Year-round sunshine, dreamy scenery and the chance to join a host of creative workshops – a learning holiday at the Algarve’s Four Seasons Fairways ticks all the boxes for a blissful break.
Hidden away in one of Portugal’s loveliest locations, Four Seasons Fairways has long been a favourite escape for in-the-know holidaymakers in search of laidback luxury, glorious surrounds and top-notch service. Surrounded by Quinta do Lago’s stunning championship golf courses, it draws both seasoned pros and novices keen to give the sport a go. There’s more to the area than just golf, however, with the spectacular Ria Formosa nature reserve just a stone’s throw from the resort. This spectacular landscape is one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. A scenic maze of shimmering seawater lagoons, bird-filled marshlands and sandy islands, it’s the perfect setting for walking, running and cycling with boardwalks and trails weaving through the reserve. The resort itself is a collection of 132 traditional white-washed private villas and apartments, with a chic clubhouse, sleek pool and tennis courts set within immaculate palm-dotted gardens. It’s the perfect set-up for a relaxing escape, with the five-star service you’d expect from a luxury hotel combined with the privacy of your own villa. The latter have recently been beautifully renovated, with each villa featuring its own pool or jacuzzi, bougainvillea-filled terrace or garden area and outdoor BBQ for dining al fresco.
Now guests can enhance their stay at Four Seasons Fairways with a range of experiences and workshops, from classic Portuguese cooking classes to traditional tile painting. Here’s just a sample of what’s on offer…
Take your golf up a gear
With some of the world’s finest courses on your doorstep, a stay at Four Seasons Fairways is the perfect time to work on your swing. The prestigious Quinta do Lago golf academy welcomes all abilities, with cutting-edge analytical and performance enhancing technology to get your golfing skills in tip-top shape. It’s a great activity for individuals, couples or groups of friends, with a range of lessons on offer. For children there is also junior coaching available, along with dedicated kids’ golf camps. Prices for private individual lessons start from €90pp for 50mins or €70pp for two people.
Take to the waves with a surf lesson
Sandy beaches, sunny skies and world-class waves, the Algarve is the ideal place to learn to surf. Four Seasons Fairways have partnered with a top local surf school as part of their exciting programme of activities. Kids and grown-ups alike can get involved – the surf school offers lessons for all ages and abilities, with SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) available too. Group surf lessons cost €35pp, with private individual lessons costing €80pp or €50pp for two sharing.
Get artistic with traditional tile painting
Portugal is famous for its distinctive blue and white azulejos tiles, adorning everything from shops to palaces. This wonderful workshop is led by talented ceramicist Bernadette Martins, who will lead you through the traditional technique of painting tiles with blue cobalt pigment before helping you to create your own designs inspired by flora and fauna. The class costs €30pp including three tiles to take home.
Try your hand at palm weaving
For centuries Portuguese women have been expertly weaving palm fronds into beautiful baskets. This three-hour class will teach you how to weave your own creation, using age-old methods. The experience costs €30pp.
Experience traditional bread baking in a rural village
Spend the day in the heart of the Algarve mountains, where you’ll learn to bake bread using the ancestral techniques of the wood-fired oven. Enjoy a short stroll through the village of Sarnadas, learning about its history, before an optional lunch. The cost is €45pp or €65pp including lunch.
Learn to cook a classic Algarve dish
One for foodies, this two-hour masterclass is led by talented chef Vitor Veloso, who runs his own restaurant, Aurora (named for his grandmother), specialising in authentic Portuguese cuisine. You’ll learn how to cook Cataplana, Algarve’s famous, flavour-packed fish stew, before tasting your efforts along with a glass of chilled white wine. The class costs €36pp, including wine.
Further information
Seven nights in a two bed villa (plus study) with pool (sleeping up to 8) from £1,975 on a self-catering basis, based on travel in April 2024. For more details visit www.fourseasonsfairways.com
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