Jet2holidays Review / Monchique, Portugal

Since my childhood holiday to the Algarve, Portugal has always been a favourite summer destination of mine. So, when Jet2holidays got in touch last month, we couldn’t wait to grab our passports and set off to Monchique for a long weekend away.

Note: #PressTrip but all opinions are my own.

When it comes to holidays and oversea weekend aways, I always prefer to look for package holiday deals where everything is sorted for you and luckily, our Jet2holiday in the Algarve did just that.

From the minute we checked our bags in to the minute we stepped off the flight home, everything was sorted for us and our journey couldn’t have been any smoother.

Jet2 flights from London Stansted

Although our flight wasn’t until Friday, Doug and I headed up to Standsted airport late Thursday evening and stayed overnight in a Premier Inn so we could catch our Jet2 flight from London Stansted nice and early Friday morning.

I’ve never flown anywhere other than Gatwick and Heathrow before, but our Jet2 flights from London Stansted was just as good. In fact, it was even better than the two previous flights I’ve had recently. We left on time (big woop), experienced no faff whilst boarding and we had absolutely no complaints with our flight. Whatsoever.

Jet2 flights to Faro

Our Jet2 flights to Faro was approximately 2 and a half hours. As soon as we landed we grabbed our cases (which came pretty quickly) and headed straight to our private transfer arranged by Jet2holidays. Fancy.

It was a 50-minute drive to our hotel and before we knew it, we were high in the mountains of the Algarve and overlooking the stunning views of Monchique.

As for our hotel, well, it was something else…

Jet2holidays Portugal

Our Jet2holidays to Portugal included a 3-night stay at the elegant 5-star hotel, Monchique Resort & Spa and included flights, transfer and the ability to have Jet2holiday reps on hand if we needed any assistance. Check here for Jet2holidays at Monchique Resort and Spa.

The hotel itself was beautiful. Built to minimize the environmental impact, it’s a true gem found in the middle of the Monchique mountains where you’ll find the perfect balance between luxury and nature.

Monchique Resort & Spa Hotel

With a long weekend away, and unfortunately a little bad weather (apparently it doesn’t rain just in Britain), we took full advantage of what Monchique Resort & Spa had to offer for the full 3 days of our stay.

Upon our arrival we were warmly welcomed with smiles and an easy check-in. First impressions were good: peaceful, minimalist (right up our street), tranquil and inviting. We were also guided to our room by a member of staff who gave us a very in-depth history of the hotel. And when I say in-depth, I mean a 20 minute guided tour of the hotel by a Portuguese gentlemen who clearly had one too many stories to share, lol.

Monchique Resort & Spa Suite

When staying at Monchique Resort, you have the luxury of staying in one of their open-spaced suites. Boasting plenty of natural light, our suite consisted of a separate living room area, two bathrooms and a bedroom with a bed fit for a King and Queen.

Just like the rest of the hotel, the decor was modern, minimalist and equipped with all the luxuries you need from toiletries to kitchen cutlery.

Whilst we didn’t make use of the kitchen itself, it’s perfect for those wanting to make their own meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during their stay. A pretty nifty way to save some pennies, huh?

Monchique Resort & Spa Dining

When it comes to dining at Monchique Resort, you have the option to eat at 4 different restaurants. From the breakfast bar that provides a little something for everyone, to fine dining in the main restaurant that boasts panoramic views over the Monchique mountains, the options vary.

The breakfast bar

Without fail, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet every morning. In fact, it was probably our favourite dining experience of our stay. We were spoilt for choice with plenty of national and international dishes – my favourite being the omelette station – and, if a feast of different dishes wasn’t enough, then prosecco for breakfast hit the nail on the head.

What to expect: colourful decor, fresh pastries, cold meats, good coffee, fresh fruits (of all sorts), freshly baked bread, cereals, nuts, seeds, pancakes, waffles, cheeses, yoghurts… the lot! It’s a solid 10/10 from us.

Mon-chic

Mon-chic is seen as the main restaurant of the hotel and described as a ‘first class dining experience’. Whilst I’d love to agree, I sadly cannot. And here’s why…

We ended up eating at Mon-Chic every evening during our stay and with each visit we left feeling a little shocked by the service.

The food itself was lovely. The presentation and flavours worked beautifully together but unfortunately, it was massively let down by the chaos of the staff.

