A large swathe of natural parkland between the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean is where you’ll find Villa Equilibrio. This beautiful landscape is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Within walking distance of a beach and no less than six golf courses within driving distance, this villa with private pool is all about location.

Villa Equilibrio sleeps up to twelve lucky guests in five bedrooms. There are two double en-suite bedrooms, and the remaining beds are split between three bedrooms and comprise two sets of bunks beds and four singles. This arrangement makes it ideally suited to two large families sharing a holiday. The interior décor is bright and welcoming, with large windows in all rooms allowing the light to flood in.

Villa Equilibrio feels like a home away from home, with plenty of space for everyone to relax, eat and socialise together. Much of the downstairs area is open-plan with a living room, breakfast room and dining room all inter-connecting. The large kitchen is well appointed, and you have a further lounge and dining room.

There are numerous floor-ceiling glazed doors through which you can step outside to discover your generous outdoor space. The lawned garden wraps around the end of the villa, meeting your delightful tiled terrace at one side. Here, the shade from the canopy will prove irresistible for a cooling afternoon drink, and the dining table is sheltered from the sun by a pergola and beautiful greenery. If you’re looking for a serene spot for al fresco dinners, you’ve found it.

Your private pool is waiting for you at the bottom of the garden. Enjoy your pool-side sun deck, sun loungers and umbrellas while the kids splash and swim their way through the afternoon. There are steps to lower you into the open water when the time comes to cool off. Or jump in!

If you can drag yourself away from the delights of Villa Equilibrio, it’s just six hundred metres to a beautiful sandy beach, restaurants and water sports. For days out, you’re spoilt for choice. The picturesque town of Sintra, Cascais’ marina and the city of Lisbon are all within easy reach. This private villa is the ideal base for a fabulous holiday in Portugal.

Villa Equilibrio’s location couldn’t be more perfect. Set within an area of outstanding natural beauty and importance, Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais is a unesco world heritage site. And you’re only six hundred metres to the beach!

Praia das Macas is a sandy beach, lined with beach bars and restaurants to help everyone through the day. The invigorating Atlantic Ocean makes surfing a favourite activity here, with lots of surfing schools or centres for hiring equipment to help you join in the fun.

The twenty-minute drive to the pretty town of Sintra takes you to the eastern edge of the nature park. Nestled amongst pine-tree clad hills and dotted with castles and old palaces, Sintra is famed for being picturesque and the historic home to Portugal’s rich and powerful.

As well as the castles, mansions and elaborate gardens, you can explore the cobbled streets of the town centre and dine in one of the many fine restaurants which attract ‘gastro’ tourists to Sintra from all over Portugal.

Another day trip efficiently planned from Villa Equilibrio is Lisbon. In less than an hour, you can reach Portugal’s capital city. Culture vultures will need more than one day to do justice to the must-see arts, history and archaeology. Jeronimos Monastery (another world heritage site!), St. George’s Castle, the Berardo Museum and Sao Roque Church is to name but a few!

Families could start at Parque das Nascoes for modern architecture, world-class aquarium and waterfront promenade. After lunch, tired legs could take the number 28 tram through this fascinating city or hop on and off the open top bus tour.

Golfers are also spoilt for choice. Of the six golf courses within twenty to forty minutes’ drive from Villa Equilibrio, Quinta da Marinha and Oitavos are amongst them. Back at base, everyone can share the day’s memories while relaxing beside Villa Equilibrio private pool and later, around the al fresco dining table.

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