After being a 'girl about town' in Ålesund (see previous post), I am pleased that today's activities of actually chasing fjords and waterfalls does not involve climbing 418 stairs up a mountain and down again. But first, to get my 'not so 18 year old' out of bed. Our hotel with it's ever so striking exposed wooden beams has a privileged position on the Brosundet canal and a barely worth talking about walking distance into the centre of activities. I ached out of bed and went

That is the question at Penha Longa Resort. Translating to 'long rock' the origins of Penha Longa Resort dates back to the 14th Century. Once the residence of hermit monks and later the summer playground of Portuguese royalty this residence has long outlasted those for whom it's beautiful and tranquil surrounds once provided respite. Ritz Carlton Hotels now reigns over this resort and they wield a sceptre of modern luxury. Thirty five minutes drive from the Lisbon crowds and