A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This (blog number 54) is his review of March 2025:

Perhaps I can put it down to the unpredictable March weather, but the past month has made me feel quite introspective. Among my many musings, I have been mulling over the concept of change, specifically the theory that very little changes in the west Algarve (other than the seasons). Is this true and if so what implications does it have on this lovely part of the world?

I have lived in Portugal for almost five years now and, for me, the country still holds a strong sense of mystery. It has its own style, its own pace and very much its own people. Pity the fool that would compare Portugal to neighbouring Spain. As far as I can work out, the similarities with Spain start and end with being located in a similar part of Europe. There are, of course, some Latin language origins, though Spanish speakers tend to struggle conversing in Portuguese. Interestingly, it’s not so much the case the other way round. Modern day comparisons of the two nations pretty much end there.

Portugal sits on the south-western periphery of Europe, blissfully going about its day to day, largely oblivious to what is happening over its borders. That is not to say that Portugal is ignorant, it’s more like it is content in its own cosy corner. And who can blame them? With low crime rates, pleasant scenery and some of the kindest people in Europe, I think I would do the same.

I often feel that the nation has a stronger connection with (its old colony) Brazil than the rest of Europe – and not just because they share the same language. The sun-kissed beaches on the west coast of Portugal remind me of South American surf retreats close to Florianopolis. Yet, despite this, the Brazilians and Portuguese are so different from each other in character. The flamboyance of the Brazilians is a contrast to the calmness of the Portuguese.

Perhaps this placid nature helps keep change in the west Algarve to a minimum. What’s more, the majority of people who visit this area are searching for simplicity, not variety. If it’s action you want, then you’re in the wrong place. Sure, there is the ever-present surf and accompanying water sports, but riding the waves on a surfboard is a pretty simple affair too.

I would go as far as to say that the west Algarve is defined not by its actions but rather its inactions. Why would you want to change something that is already pretty darn special? There will always be demand for sunshine, good food and friendly people. Likewise for unspoilt nature and authenticity. This simple formula is the gravity that draws us all in.

This region is a world away from my previous life in London where everything happens at a whirlwind pace and people demand immediate action. I still believe that London is the greatest city on the planet because of its variety, but there comes a point in life, when circumstances change. People change. We want something different.

I have talked before about ‘il dolce far niente’, the sweetness of doing nothing – being able to idle away a few hours by switching off our brain and recharging our batteries. With its enviable weather, lovely people and eye-pleasing aesthetics, the west Algarve is the perfect destination for this. But I would take it one step further. Not only is it a great place to switch off, it is a marvellous place to ease your stresses and worries and, simply put, be happy.

More news next month.

David Lugg

@davidluggwriter

All photo images owned by David Lugg