I’ve arrived back from the beautiful bubble of Macdonald Monchique Resort and Spa and, having seen it first-hand, it’s just the ideal place to kick off our Connections Wellbeing series.

Set high up in the hills amid pine and eucalyptus forest – which smelt incredible, by the way – one of the first things you notice when you arrive, is the breathtaking views towards the coast. Despite feeling like a mountain escape, Macdonald Monchique Resort and Spa is simply a fifteen-minute drive from Portimao, where you’ll find the most well-known beaches in the Algarve.

The natural feel was one of my favourite things about the resort. There’s a sense of letting the outside in, and many of its wellness activities make use of the surrounding area (including hiking and cycling).

Monchique is also known for its mineral water, which is one of the most alkaline waters in Europe. Caldas de Monchique, where the water is bottled, is just around the corner from the resort.

Some say the water has healing powers! And, apparently, everyday a big truck arrives to transport the bottled water to Japan; a loyal customer purchases Monchique water by the truckload from so far away, as he claims it is prolonging his life!

Another way the Macdonald Monchique Resort and Spa makes use of its location, is by sourcing and serving incredible local produce.

I tucked into so many delicious dishes at the resort’s four restaurants, including sumptuous prawns and black pork – Monchique is particularly famous for the latter.

Despite only being open since last summer, the hotel has already won an award for its cod dish, which I can confirm, is very well deserved. What’s more, the resort is launching a new healthy dining concept next month – so will be ready for Connections Wellbeing delegates to try in October.

I can’t wait for you all to experience it for yourselves!

To enquire about attending or supporting Connections Wellbeing 2017, please contact me at micaela@weareconnections.com, or call me on 07852 557661.