Vale do Lobo: The perfect place for a ‘playcation’ this summer

‘Playcations’ – where families opt for active experiences, hobbies and play as part of their holidays – are one of the hottest trends this season and at the Algarve’s prestigious Vale do Lobo resort, the benefits of playcations are clear, with visitors of all ages enjoying active family holidays packed with hands-on experiences and plenty of opportunities for to learn, engage and stay active together.

The Vale do Lobo Summer Junior Golf Academy is a case in point. Designed to encourage children to develop their golfing skills, six academies will run throughout the summer months, each delivering ten hours of expert tuition and hands-on practice spread across five days.

Led by Vale do Lobo’s golf expert, the sessions provide young golfers with the chance to learn the fundamentals of the game, including swing, putting, chipping, bunkers, rules and competitions. Youngsters also have time on the course to refine their techniques and build their confidence, as their inner champions bubble to the surface.

Sports tuition is also available at the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy. Children’s lessons take place daily from 9-11am throughout the summer holidays, welcoming young players of all abilities and providing focused guidance on how they can improve their game.

Hernâni Estêvão, Managing Director at Vale do Lobo, comments: “It’s wonderful to see children’s confidence grow as they learn from our experts, then take those new skills and enthusiasm back to their family and challenge them to a game. Sports lessons for children are invaluable in embedding lifelong healthy habits and supporting families to stay active. And where better to enjoy them than in such an idyllic setting as Vale do Lobo?

“What’s wonderful now is that we’re seeing many golfers and tennis players who learned the sport right here as children a generation ago, returning as adults and bringing their own children to Vale do Lobo. The inter-generational appeal of our sports amenities showcases the lifelong benefits of staying active as part of family life.”

Active family holidays at Vale do Lobo can be moulded around each family’s preferences, with a range of private lessons and group coaching options available. The heated swimming pool at the Tennis Academy is a hit with many families, as is the resort’s ParTee mini golf course.

The family-friendly nature of the resort also does much to encourage an active lifestyle for holidaymakers of all ages. In the bustling Praça, children’s entertainment takes place daily from 6.30pm to 11pm, including themed inflatable attractions, popcorn and candyfloss carts, interactive games and activities, face painting, creative hairstyling, temporary tattoos and balloon modelling. There are also arts, crafts and creative workshops, folk dancing, cultural showcases and caricature artists, as well as a children’s electric car circuit and a beautiful vintage Parisian carousel (available until September 12).

The Praça is also bursting with music and culture over the summer, with everything from intimate live performances during the early and late season to vibrant high-energy entertainment throughout July and August.

Live music, themed performances and immersive entertainment will bring the Praça to life, with standout shows taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. A range of exhibitors will also be present, with local artisans showcasing unique creations, lifestyle pieces and handcrafted products throughout the summer evenings.

Likewise, the wide range of family-centric restaurants provides ample settings in which to enjoy relaxed meals spanning popular international cuisines. El Ta’koy takes diners on a gastronomic flight through the tropics, Smash is bursting with crowd-pleasing family favourites and Doce is perfect for keeping everyone happy, with everything from light meals and nutritious fresh juices to delightfully tempting pastries.

Key to the success of this is the thought that has gone into creating such a magical setting for staying active as a family. Children’s activities and sporting opportunities are a core part of the resort’s daily life, not an afterthought, from the abundance of events to the playgrounds designed to inspire and thrill (the Tennis Valley playground is a particular highlight). This not only delights younger visitors but provides scope for parents to relax while their children are entertained, ensuring everyone benefits from the break.

Easily accessible from Faro Airport, which itself is only around 2.5 hours from the UK, Vale do Lobo’s location delivers additional value for many families. The short journey time minimises travel stress, ensuring families can arrive ready to enjoy an active playcation in the Algarve sunshine.

For those visiting this summer, Vale do Lobo’s family offer includes up to 25% off apartment stays until September 30, with children up to 12 able to stay free of charge in an extra bed. The offer also includes a beach hut with two sun loungers per day, one doughnut from Doce per person per night and free use of the Resort Shuttle’s internal circuit. There is a children’s pool available at Well for joyous family moments every day.

For more information visit valedolobo.com