Top 10 Getaway for Tiny Travelers - Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs, Portugal

Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs, Portugal won a Top 10 Getaways award in 1998 for its support of parents with infants and toddlers.

You've recently become parents and you're exhausted...You've just had a second, or third, baby and you're overwhelmed. You need a vacation badly, but what do you do with the baby??? You could leave her with grandma, but you'd miss her too much, or you could bring a sitter along, if one were available. As most resort and hotel programs only accept children 5 years plus, in 1998 FTF surveyed getaways which cater to infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. Here's a look at one of our choices, the Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs, today.

Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs
Pinhal do Concelho
Apartado 887 8200-912
Algarve, Portugal
351/289 500-300

Portugal is one of those European getaways that rarely tops any North American's must-see list. Yet its rich culture, Mediterranean-Arabic style, delicious cuisine and unhurried lifestyle make it an ideal destination for families interested in a more-than-just-a-beach vacation. As delightful as the capital of Lisbon is, the Portuguese themselves head for the wilds of the Algarve region to unwind.

Here, on pine-tipped, strikingly-eroded red cliffs you'll find the Luxury Collection's Sheraton Algarve Hotel overlooking the Praia da Falesia and the Atlantic. In a relaxed environment geared to fitness buffs, families will find a 9-hole golf course and golf academy, a health club and indoor pool, 5 tennis courts and 3 large outdoor pools surrounded by white stucco clusters of single and duplex 154 luxury guest rooms.  There are 9 different restaurants to choose from and even a private beach.  Brocade fabrics, Moorish tiles, stone paving, ablution fountains, and low-key elegance reign throughout.

And to round out this snapshot of ultimate R n' R, there's Porto Pirata, an imaginative children's village. Even with a leading name like "Pirate's Port," it's hard to imagine a 7000 sq.meter area with two pirate ships to play on, one private pool, a playground, a mini-golf area, a bouncing castle, napping quarters, organized team sports, treasure hunts and other counselor-led activities. The youngest family members from 6 -36 months are cared for by a university-trained, multi-lingual staff with a ratio of 3:1 (approximate rates are €105/D, €70/half day, €32/hour). Little ones 3-4 can play full days for (€70 ) half days (€52) or by the hour (€16).  Kids 5-8 years are welcomed for full days (€60), half days (€43) or by the hour (€16), leaving parents plenty of time to enjoy resort activities or just relax in peace and quiet.