A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, our resident blogger/writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This is his September 2021 review:
Can you hear that noise? Isn’t it lovely! It’s the calm after the storm. It’s the comforting tweet of the birds and the gentle susurration of leaves in the breeze. It is the exhalation of lungs. It is, of course, the unmistakeable sound of summer giving way to autumn.
Summer, don’t get me wrong, you’ve been fabulous. I’ve seen so many happy faces come and go at Ocean Villas Luz, all of whom have prospered from the warmth and happiness that you have given us. But all good things come to an end and, mercifully, other good things often take their place. So the question I pose today is: What does the autumn hold for Praia da Luz?
Well, firstly, as I alluded to at the start, it’s a quieter period where everyone takes a collective breath after a hectic season. The air is filled with new sounds. The fervid cries of joyous children are replaced by the distant call of gulls. It remains busy, but it’s a different busy if you catch my drift.
The pace of life is definitely slower than summer. People walk the streets of Luz with less purpose but with the same amount of pleasure. The beaches are now peaceful and people greet each other warmly whenever they pass. Perhaps it is my imagination but even the birds seem to soar with a calmness and composure not seen since May.
It is also the perfect time to explore the wonders that this diverse region has to offer. In September, I visited the extraordinary megalithic tombs of Alcalar. I also took a boat out from Lagos to watch the sunset (with some wine of course). Plus I found new coves and beaches that I had never encountered before. For me, the Algarve is at its best with an open map and an open mind.
But the greatest pleasure of autumn (at least for me) is the sea. It is as warm in September and October as it ever gets. Its colour seems to change on a daily basis, sometimes hourly. As autumn progresses, the surfers will return to the beaches of Luz as the waves begin to increase, but for now, I can honestly say that a holiday in Praia da Luz in October is a pleasure to behold. If you have both the time and inclination, you should consider a last minute October break.
The weather forecast for (at least) the next ten days is around 26 degrees with clear skies. It is likely to continue into November if last year is anything to go by. If, like mine, your summer has been busy, then a warm Algarve October is a remedy that will warm the skin and soothe the soul.
There is an expression that seems apt for this time of year – make hay while the sun shines – in other words, make the most of something while it lasts. If the outlook for October is anything to go by then we shall be making a lot of hay.
So, thank you, summer. You brought a lot of smiles to a lot of people. I write this review with a heavy dose of nostalgia (perhaps assisted by my gin and tonic and a flamingo-pink sunset) but it’s time for your good friend autumn to take centre stage.
As the comedian, Billy Connolly, said when referring to his home: “There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter”.
With every respect to (gloriously beautiful) Scotland, we look forward to making hay with you in Praia da Luz this Autumn.
More news next month.
David Lugg
#oceanvillasluz