Siobhan McAuley|

Thanks to instagram, scenes from places like The Algarve, and Lisbon,  have really put Portugal on everyone’s bucket list’s ! So , staying in this charming hotel, is a chance to live like Kings and Queens, resting your head in some of the most luxurious suites in the world, tasting sweet wine , and delicacies from the region, and walking the grounds of one of the most romantic places ever..if that doesnt spark romance , then I don’t know what will! UNESCO SITE- Don’t forget to pay a visit to the University of Coimbra , one of Portugal’s many UNESCO heritage sites. Get lost in the Historical Village of Marialva amidst almond trees, olive trees and a large patch of vines, in a pure nature setting, ending in the Lounge of the Vineyard of the Houses, with an aperitif and a Tonic Port. SPA programmes that begin with aelax indoor and outdoor heated pool at 31º, use their aqua gym (aqua bike, elliptical walkway) in a music circuit , bask in their sauna and Turkish bath with panoramic views of the grounds, and end with a delectable dinner, and wine.

So , firstly I was invited to experience camping by the Costa Brava Tourism and the Girona Campsite Association who are incredibly proud of their campsites. With camping being an increasingly popular holiday choice in the Irish market , and with direct flights to their region -they decided to invest in showcasing their camping holiday experience to Irish families! Our camping adventure started off in Catalonia’s largest city of Girona, however we only had 2/3 hours there before we set off to our first campsite , so we didn’t have much time to truly take it all in. And , if you are beach lover like us , Camping Nautica Almata  has direct access to its own private beach !

We spent 7 days on the island of Mahe , with a day where we island hopped to nearby uninhabited atolls such as Moyenne island. But , that being said , we had the honor to spend most our time , and my actual birthday at Maia Luxury Resort and spa… an exclusive villa only resort, nestled among thick tropical gardens , tall palm trees ,and a pristine white beach on the South West coast of Mahe. From arranging in -villa dining ,to private dinners on the beach , looking after Mason , watching movies with him , cooking us breakfast in our villa each morning , setting up balloons in our bedroom for my birthday , flower baths , and simply being the point of contact for all our needs throughout our stay. Anse Louis beach , on the south west coast of Mahe Beach and hilltop villas * children are not permitted in the hilltop villas