Moroccan Marriage

If you were to cross the sea in a straight line due south from this villa on the Algarve coast, you'd eventually reach Morocco and it's clear that this home's design has been influenced by its cross-continental neighbour.

Inside, this can be seen with the ogee-shaped light fittings and artwork, but it's the Berber-style tent area outside that captures the spirit of North Africa best. Here, it's possible to escape the hottest part of the afternoon on a comfy pouffe or to relax after dinner with a session on the shisha pipe.

Elsewhere outside, guests will find a long swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen and an alfresco dining table on the green-tiled terrace. There are even covered balconies leading off from some of the bedrooms where you can look out over the rooftops of nearby Galé.

There's no shortage of beaches in this corner of the world, with Praia dos Calvoeiros only six minutes' walk away. Albufeira and its Old Town take just over ten minutes to reach in the car, too.

Home truths:
*There's free parking available on the premises, as well as additional spots on the street
*A cot and high chair can be provided for free
*Even though the villa is spread across two levels, there are bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor and these are wheelchair accessible
*Beach towels, umbrellas, blankets and snorkelling gear are all available to borrow