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

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