Highlights of the Day
Our day started with a stroll around the Tivoli Carvoeiro hotel, enjoying the stunning pool and breathtaking coastal views in Algarve. We explored the famous caves in Algarve on a thrilling speedboat ride, including the iconic Benagil Cave and the mystical Owl Eyes Cave. Afterward, we walked the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, taking in the golden sunset.
Dinner at The One Restaurant was delightful, and we were touched to see a laser beam illuminating the names of a couple celebrating their wedding at the hotel, adding a heartwarming end to our day.
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Travel Journal
In the morning, we began our day with a leisurely stroll around the hotel, taking in the serene surroundings. The double-circle swimming pool once again captured our attention, its beauty leaving us in awe. Bathed in the golden morning sun, the water glistened like liquid sapphire, its clarity and vibrancy unlike anything we had ever seen before. The pool was perfectly framed by meticulously manicured lawns, their lush green contrasting beautifully with the deep blue of the water. Beyond the pool, the majestic rock formations rose dramatically, their rugged edges etched against the horizon. And stretching out further still, the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean seemed to merge with the sky, creating a breathtaking view that felt both expansive and intimate at the same time. It was the perfect setting to start our day, a place where nature’s beauty and tranquility truly came together.
As we relaxed on the soft lawn, we couldn’t help but notice a few chairs scattered across the lush green expanse, adding to the serene atmosphere of calm. The inviting chairs seemed to beckon for a quiet moment of repose, and I couldn’t resist striking a pose for a photo.
From here, we climbed up the rocks, where a stunning view of the coastline unfolded before us. The rugged rock formations dotted the coastline, each unique in its shape and character, but one solitary rock stood out—quietly perched in the middle of the ocean. Surrounded by the vast, tranquil waters, it exuded a sense of stillness and peace that was truly captivating.
The hotel also has a staircase that leads down to the ocean’s edge. While you can’t quite dip your toes in the water, the proximity to the sea is enough to feel its refreshing presence. It was a playful adventure, scrambling over the rocks and soaking in the beauty of the golden light. As we were exploring, we noticed a group of Indian guests descending the staircase. We whispered to each other, wondering if there was a special event happening at the hotel. Just then, a friendly young Indian man kindly offered to take a photo of us, and we were truly grateful. Curious, we asked if he was part of the group and whether it was a family gathering. With a warm smile, he explained that they were all guests celebrating the upcoming wedding of a couple who had chosen this beautiful hotel for their ceremony. What an unexpected, delightful encounter! As we walked back toward the hotel, we saw tables and chairs being set up on the lawn, confirming that indeed, a wedding celebration was soon to unfold in this magical place.
One of the most captivating attractions in Algarve is its stunning rock formations, and we headed to Marina de Lagos (Lagos Marina) to experience them firsthand. The marina itself is a charming blend of modern facilities and natural beauty. Lined with elegant yachts and boats, the harbor sparkles under the sun, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The calm, turquoise waters reflect the clear sky, while the surrounding hills provide a scenic backdrop. Strolling along the waterfront, you’re greeted by lively cafes, boutique shops, and the gentle hum of tourists and locals alike, all soaking in the relaxed coastal vibe. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and adventure, offering a glimpse of both the bustling marina life and the serene beauty of the surrounding sea.
There were two exciting options to explore these natural wonders: the exhilarating speedboat ride or the adventurous challenge of paddling in a kayak. With the weather being a bit chilly and the thought of falling into the water on a kayak feeling too risky, we chose the speedboat, which came with a professional driver to navigate the waters.
While waiting for our boat, we decided to relax at Amuras Bar, a charming spot with a perfect view of the water. We enjoyed a refreshing beer and savored a scoop of ice cream, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning scenery around us.
The speedboat eased out of the harbor, and soon, the hum of the engine grew louder as it began to pick up speed. The warm wind swept across our faces, ruffling our hair as we zoomed across the water. The exhilarating sensation was contagious—everyone on the boat was filled with excitement and anticipation. Before long, we arrived at our first major destination: Benagil Cave, the most iconic of the coastal wonders of Algarve. From the boat, we could see a handful of brave adventurers kayaking in the clear, calm waters. If I ever return in the summer, I would love to try it myself, paddling into the cave’s mystical depths.
