Acclaimed by so many as the ultimate Mediterranean destination, the Algarve is justifiably renowned for its outstanding climate, clean golden sandy beaches, golf courses, water sports and warm hospitality. The first class hotels we have chosen are in and around Albufeira, a resort which has maintained its charming cobbled narrow streets in the old town whilst boutiques, bars cafes and a vast array of restaurants can be found throughout the rest of the resort.

Opened in 2004 this fabulous hotel is in a prime location right on the beach with exquisite sumptuous rooms, two unique restaurants, six bars, three pools (1 heated) 2 tennis courts a games room and home to the largest Spa on the Algarve with 16 treatment rooms. The 189 rooms and 2 bedroom suites all have air conditioning, satellite tv, phone, hairdryer, safe, internet connection, 24 hour reception and kitchenettes in the suites. Prices from £55 pp pn including breakfast based on 2 sharing a twin room.

This brand new (2005) hotel impressively sits against a cliff in one of the most attractive and generous natural environments of the Algarve, Sao Rafael Beach, just a few minutes drive west of Albufeira. Elegance and quality are characteristic of this hotel which offers 103 luxurious 1 and 2 bedroom suites all with air conditioning, 24 hour surveillance, cable tv, phone, hairdryer, safe and kitchenette. The hotel boasts 3 pools, 2 restaurants, 1 snack bar, three bars, tennis club and intimate Spa with indoor pool. Prices from £35 pp pn including breakfast based on 3 sharing a suite.

Top quality hotel only 3kms from Albufeira with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and comfortable, rooms, most with sea views. The 131 rooms all have air conditioning, 24 hour reception, satellite tv, mini bar, phone, hair dryer and safe. Within the hotel there is a large pool two restaurants and two bars including the Piano Bar with live music. The small spa includes treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi, Fitness studio and an indoor heated pool. Prices from £25 pp pn including breakfast based on 2 sharing a twin.

In the heart of Albufeira this popular hotel sits at the top of the “Strip” and is therefore central for all facilities within the resort. All 322 rooms and 40 suites are extremely spacious and comfortably furnished with air conditioning, 24 hour reception, satellite tv, mini bar, phone, hair dryer and safe. The hotel has an exceptionally large outdoor pool, tennis courts, squash courts, buffet style restaurant plus roof-top a la carte restaurant, large bar, live music some evenings, and a fitness room. Spa treatments available off site. Prices from £28 pp pn including breakfast based on 2 sharing a twin.

The resort of Albufeira itself offers a choice of individual boutiques and shoe shops but a visit to Shopping Algarve, the new shopping complex with all the popular European named stores is a must, or better still let us arrange a trip up to Lisbon for you where sophistication is the name of the game!

The Dolphin Display at Zoo Marine is breathtaking, you can even arrange to swim with the dolphins, spend an evening at the Old Town Square with it’s cobbled streets, interesting boutiques and of course a wide choice of the local tipple, Port, for sampling before purchasing to take home with you.

GirlieBreaks will take the strain out of booking your flights for you, we will find the most competitive rate and tailor-make the entire break to meet your requirements. Transfer time from Faro airport to your hotel is approximately 25 minutes and can be arranged by either limousine or taxi for you. Taxi’s in and around Albufeira are plentiful and inexpensive.

All the hotels chosen offer excellent Spa facilities, the Grand Real Hotel being one of the most sophisticated Spa’s in Portugal offering everything from Reiki, Shiatsu, and Terapia das Pedras (Stone therapy) along with a choice of 14 massages. A visit to any of our hotels most definitely should include at least one spa treatment if not a full days indulgence!

All the hotels have their own restaurant but why not let us arrange an evening in the local Piri Piri restaurant, where the locals gather to sit at large tables and eat the only choice on the menu, Chicken piri piri, a delicious dish of spicy chicken served with salad, fries, bread and olives! Alternatively try an evening at the unpretentious Rock Café often accompanied by live music, or any one of the restaurants tried and tested by our staff for your enjoyment. To end the evening dance til dawn at L*Berto*s night club or sit back in the Roman style beds situated around the ornamental pool.

• Zoo Marine – The dolphin show to beat all other dolphin shows plus explore the marine life and even swim with dolphins. Cost from €30 pp (swimming with dolphins extra)

• Gibraltar – Driving through the Spanish Andalucia region, passing the capital Seville, towards Jerez (home of the famous sherry), passing the cotton fields to the Little Britain off the Spanish coast. On arrival 5 hours free time for shopping and optional Rock Tour. Cost from €55 pp

• Lisbon – The capital of Portugal, you will enter the city via the impressive Abril Suspension bridge and the visit will include Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Monument of the Discoveries, and free time for shopping, or just wandering around this enchanting city followed by a visit to the site of Expo 98. Cost from €50 pp

• Loule Market - Visit this beautiful inland town to get involved with the locals at the weekly Gypsy market, this is for those who love a bargain! Cost €22 pp

• Portuguese Evening – Join the locals at a genuine country festivity in an old farmhouse with folk dancing and music .You will be expected to join in after the show of dancing in traditional costumes! Cost from €45 pp incl food wine and the show.