Chemmy Alcott

Former British Ladies Champion skier Chemmy Alcott is better known for her supreme talent on the snow than for her sandcastle building skills.

But when the mum-of-two asked Travel Seen for the perfect short-haul destination to take her two young boys to, there was a standout resort our team knew would tick all the boxes:

 

 

“As you can imagine from two former athletes with two little kids, my husband Dougie and I don’t necessarily look for a holiday where we can switch off,” says Chemmy. “Instead we like the balance of being able to pop for a spa treatment or a shady place to relax, alongside lots of activities to keep both ourselves and Lochlan and Cooper on the go.”

 

With this brief in mind the Travel Seen team knew Chemmy and her family would fall for the attractions of Vila Vita Parc on the Algarve in Portugal. 

 

Delivering a high-end luxury experience including a Sisley Paris spa and two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the resort has lots to offer families as well, with its own kids’ park and crèche to name just two. 

 

“It really did tick all the boxes for us,” Chemmy reported back. “The kids loved the pools and the beach, there was lots for them to eat at the restaurants, the playground was fab and we had such a laugh at the mini-golf. The highlight for them though was the golf carts which the resort has to take you around - my boys loved them! And they were brilliant for getting around quickly in the shade during the August sun.” 

 

The family enjoyed dining from the resort’s ten restaurants, but a particular favourite was Adega, “the authentic Portuguese dishes were just so delicious” remembers Chemmy.  

 

To give Chemmy and Dougie some time for themselves Travel Seen organised treatments at the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris. “The treatment I had was just dreamy,” says Chemmy. “And as a yoga lover the facilities to practice here are superb.” 

 

So would Chemmy Alcott recommend Vila Vita Parc for a family holiday in Portugal? 

 

“I have been so fortunate to travel for work throughout the pandemic visiting many a wintry paradise,” she says. “So it was great to have our first foreign summer holiday thanks to Travel Seen. I had lost a bit of confidence staying at nice places with the boys - fear of judgment of my two ‘happy crazies’ who are frequently a little too loud! But Vila Vita Parc was the perfect destination with fantastic zones for families and for adults only.”

 

• I love an espresso so made more than one trip to the resort’s Cafe Bica for a barista-made brew.

• Sitting in a pool cabana with a ginger gin cocktail... bliss. 

• We went on a sea grotto cruise sailing into and under the amazing caves and rock formations along the Algarve coast. It was spectacular. 

 

The family travelled to the Portuguese resort during August flying into Faro airport with transfers in a luxury vehicle. To give Chemmy, her family and their nanny plenty of space, Travel Seen chose Vila Vita Parc’s interconnecting Deluxe Room with a garden view for their accommodation. This includes its own garden and is set over two levels, with a sleeping area on one and living space on the other – perfect for families with young children.