As we approached the cave, towering cliffs rose steeply from the sea, their jagged faces weathered by time. The boat glided closer, revealing the grand arch of Benagil Cave, carved by centuries of ocean waves. Inside, the cave expanded into a vast dome, its rocky walls stretching high above. Sunlight filtered through a hole in the ceiling, casting a magical beam of light onto the shimmering water below. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the cave and the deep blue sky above, it felt like stepping into another world—an awe-inspiring testament to nature’s power.
The sight left us in awe, a humbling reminder of the extraordinary forces that have shaped this coastline over millennia.
On the way back, the speedboat gradually slowed down, allowing us to take in the full beauty of the coastline. We stopped at several caves along the way, many of which I’ve since forgotten the names of, but one in particular remains vivid in my memory. This cave, Owl Eyes Cave, with its grand domed arch, stood out for its unique and striking feature: at the top of the arch, there were two openings side by side, perfectly spaced apart. As the sunlight streamed through, it illuminated the openings, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the stone walls and water below. The twin arches, bathed in golden light, resembled a pair of owl’s eyes, wide and watchful, creating an almost mystical effect. It was a moment that felt both surreal and magical, as if nature itself had crafted this perfect symbol of wisdom and beauty amidst the rugged rocks.
As the boat glided smoothly through the sparkling water, we gazed at the pristine beaches along the coast, where people basked in the warm sunlight, enjoying the idyllic setting.
In the distance, we spotted a familiar sight—a building that we believed to be our hotel, Tivoli Carvoeiro. The unmistakable solitary rock in front of it stood out, strikingly similar to the one we had admired earlier that morning while exploring the hotel’s surroundings. It was as though the landscape had come full circle, offering us a perfect view of the place we had just discovered from a new perspective.
After the exhilarating boat tour, we made our way to the famous Carvoeiro Boardwalk, a perfect spot to continue soaking in the beauty of the Algarve. As the sun began to set, its golden rays bathed the landscape, casting a warm, ethereal glow on the rugged rocks along the coast. The cliffs seemed to shimmer in the fading light, their deep hues illuminated by the sun’s soft embrace.
The boardwalk itself was alive with the peaceful rhythm of people enjoying the serene evening. Some strolled leisurely along the path, while others paused to take in the stunning views, their faces glowing in the warm afternoon sun. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, a perfect blend of nature’s splendor and the gentle hum of the coast. It felt like a moment suspended in time, where everything was perfectly aligned—nature, the golden hour, and the leisurely pace of life on the boardwalk.
We wandered along the boardwalk, letting the gentle sea breeze guide us, before venturing onto the rugged rocks that stretched out into the ocean. The uneven surfaces made the climb more exciting, each step connecting us deeper with nature, as we scrambled over the stones, feeling their rough texture underfoot. The sounds of the sea crashing against the cliffs created a soothing backdrop, and with every twist and turn, we found ourselves further immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the landscape.
As we continued our ascent, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in rich hues of orange and pink. We paused to watch as the sun, like a glowing egg yolk, quietly rested on the water, casting a warm, golden glow that illuminated both the sky and the shimmering ocean around it. The tranquil scene exuded an almost surreal quality, as if time had slowed down. The soft golden light reflected off the water, enveloping everything in a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere—one that felt both timeless and fleeting, as if we were witnessing nature’s final masterpiece of the day.
For dinner, we headed to the One Restaurant. One of the few drawbacks of the area is the narrow roads, which are poorly lit at night. With this in mind, we decided not to venture out once darkness fell. Another minor inconvenience is that the restaurant doesn’t open until 7pm. While this is typical for the Portuguese dining culture, it felt a bit late for us.
That said, the evening turned out to be truly delightful. The ambiance, the food, and the service were all exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. As we dined, we couldn’t help but notice a soft laser beam illuminating the rock we had climbed earlier that day. The beam cast two names, encircled by a heart, onto the rock face. The names, we realized, were of an Indian couple—the same couple whose guests we had seen earlier in the day. It became clear that they were the ones getting married at the hotel.
It was such a heartwarming moment, and we felt truly honored to witness this intimate celebration in such a beautiful place. Our best wishes go to the newlyweds, as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.
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