Monthly Archives: September 2019

Protect Your Skin Against Harmful Rays

The truth about aftersun

When we make our plans for a sunny holiday, most of us have a bottle of aftersun high on the ‘must buy’ list.

Although awareness of the damage caused by UV rays has grown significantly over the last few years, dermatologists are concerned that we still misunderstand the role of aftersun.

Many sun bathers still believe that aftersun can reverse the damaging effect of the sun’s rays. But doctors want to holidaymakers to understand that there is absolutely no evidence to suggest this is true. Aftersun has no ‘repairing ‘effect’ or restorative qualities.

In reality, the sun’s rays cause damage by mutating the skins DNA. There is no way that a cream can reverse this damage.

Although aftersun can cool, moisturise and sooth your skin, It will NOT protect your from the effects of harmful rays and it will NOT reverse the effects of sun damage

To protect you skin effectively, Dermatologists strongly recommend that sun worshippers follow these simple guidelines:

  • Apply sunscreen on every day that you intend to be in the sun. Or may end up in the sun.

  • Make sure you apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.

  • Top up or reapply every two hours after that.

  • Always reapply after you have been in the water. Even if you are using water resistant sunscreen.

  • Don’t forget all the hard to reach and easy to forget areas like feet, ears, back of your neck etc.

  • Stay with the higher factor. Do not be tempted to use a lower SPF factor or to reduce the amount you apply as you start to tan.

  • Cover up or head for the shade during the hottest times of the day.

  • Apply lip balm with high factor sun protection.

  • Always used category 3 sunglasses which block out the harmful UV rays.

Surfs up In Western Algarve.

Next summer brings with it the World’s biggest sporting spectacle.  The Tokyo Olympics.
For the first time, surfing will be on the list of Olympic events, showcasing an exciting, fast-growing sport which carries with it a long cultural, musical and spiritual heritage. The increase in exposure will no doubt bring a boost in interest in this unique sport.

For those based in the UK, who would like to learn to surf, there is an increasing array of locations and options on offer. But in a similar way to skiing, few destinations offer consistent or predictable conditions. In order to maximise the potential of your surf holiday, you’ll need to choose wisely. From absolute beginner to seasoned veteran, The Algarve makes an excellent choice for surfers of all levels and is a destination that attracts surfers from all over the world. Here are just a few of the reasons why it is so popular with surfers.

Guaranteed Waves In The Algarve.

Situated on the Atlantic coast, The Algarve can boast good waves almost every day of the year.

The Portuguese tourist Authority are so confident in that claim, they even offer free holidays for surfers who failed to find waves of more than 50 centimetres on 3 consecutive days, on one of the 28 listed beaches.

The Algarve’s Beautiful Water

The water in the Algarve is clear, blue and beautiful. Although the water temperature varies throughout the year, even in winter it is comfortably warm in a wetsuit.

A Massive Choice Of Beaches

The Algarve offers a massive range of beaches. Each one with its own benefits and characteristics, which allows you to choose a surf venue that suits your aspirations perfectly

If you book with a surf school, coach or guide, they will always advise you on the best beach for the conditions and your level of ability.

family surfing in the algarve

Year Round Warmth

Even in winter, the weather is similar to British spring temperatures, making it perfect for surfing. Surfing is possible all year round, although many surf schools close in January and February.  Whether you choose to enjoy the heat of the summer sun, or the excitement of the winter waves, you will always need to pack plenty of sunscreen.

The Algarve’s Welcoming Culture

Lovely people and a community that is always child friendly and a rich and fascinating culture, all combined with great food and wine.  Which all goes together to make the perfect active holiday.

surfing in the algarve

Surf Lessons, Courses Or Holidays

Villa Retreat’s partner organisation,  Watersmile can arrange surf lessons or individual coaching with surf board hire for any number of days during your holiday. There are also options for family days out or multi-day family surf holidays.

For Villa Retreats customers, simply mention “Villa Retreats” to Mauro who runs the company and you will receive a 10% discount on your surf booking.

Aside from surfing they offer other exciting water base activities including Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kaykaing and Coasteering.

Check out WaterSmile’s website here:

Here are a few photos from Water Smile’s’ Surf School

Whether you choose to enroll on a surfing course or just add a day of surfing to your holiday, we have a number of villas in this area which would make the perfect base.

Check them out here: