July 5th 2024.
Have you ever heard of the term "fly and flop" vacation? It's a catchy phrase that brings to mind images of a peaceful getaway, perhaps in a quaint countryside cottage or a cozy beach hut. But let me tell you, it's not as idyllic as it sounds. In reality, it's a rather depressing concept. It basically means taking a trip, but still having to work while you're away. You might be sipping cocktails on the beach or staying in an AirBnB, but your boss is none the wiser. It's similar to the popular trend of combining work and leisure, known as the "workcation", where business trips turn into mini-vacations, like working from a villa in Ibiza.
As a freelance journalist, the idea of being able to work from anywhere initially appealed to me. So, I booked a trip to Portugal, a top destination for digital nomads, and planned to spend six days split between the country's two major cities, Porto and Lisbon. I envisioned myself working in cozy coffee shops during the day and exploring the vibrant streets and trying out local cuisine at night. But as my departure date drew near, I began to realize that this so-called "break" might not be much of a break at all. Would I even have the energy to switch from work mode to tourist mode after a long day of work?
Feeling like I may have made a mistake, I decided to make the most of my trip and take a few extra days to explore the Algarve, a popular tourist destination in the south of Portugal. And I'm so glad I did. After experiencing the bustling cities of Porto and Lisbon, I was ready for some relaxation. Plus, the rainy days in Porto only added to my desire for some sunshine. So, I hopped on a train and headed down to Albufeira, a beach town known as the "California of Europe".
I knew that Albufeira was a popular spot for British tourists and golf enthusiasts, so I wasn't expecting a cultural experience like I had in the cities. Instead, I just wanted to unwind. That's why I chose to stay at the luxurious W Hotel, rather than a more authentic Airbnb or hostel. The W was perfect for keeping a healthy distance from the crowds of tourists and offered a spa, poolside bar, and beachfront location.
Speaking of where to stay, the Algarve has a lot of great towns and cities to explore. There's Faro, the capital of the region, Sagres for surfing, and Albufeira, where I chose to stay. For those looking for pure relaxation, I highly recommend the W Algarve. It's a hip and chic hotel, just a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. They have four restaurants on-site, including Paper Moon, a rooftop Italian eatery, and Market Kitchen, serving southern Portuguese-inspired meals. As a lover of seafood, I couldn't resist trying the fresh octopus and crab dishes at both restaurants. And let me tell you, it was delicious!
But that's not all, the W also has a champagne bar, a huge infinity pool, and a private beach. You could easily spend your entire vacation on the property without ever leaving. And if you do venture out, the spacious and beautifully decorated rooms with large balconies and comfortable beds will be waiting for you when you return.
When I arrived at the hotel, I wasted no time finding the perfect spot next to the pool and ordering a refreshing pint. I spent the next few hours lounging, taking a dip in the pool, and catching up on some much-needed sun after spending the previous week cooped up in my hotel room. It was the perfect way to unwind and truly relax.
So, if you're looking for a quiet and luxurious vacation, I highly recommend the Algarve, specifically a stay at the W Algarve. Trust me, you won't regret it. And with rooms starting at just £248 per night in low season, it's worth treating yourself to some well-deserved relaxation. Now, go ahead and picture yourself sipping wine on your balcony with a stunning view of the Algarve. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
When planning a vacation, most people dream of a peaceful and relaxing getaway. It's easy to picture yourself in a cozy cottage in the countryside or lounging in a beach hut for a few days. However, the reality of a "quiet vacation" may not be as appealing as it sounds.
This type of travel, known as "quiet vacationing," involves taking a holiday while still committing to work responsibilities. It could mean working from your Airbnb or even from the beach, all while your boss remains unaware of your whereabouts. This trend is similar to others, such as the "workcation," where business trips are combined with leisure activities, like working in a villa in Ibiza for a week.
As a freelance journalist, the idea of being able to work from anywhere initially seemed like a great opportunity. So, I planned a trip to Portugal, a top European destination for digital nomads, and scheduled six days split between Porto and Lisbon. I envisioned myself working at cozy coffee shops during the day and exploring the lively streets and local cuisine at night. But, as my departure date approached, I started to realize that this so-called "break" may not be much of a break at all. Would I even have the energy to switch from worker to tourist after a long day at my makeshift office?
Feeling unsure about my decision, I decided to make the most of my location and extend my trip to visit the Algarve, a popular tourist destination in Portugal. After spending time in the country's main cities, it only made sense to head down to the sought-after beach spot. Plus, after experiencing some rainy days in Porto, I was more than ready to soak up some sun in the "California of Europe."
By the time I arrived in Albufeira, on the south coast of Portugal, I had spent most of the previous week either indoors working or on a three-hour train ride between cities. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and the thought of swapping my laptop for some much-needed sunlight and a cold beer by the pool was more than enticing.
Having been to the Algarve once before, I knew it was a popular destination for British tourists and golf enthusiasts. So, I wasn't expecting a cultural immersion like I had in Lisbon and Porto. Instead, I wanted to do nothing but relax. That's why I chose to stay at the luxurious W Hotel, with its spa, poolside bar, and prime location right on the beach, rather than a more authentic Airbnb or hostel. The W was also a short taxi ride from the busy Old Town, allowing me to keep a healthy distance from the bustling crowds during peak tourist season.
If you're planning a visit to the Algarve and seeking pure relaxation, I highly recommend staying at the W Algarve. This trendy and posh hotel is about a ten-minute drive from the Old Town and offers four fantastic restaurants: Paper Moon, a rooftop Italian eatery, SIP @ WET, a poolside cocktail bar with healthy snacks, Market Kitchen, a lunch spot serving southern Portuguese-inspired cuisine, and W Lounge, which offers delicious tapas. I dined at Paper Moon and Market Kitchen, both of which served incredibly fresh seafood. It's tough to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose, it would be Market Kitchen. I have a soft spot for Portuguese food, especially their octopus dishes.
The W also has a champagne bar, a spa, a stunning infinity pool, and a private beach, so you don't even have to leave the property to experience the best of the Algarve. And with spacious, brightly decorated rooms, complete with large balconies and incredibly comfortable beds, you could easily spend the entire day and night relaxing in your own personal oasis.
When I arrived at the W, one of the first things I did was claim a deckchair by the pool and order a refreshing pint. I spent the next few hours blissfully alternating between dips in the pool and soaking up the sun, making up for the time I spent holed up in my hotel room the week before.
So, if you find yourself in the Algarve, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a stay at the W Algarve. Trust me; you won't regret it. And what better way to relax and unwind than with a picturesque view of the pool and beach, a glass of wine in hand, and not a care in the world?
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