Your table overlooks the Atlantic, twinkling in the clear sunlight. After breakfast you stroll through the 54 acre gardens, past the curved swimming pool, and find yourself high of a cliff offering spectacular seascape panoramas. You take the obligatory photographs – even though you know they can’t possibly do the scene justice – before sidling down to the irresistible white beach. What a way to end a day. At the Vila Vita you have a choice of eight different restaurants ranging from modern and stylish to traditionally Portuguese, plus six bars and a striking wine cellar, 10 metres below ground.