I have just returned from a wonderful week at the Algarve Casino Hotel. A few reviews have mentioned the grumpy reception staff. I didn't find this to be the case and they were always very happy and willing to help. All of the staff was great! Everyone always stopped to say “Ola” and I found it lovely. The food was very good and the fact that there were 3 restaurants added a little variety. The drinks at the bar were great, they have some marvellous cocktails. The house wine was also very good. Beach was amazing. The colour of the sea was just wonderful and so was the temperature. Weather was fantastic, so make sure you take plenty of sunscreen. If you don’t, you can buy it in the hotel. In the evening, we went to see the shows at the casino, which were great. But real good is the night life, 2 seconds away from the hotel. Bedroom was nice and comfortable. The cleaning is excellent. Ask for a sea view room, because the sight is marvellous! We had a fantastic time and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending to others or staying there again. Had a great time, met some fantastic people from around the globe.

Spent a delightful week with 4 other trusty shipmates aboard the Moneta, a lovely old wooden schooner (rigged with a squaresail - just for the fun of it). We were berthed in the marina near the Praia de Rocha just south of Portimao. We took our Royal Yachting Association certification as Day Skippers (Tidal) and did our best not to hurt Ron's boat (or his feelings). Ron Lovelady (the Skipper) runs his boat as a Royal Yachting Association training centre and does almost everything from basic introduction, through Competant Crew upwards. He also provides cruise packages where a few do their course and family enjoy the cruise. For details go to www.schooner-sailing.com

Spent a delightful week with 4 other trusty shipmates aboard the Moneta, a lovely old wooden schooner (rigged with a squaresail - just for the fun of it).  We were berthed in the marina near the Praia de Rocha just south of Portimao. We all took our Royal Yachting Association certification as Day Skippers (Tidal) and did our best not to hurt Ron's boat (or his feelings). We ate, cooked slept and (occasionally) sailed on-board and had a ball. We cruised the coast, overnighted at Lagos, and did our best to make a spectacle of ourselves. A great experience and one I'd thoroughly recommend as the perfect blend of action and 'craic' (Irish for something to do with good fun and possibly a glass or two!) ALso see www.schooner-sailing.com