From incorrect food and drink orders to food bills that weren’t ours, we were shocked by how a team of waitresses and waiters could get everything so wrong. Whilst the staff were apologetic for their mistakes (at times), it was clear that other customers were also receiving wrong food orders and having to ask for simple requests again and again.

Honestly, it’s a shame for such a beautiful restaurant that has the potential to be a fine dining experience. Sorry, but it’s a mere 6/10 from me.

Monchique Spa

We weren’t blessed with the most amazing weather during our stay to Monchique. Typical, eh? And, as the clouds opened up and the rain poured down, we decided to take shelter in the luxury spa and make the most of a lazy spa day for our first full day.

Inspired by the Algarve’s most valuable natural resources and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains, Monchique Sensorial Spa is the epitome of pure rejuvenation and relaxation. Like many, the spa offers a range of individually tailored treatments from international luxury spa brand ESPA – a brand I’ve personally used before and love.

Whilst we didn’t choose any treatments, we did however opt for the Spa Circuit which allows you full access to the spa and senses such as the Sauna with Himalayan rock salt, Steam Cabin, Aroma Cabin, Indoor Pool with Hydro Massage, Themed Tropical Showers, Igloo, Marble Heated Loungers, Spa Lounge Room, Light Relax Room, Deep Relax Room and Foot Baths.

My personal favourite? The steam cabin, indoor pool and tropical-themed showers. With our books packed and robes on, we managed to make use of the spa for the whole day and oh, what a luxury it was!

Monchique Resort & Spa Activities

Monchique Resort is so much more than just a luxury peaceful hotel: it’s a place that focuses on your wellbeing and fitness pleasures.

As part of our inclusive stay, we had many fitness and wellbeing activities to choose between. From morning runs in the Monchique mountains to yoga on the yoga desk in the blissful outdoors. To have the opportunity to relax or still keep on top of your fitness and wellbeing goals is a huge bonus. I love hotels that cater for active individuals and the way they choose to do so is pretty wonderful too. No pressure, no constant reminders, just the choice to join if you fancy.

We made the most of the mountains that surrounded us and took advantage of the Hiking Trail on our doorstep. The views were spectacular and for somebody who loves the outdoors, this was my favourite part of the hotel’s many activities.

We found all activities are organised into six distinct categories – wellness, sport, nature/sustainability, healthy eating, families and featured workshops – all of which compliment each other.

If group activities aren’t quite your thing, then you can always enjoy the hotel’s gym, tennis, pool, a swim in the outside pool or go and adventure outside on your own. The options are endless.

Monchique town

A quaint, traditional Portuguese town with bustling coffee shops and more locals than tourists, the town of Monchique is a short 10-minute drive from the hotel.

On Sunday morning we decided to head into Monchique to experience its local culture and to see what else the Algarve had to offer.

Whilst Monchique isn’t the busiest of towns – nor the most exciting for families – it’s the perfect little place to visit for coffee, freshly baked goods, fine Portguese restaurants and small colourful lanes full of cobbles and history.

After an hour walking around the hills of Monchique, and refuelling with a coffee in-between, we headed to our lunch reservation at precisely 1pm.

Voted #2 on Trip Advisor, and spoken very highly of by those at Monchique Resort & Spa, A Charrette lived up to our expectations and delivered a truly traditional taste of Portugal.

Doug and I decided to share the black pork together (a must-have according to many), and despite not trying it before, it was b-e-a-utiful. As was the breadbasket too, in fact.

Together, we both had a meal, drink, bread and oils to start with and I believe the bill came to a total of €28. Not bad, huh?

Jet2 Faro To London Standsted

Luckily, our flight home wasn’t until midday on Monday which meant we got to take advantage of the breakfast buffet one last time. Big yay.

Once we grabbed our bags and headed to reception to check-out, we were greeted by our private driver who took us back to the airport. I cannot stress how lovely it is to have everything sorted for you and for us, having our transfers ready without us even having to think about it, is true bliss.

Faro airport was nicer than I thought it would have been, actually. Modern, big and lots of shops. Just what you want at an airport, right? Luckily, our flight was bang on time with no delays and once we were through the gates and safely on-board, everything else went as smoothly as expected.

All in all, our experience with Jet2holidays was effortless. No complaints. No faults. No niggles. Just a weekend away of pure relaxtion and ease.

Without a doubt, I wouldn’t hesitate to book another holiday with Jet2holidays.