By Charmaine Hibbert

Night has fallen as we pull into the gates of Bom Sucesso and as we pull up outside our villas with their crisp white finish and beach wood doors I already have the feeling that I am going to be happy when I open the door.

What I didn’t anticipate is the nice bottle of wine, cheese and crackers and a beautiful wood burner all ready to go, a box of matches just waiting for me to strike one and get the fire crackling – not that there isn’t air condition that I could turn up but where is the fun in that!

After a wonderful night’s sleep in the extra sized four poster bed – I have to add it’s a modern designed four poster – I open my curtains to be greeted by the morning sun and a wonderful view of the resort. After a nice warm shower in the spacious bathroom I take a slow walk to the clubhouse for breakfast. The walk gives me a chance to appreciate the many different types of villa and townhouse designs – by the 23 different architects that have collaborated on this project – and it certainly makes for an idyllic environment. It is the perfect getaway.

Breakfast as you would expect is a mixture of fresh fruit, cold meats, pastries and of course how can I resist some freshly cooked to order scrabbled eggs and bacon after a nice fresh bowl of fruit. I am perched by the window looking over the lake with a cup of coffee just lapping up the views.

Facilities
I contemplate what it is that I should do with my day and manage to persuade James to play a game of tennis in the (late) afternoon. As some of you should know by now I am into wellness and fitness but I haven’t played any sport properly in a few years, James is very competitive and I should really learn my lesson, but I feel in such good spirits that I could take on the world.

I take a wander around the resort and have a look at what other amenities it offers aside from the four tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts and the 60 hectare 18-hole championship golf course. The resort features a swimming pool as you would expect, a professional football pitch, playground that features a bouncy castle during the summer, multi-games court and to my delight a laser tag playing field, just a shame there isn’t a group of us, but maybe on my next visit.

What you will love to know is that Bom Sucesso has teamed up with a network of local partners who offer specialised activities to the resort, activities such as go-karting, kayaking, jet skiing, cycling, trekking, surfing, bird watching – the list goes on, but for a full list please checkout Bom Sucesso’s website.



The silver coast
The silver coast is steeped in history and culture, so if you fancy more time away from the resort and don’t fancy any of the activities I have listed above you should checkout what the Silver Coast has to offer. You could do some sightseeing tours – there are lots of private tours available – there is an array of castles, monuments, palaces and churches to visit, as well as gardens and parks, and you can even checkout the wildlife.

I thought I would take it easy and so decided to venture to Rio Cortiço beach for a couple of hours – it is 3km away from the resort but during the summer shuttle transport is available to take guests to the beach and Óbidos – the beautiful sea views and the cool breeze is just what I need before facing James for a game of tennis. With a shoulder injury from my childhood that still affects me in my adulthood – I am getting my excuses in early! – it will be a challenge but one I am really looking forward too.

The Clubhouse restaurant
Although beaten I am not down and out, a glass of wine or two over dinner will make up for the bruise to my ego if not for the physical pain I feel so I look forward to laughing about it later. Just thinking about the delicious cuisine is already putting a smile on my face.

The Clubhouse restaurant is located in the beautiful clubhouse building that has been divided into different zones, one with a dining room and sitting room, the other with a bar that provides light meals. There is also an enormous terrace where you can sit out and enjoy quality food inspired by national cuisine and the freshest local produce all while soaking up the gorgeous scenery. What more could you ask for?



Bom Sucesso Resort
Lugar Do Bom Sucesso
2510-662 Óbidos
Portugal

T: +351 262 965 300
W: bomsucesso.net