal since the 1960s. Having travelled in many parts of the world I still consider the beaches in the Algarve second to none. The food is excellent and the Portuguese are amongst the friendliest people to be found anywhere. The Alto Club, built by the British development company Mowlem in the 1990s using the best Portuguese builders and craftsmen, is a special place in a unique setting. After a failed previous management, the freehold land has now been purchased by the owners of its villas and apartments and restored to its previous glory. The beautiful, well established gardens benefit from a full-time gardening staff and now with the addition of the Thyme restaurant managed by Ruccula, the top restaurant in Alvor, the club offers a truly five star resort experience in arguably the best location in the Algarve.

I am a retired Film and TV Editor and live in the UK in Haslemere, Surrey. My family are regular visitors to the Alto Club and Alvor which seems to improve as a holiday destination year upon year.

Alvor has a distinctly Portuguese ambience with traditional whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and working fishing boats moored along the banks of the river. A holiday in Alvor is often focused around the beach, but there are also waterparks, boat tours, nature trails, dolphin watching trips and of course golf courses. The original fish market is still a central focal point where evening events are now staged. Walking back into the village through narrow cobbled streets you may come across the 16th Century Church which boasts one of the most magnificent main doors in the Algarve. Alvor offers a wide choice of restaurants; from classic Portuguese with their displays of fresh fish to family restaurants catering for the budget conscious. There is a sufficient mix of bars to entertain all age groups. Alvor's main beach is only 5 minutes walk from the quayside. A long white sandy beach spreading for miles in either direction means you will always find a space of your own. The beach restaurants, lifeguards, facilities and plenty of parking makes the Alvor beach very popular and family friendly. On the West side of Alvor flows the Ria de Alvor which spills into the lagoon. The boardwalk along the vast estuary and sand dunes make a wonderful walk, offering stunning views and as a protected natural area, teem with wildlife and flora. Golfers are spoilt for choice with Alto Golf (a short drive away), Palmares, and Penina all designed by Sir Henry Cotton, the latter considered his masterpiece. Portimão is the main capital town of the area and boasts great shopping. It is also one of the big game centres in the Algarve, offering the chance to catch swordfish, shark and other big fish. A car is recommended, but not essential. There are always taxis available in the centre of Alvor as well as a bus service into Portimao or Lagos. Alvor is just off the main Algarve motorway which links Spain and Portugal. Faro and the airport is a 45 minute drive away.