Back Again

Malcolm and I returned yesterday, from a lovely week away in Vilamoura on the Algarve in Portugal. Vilamoura is a purpose-built resort, close to Faro and based around too many golf courses and a very swanky marina complex.

With the capacity to berth over 1000 boats, the whole area is surrounded by grand hotels and some rather posh restaurants - as well as a few of a rather more 'common' nature.

Berthed in the marina were boats of all sizes, shapes and values, from the mundane to the downright ostentatious. By far the most impressive of these was one going by the name of Vive La Vie, a super yacht owned by the Swiss entrepreneur, Willy Michel. He made his money from various companies creating medicines and associated paraphernalia, all to do with the treatment of diabetes.
On board, the dining room table can be raised into the ceiling so creating space for a floating disco. The boat is said to have cost £493 million - obviously there's money in diabetes!
For more pictures of this fabulous vessel, click HERE.

Back to earth for the moment, we spent some very enjoyable hours walking around the marina during our stay - more of which will be forthcoming over the next few days.