Casa das Tilias, Gale, Algarve

Completely renovated throughout in 2019 to an impressive standard, Casa das Tilias is an exceptional villa beautifully located in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of the popular resort of Galé. This pristine, uber-modern property ticks all the boxes for a totally relaxing, luxury holiday. Boasting elegant design and luxurious furnishings within perfectly manicured grounds, its home to a fabulous 11m by 4m private pool and extensive poolside terrace. Completing this is a private full-size enclosed tennis court, so that even complete novices can swing a racket to their hearts content.

Upstairs, the villa’s accommodation has an air of Hollywood glamour, each bedroom individually styled and boasting bold, oversized headboards and opulent bed linen. All rooms have their own balcony overlooking the pool and gardens, with glass balustrades to make the most of the views across the wonderfully kept garden, the traditional terracotta rooftops of Gale to the sparkling sea beyond. Three of the bedrooms have ensuites, with a fourth shower room adjacent and a fifth downstairs; each one is impeccably presented, with sophisticated modern tiling and quality fixtures and fittings.

On the ground floor is an airy, open-plan lounge and dining room exuding style and sophistication with two sets of sliding glass doors leading to the outside terrace, pool and garden. The owner of this house has sympathetically and lovingly furnishing the property to the highest of standards. A plush sofa offers a comfy retreat from the midday sun where you can catch a movie. In the adjacent dining area, seated on beautifully upholstered chairs around a striking glass table, why not linger over a sumptuous supper as you plot the following day’s activities? You will also find Bluetooth speakers in the ceiling lights of this property, sending the music you love around the whole house all at the touch of your fingertips from the downloadable app.

The fully fitted kitchen, with its high gloss cabinetry and state-of-the-art gadgets and appliances, is yours to potter in as you please, although it’s a safe bet that the superb alfresco cooking area to the side of the house will tempt even the most fastidious of chefs outside. Here, an impressive stone BBQ with numerous shelves for your seasoning and garnishes, invites you to keep it deliciously simple and perhaps grill some locally caught sardines – just sprinkle with sea salt and a squeeze of lemon and wash down with a chilled vinho verde.

When you crave a little shade, feel truly Zen as you make your way to the shaded gazebo tucked away beneath the olive trees in a corner of the pretty gardens, thoughtfully planted with palms, hibiscus, nut and fruit trees that guests are free to pick from and enjoy in season. Perch on one of the soft rattan chairs with your favourite read.

With your own tennis court to use as and when you please, a wonderfully refreshing pool to cool off in and a pool table to host your family tournaments, it’s easy to see how the days can fly by without setting foot outside the villa grounds. However, there are numerous shops, bars and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk and the delightful 5km stretch of Galé beach, with its soft golden sand, turquoise waters, light surf and attractive rock formations, only minutes away by car. You’ll also find a range of beach bars and eateries here as well as sun loungers, parasols and water sports.