I’ve had a busy month overseas with the second European visit in April to the alluring Algarve, together with Bob.

 

The trip was again a great networking event and of course involved some golf on the very green and pleasant courses in Vilamoura itself; The Oceanico Old Course, Pinhal, Millenium and Vila Sol.

 

We flew into Faro with BA Holidays and were greeted by a warm and sunny climate. A short taxi ride took us to our hotel, the 5-star Vilamoura Beach Hotel, which is only 200 metres from the sandy beach and a lazy five minute walk to the marina. 

 

Our fellow guests were architects and developers and we had lively discussions about the current UK market, the opportunities overseas, and particularly the benefits of leaving the UK behind. 

 

Vilamoura has six golf courses and the marina was bustling. We enjoyed the quayside restaurants and ate some delicious fish platters on the waterside but alternated between Portugese and Italian cuisine.

 

There was very little evidence of a slow-down in construction in Vilamoura with a seemingly steady stream of apartments in various stages and prices. We also saw cleared land ready for the infrastructure of new developments.

 

I was particularly impressed by the cleanliness of the town, the colourful landscaping of the roundabouts, and came away having enjoyed mixing business and pleasure.