Without doubt the centre piece ofDunas Douradas is the stunning Roman-style swimming pool, with it's distinctive columns. Open without charge to everyone staying at the resort, the pool is right next to Xenia restaurant and bar. There is also a separate children's pool for the resort's younger visitors. Basic shopping facilities are available nearby at the Mini-Market, or for larger shops, the small town of Almancil has a full-featured supermarket (Apolonia) and is only a short drive away. Apolonia also offers an online ordering and delivery service.

There is an excellent snack bar and restaurant located in Dunas Douradas itself (see below). In nearby Vale do Lobo (5 minute drive), and Almancil (6 minute drive), you will find a whole range of justifiably popular restaurants, bars and nightlife. Ancao beach, with its restaurants and bars is a five minute walk away from the centre of the resort.

Xenia

A family friendly place with excellent international cuisine, Xenia is located right beside the large Roman style pool at the heart of the Dunas Douradas resort. Serving up the best in local and international cuisine, Xenia also offers amazing poolside barbecues, live music and a pool bar in the summer, plus luxury dining in the evening year round. In cooler months there is a log fire in the bar to keep you warm and cosy. For kids, (and kids at heart), there is a pool table, air hockey and table football, plus three large screen TVs showing sports channels. And then of course there is the stunning pool. Look out for the famous Jazz nights during the summer season. Not to be missed!

Maria's

Under new management since 2012, this former beach shack with its own exclusive section of beach, is definitely now all grown up. Maria's offers daily lunchtime to dinner menus featuring locally sourced fish and a great selection of wines, chosen by the owners themselves to complement the food. Access to the Atlantic sea views, already stunning, was augmented in 2014 with the addition of a roof bar and terrace, which means Maria's can offer full cover in the cooler months and al fresco dining during the summer season.

Izzy's

Located on the nearby beach of Praia do Garrao, Izzy's offers an extensive range of seafood and fish dishes in both an international and Portuguese style. The views across the ocean from here are extraordinary and people return again and again for the relaxed atmosphere and stunning ambience of the surroundings. Large-party bookings are possible, as is al fresco dining. In the summer, Izzy's hosts its Sunday Sunset Party, featuring ever popular outfit The Business Band and a live DJ.

Julia's

Popular with tourists and residents alike, Julia's is one of the longest-standing restaurants in the area, having been open for over forty years. There is a selection of locally caught wild fish available, as well as snacks in the beachside bar. On Sunday afternoons, Julia's hosts live music, with more events during the week in the summer season. Whether you are looking for an intimate romantic dinner, or to host a large family event, Julia's can ably accommodate you with a welcoming smile and some simply excellent fresh food. You'll find Julia's friendly welcome on the Praia do Garrao, known locally as Julia's beach.

Antonio Ta Certo

Also found on the Praia do Garrao is Restaurante Antonio Ta Certo, popularly known as Antonio's. Justly famous for its fish dishes, this is a quieter and more tranquil setting than some of the other restaurants we've covered above. This family-run place is particularly known for its wide range of freshly caught fish dishes in the Portuguese style. Complementing the excellent food are the amazing views out across the Atlantic. Antonio's has a terrace with umbrellas for shade when eating outside in the warmer months, and a well appointed bar for those cooler or more intimate evenings. All in all perhaps the most refined place to eat in the area, Antonio's is perfect for those special romantic evenings on your holiday.

Ken Lo's Memories of China

Located just 7 minutes' walk from Dunas Douradas at the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy. Offering a wide range of Asian cuisine and views over Tennis Valley, this popular restaurant has a large terrace for the summer months.

Depending on where in the resort your luxury accommodation is located, Dunas Douradas is intimate enough that the nearby beach of Ancao will be a short five to fifteen minutes walk away.

On this beautiful beach, with its clear water, honey-coloured sand and ochre dunes, you will find a variety of water sports, ranging from windsurfing to waterskiing, boat hire and snorkelling.

Blue Flagged by the EU for cleanliness and extremely family-friendly, Ancao beach has lifeguards on duty all of the daylight hours during the summer season, and gentle lapping waves. There are several bars and restaurants right on the beach, with fantastic views and great food in abundance. For those snoozy afternoons reading your book, or just revelling in the fresh air and sunshine, the resort hires out sun loungers and umbrellas.

In one direction Ancao beach continues on into the beach at the Vale do Lobo resort, popular with celebrities and the Portuguese glitterati. If you head in the other direction, Ancao beach is at the edge of the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning protected area of wetland lagoons, barrier islands and wildlife habitats ideal for bird watching or just walking and marvelling at the incredible beauty and variety of nature.