Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Great swathes of the Algarve coast have been consumed by developers and concrete-pourers; up in these hills, a half hour from the coast, it doesn't seem to matter. This house and cottage have some of the most exquisite views in the Algarve, the terraces are heavenly and the garden is a paradise of trees. The house is on several levels: enter at the back, step down to the living room and thence to the terrace; you will be captivated by the light, the space and the comfort. Everywhere are muted colours, good furniture, framed watercolours and gorgeous ceramics. Bedrooms, too, are lovely; one has soft blue toile de Jouy, blue and white furniture and a matching bathroom that opens to the main terrace, another a pretty pink and white theme, a private entrance and painted Alentejan furniture and bed. Housekeepers Marcía and Días are there to look after you well – you buy the food, they do the cooking. They also do the laundry, the cleaning and check the (heated) pool – and can babysit! Lavish yet elegant, Cabana dos Rouxinois belongs to an 'old' English family and little expense has been spared.