In this post
Welcome to my review of Portugal Alvor Tivoli Resort.
Our week-long family holiday in June to Portugal was nothing short of amazing.
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal offered us a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
We chose Portugal for its promise of both relaxation and adventure.
We stayed in the Algarve which is by the coast and only a 10-minute walk from our Tivoli Resort to the beach.
Here’s a detailed account of our unforgettable trip.
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Travel Logistics
We had driven to the airport before and paid to park there for the week. We didn’t do that this time.
For this holiday we booked a taxi to take us and it made travel so much easier and simpler.
The only thing I forgot to consider was that the taxi company needed a car seat for my youngest.
It wasn’t a problem as they kept it and bought it back when they collected us. However, it is something to think about if you choose this option.
Jet2holidays is who we flew with to go to Portugal and we flew from Stanstead.
My daughter is autistic so the first thing we did when we got to the airport was get her a sunflower lanyard from the assistance desk in zone a.
I have to admit they were so busy that they gave me what I had asked for and that was it.
However, knowing my daughter is autistic and I have chronic pain we booked the fast-track route and I am thrilled we did!
Jet2 was very easy to find at Stanstead due to its bright colours and they quickly got out tags and luggage sent off to the correct place.
Next, we used the fast track.
When we went through security I got nervous let alone a child. Mainly because perhaps I look shifty even though I haven’t done anything wrong. Lol Is this you too?
Stanstead
Anyway, now we move past the queues.
We place all our tech and clear bags full of 100ml lotions and medications in the security trays. no problem so far.
Next, we go through the detector. Bearing in mind my daughter is wearing ear defenders and has her sunflower lanyard on.
Somehow my daughter got picked at random for a security check.
Oh no, I hear you say… Yes, that’s right, oh no.
So she goes through.
The security man tried to stop her, to get her to stay. My daughter has been chosen at random for a check. She doesn’t know this and I hadn’t prepped her for this either.
She pushes them away, and they try grabbing her. I’m still on the other side of the detector saying ‘Stop touching her’.
My daughter continually tries to move past them. By this point, I am through the detector and I am able to talk to the man in question.
By this stage, my autistic daughter has gone into shutdown mode. Which means that she doesn’t hear or interact with anyone.
A lady wanted her to move and stand like a star in a different scanner so they could x-ray her.
It took some time for her to come back to the land of the living and she listened to my voice but that was it.
Eventually, we got through it all and into the departure lounge where we could all relax. Phew.
If you have an autistic individual that you are travelling with, keep this in mind.
The rest of our time at Stanstead Airport was great. No long wait to board and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Flying to Portugal was approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Wonderful service from the Jet2 staff and all went great.
Arriving at Portugal airport was very straightforward too. It is a small airport and the luggage was there waiting for us before we went through passport control.
Jet2 were waiting in the main part of the airport in Portugal. This is how we found our transfer transport, definitely recommend using Jet2.
The transfer time was a little over 2 hours on the coach from Faro which is Portugal’s airport. It was this long because we had to stop at other resorts on the way.
On the way back it took us an hour to go from the resort to Portugals airport in Faro as we had a taxi that went straight there.
Tivoli Resort ACCOMMODATION
This is when the fun begins!
We arrived at our resort at approximately 10.30 pm (Portugal has the same time zone)
As you can imagine we were all tired and starving by this point.
When we arrived at the resort, it was clean and quiet. The receptionist shared everything we needed to know. Including that supper was now available!
You have no idea how thrilled we were to hear that!
I have been to other resorts before and turned up late into the night. Never have I been somewhere where they offered supper.
An amazing Brazilian man took us and our luggage up the hill in a buggy to where we were staying.
He was very lovely and told us, we had come at the perfect time. He said the weather wasn’t cold but not too hot either and pointed out different things on our journey.
The Tivoli Resort, Algarve Portugal is incredible. We had all-inclusive and honestly, you will never be hungry, thirsty or bored!
Our room was lovely, and there was a balcony where I did a few workouts each morning.
A room for the kids with separate beds. Then the main bedroom and bathroom were all clean and offering towels and toiletries.
All the staff in all the areas of the resort were amazing. They were so friendly.
Nothing was too much trouble and it offered great entertainment for everyone.
The Tivoli resort has a small gym that my husband used. An indoor pool which was amazing as I wanted to get some actual swimming done.
It also has a wellness centre where you can get spa treatments and join body and mind workshops.
An adult pool is available which we went in when the girls were at the kid’s club.
There is a kid’s pool and three family pools.
At the kid’s pool, it has slides and shallow water which was lovely for all kids to enjoy.
The Tivoli Resort Portugal has a kids club.
Like the rest of the resort the staff at the kids club were brilliant. My two connected with them and will be missed.
They did lots of crafts, games and workshops like circus skills.
With mini golf, tennis and poolside entertainment to keep you busy all day, every day.
Food and Dining in Portugal
The food was brilliant with lots of different theme nights. But, my only complaint is, that my youngest has a milk allergy and they didn’t cater well for allergies sadly.
Signs were up to say what was in the food, for example, wheat, meat and dairy but they didn’t really offer alternatives.
I am a vegetarian and If I’m honest a little fussy about trying new things. However, I tried new foods there and they had a lot of vegetarian options.
They served ice cream all the time but nothing dairy-free.
