Weekender
Mark and Kira Walton’s Portugal
We are blessed to live in Sligo,
which has been a haven for us during the pandemic, but when this is all over, we dream of going back to Portugal.
We’ve been going to Portugal for many years,
in particular to Martinhal Sagres, and that’s where we’d return. We visited there before we had our toddler son, Avery, and loved it, but we definitely appreciate the facilities more now that we have him.
At Martinhal, you’re far enough from the main tourist developments to feel like you are in Portugal,
but not so far that you can’t avail of the Algarve attractions if you wish. We’d spend the first evening decompressing on the beach, followed by a nice fresh-fish dinner and a glass of wine.
On Saturday, Mark would get up early for a surf locally.
Then we would cycle into Sagres with Avery, do a little sightseeing, and get lunch in the old town.
That night, we might book a babysitter and visit Martinhal’s fine-dining restaurant.
We’d sit on the terrace drinking cocktails and enjoy a fabulous meal. Otherwise, we’d explore the rustic charm of Sagres town for some traditional Portuguese food.
Sunday would start with a daybreak yoga class on the beach for me,
while Mark and Avery hit the pool and cause general mayhem. That would be followed by an obscene brunch in the restaurant before leaving to fly home.
Mark and Kira Walton are founders of Voya Organic Beauty. For information on their seaweed baths in Sligo, and Voya skincare stockists, see voya.ie