Penha Longa Resort ★★★★★

Before leaving, I checked the children had their trainers and swimming costumes and my husband had packed his golf clubs. This time I was determined to enjoy a tranquil holiday without worrying about them getting bored. I had read Lord Byron’s description of Sintra as a ‘glorious Eden’ and his opinion was shared by his compatriot Robert Southey, who said that it is ‘the most blessed spot on the whole inhabitable globe’. This was more than enough to convince me to go and see what this paradise looks like. But I needed a hotel where the whole family would be well catered for; where they would be entertained and I would be pampered, and where we would eat very well indeed.

The Penha Longa Resort was the perfect solution. Housed in an impressive 19th century structure - originally a monastery - and nestled in the greenery of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park, this is a splendid five-star establishment with swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, a spa and six restaurants. Upon arrival, I immediately felt relaxed… I knew we would be happy here.

Peace and tranquillity are the words that first come to mind when describing the resort. Grand and majestic, too. Everything here is supersized, but I can assure you that it doesn’t feel like a club-resort with hoards of overexcited guests. No, it is a charming hotel: a historical place that was once a royal retreat, where you can live easy and enjoy the warm Portuguese climate.

Our bags barely set down, my husband and children ran off to explore. Dad went to work on his swing on the Atlantic Golf Course - an eighteen-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior - and the children were impatient to join the Kids Club. So, with a coffee in hand, I sat down on our private balcony and gazed out at the surrounding countryside: a luxurious natural park between the sea and the mountains.

I was on holiday! Did I fancy a nap in our luxurious bed with Egyptian cotton linen, or spending the afternoon lounging beside the pool? Or did I feel like going horse riding in the countryside? Later, later, for now I would surrender to the expert hands of the world-renowned spa. Just walking into this luxurious space dedicated to feeling good is a real moment of relaxation. Treating myself to a ‘just for her’ treatment was even better, and later I discovered the outdoor Jacuzzi, yoga classes and gazebo for meditation. Meditation that in my case quickly turned to thoughts of food. Because this hotel has six restaurants, and not just any old restaurants either: a gourmet journey through the best cuisines in the world.

Portuguese cuisine is showcased at the Aqua, authentic American burgers at the B Lounge, fine Italian cuisine is served at the Il Mercato, and you’ll find sushi at the Midori. But my personal favourite was the Arola, named after the Michelin starred Catalonian chef. Here you can savour the minimalist, innovative cuisine that he learnt alongside Sergi Arola, the star of molecular cooking. What’s more, you can even take part in a cocktail class from the hotel mixologists. Now I could rival Tom Cruise!