I asked a member of staff at the restaurant and they found a lolly for her. I can’t fault the staff, I just wish they had more options for allergy sufferers, especially when they are kids.
At Tivoli, they have a main restaurant and then you can book at the Italian and Meat one which we did.
Carosello, which is the name of the Italian restaurant. Is the first one we booked and my youngest wanted a pizza.
I told them she had a dairy allergy, and could they use vegan cheese so she could have one and off he went to speak to the chef.
When this lovely waiter came back he apologised because the chef said no.
The chef didn’t want to send someone off to the main restaurant to get the vegan cheese.
I was so confused and upset by this and understandably so was my 6-year-old daughter. We were gutted as everything else had been awesome.
That same night, my youngest had an allergic reaction.
We had to get a cleaner to come and clean the room. My poor daughter did a very good job of covering absolutely everything in sick, poor thing.
Our cleaner was wonderful and we felt terribly for her. So sorry.
Activities and Attractions in Alvor
One of the downsides to Jet2 was that there wasn’t a rep around when we first got there or at all, that we saw really.
By the time we figured out where to find a rep or info about days out, we had missed out on all the ones we would have done.
I understand companies are trying to cut back on staff. Sadly by doing this, it meant we missed out on excursions and they missed out on our money.
We did however go on a mini train that took us from the Tivoli resort to the local fishing town in Portugal, Alvor.
This train was free and was great fun for all ages.
Alvor is a small fishing town and has a cute few streets of shops up the hill.
We took a walk along the Alvor boardwalk. This gave us wonderful views of wildlife, plants, the sea and more.
Towards the end of our walk, we stopped off at a beach cafe for a drink and a bit of shade.
I had the best orange juice ever! You must try it.
On another day we took a 10-minute walk to the beach.
They will charge you 15 euros to use a sunbed, so make sure you take towels with you to avoid paying that charge.
Algarve’s beach is lovely with a clear sea and beautiful sand.
Local Experience
As I have stated all the way through this post, the people of Portugal have been incredible. Such welcoming, friendly kind people.
Both my girls made lots of friends there and the language barrier didn’t affect them or us.
One girl only spoke Spanish and my girls only knew a few words. They spent many hours playing together. They used hand signals or dragging each other around to show them what they meant.
I can honestly say I felt safe the whole time we were in Portugal. The staff and the other people on their holidays were all lovely and well-behaved.
Cost of travelling to Portugal
Okay so money is a big factor for all holidays right and this is no different.
Our family haven’t been abroad since before my youngest was born so this was a real treat for us.
We are so grateful because my in-laws paid for all six of us to go away.
Trust me I know how lucky I am, I do.
It was just over £5,000 for all six of us to fly and stay at an all-inclusive resort.
Sounds like a lot?
You are not wrong but I would pay it again to come to Portugal and to the Tivoli Resort because It was worth every penny.
We didn’t need to leave the resort because we had everything we needed and more.
Food was available 24/7 as were drinks.
If you want to stay at a resort then all-inclusive is for you.
Portugal Weather
I cannot complain about the weather.
If you know me then you will know I love the heat and It has to be 25.c or above for me to feel warm.
On the coolest day in Portugal (our last day) it was 24.c during the day.
The highest temperature we had was 28.c during the day and 12-14.c at night.
We spoke with some of the staff about June being a perfect time to visit as the weather is good enough to be warm but not too hot you can’t go off and do things.
They also said that in July and August, it is chaotic there and the heat is too much at over 30.c during the day.
If you are a regular of my blog, you will know I home-educate my children. This means we are not restricted to school terms.
I understand some of you don’t have that luxury, but still something to consider.
FREE checklist
Check out this holiday checklist I use and you can download it here when you subscribe for FREE to my blog.
This is a family-friendly holiday checklist.
So you will know I have covered everything for you.
I would advise you to find out about trips the day you arrive so you don’t miss out like we did.
Take a look at how to fold clothes and get more room in your suitcase.
My final Thoughts
I love reading reviews. I hope this Portugal review gives you an insight into how wonderful the country is.
Despite the allergy issue, our family holiday in Portugal was truly exceptional. This was highlighted by our stay at the Tivoli Resort.
With such friendly and attentive staff, they made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Ensuring that every aspect of our stay was comfortable and enjoyable.
This resort was a perfect base for exploring Portugal’s breathtaking beach, fishing town, and charming countryside.
Add this to the amazing weather.
Our days were filled with sunshine, food and laughter. Creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Portugal exceeded our expectations in every way.
We eagerly look forward to our next visit to this beautiful country.
Thanks for reading.
For more pictures of our Portugal holiday visit my Instagram page.
Bee Inspired. Bee Joyful. Bee You.
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- Evening Entertainment
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- Yoga on my balcony
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- Mini Golf
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- Mini Train to Alvor
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- Kids Pool
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- Indoor Pool
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- Tennis
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- Alvor
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By Bee's Inspired Living
Hi, I’m Bee, the founder of Bee’s Inspired Living. I am a Mumma, Wife, Home Educator, Blogger and lastly a Chronic Pain Sufferer. I love a good laugh, watching films, family days out, reading, tea, exploring the world, summer and of course, tidying my house. 🙂 As someone who has always been passionate about health, personal growth, and creating a balanced lifestyle, I started this blog to share my journey, insights, and experiences with you.
