Holiday show presenter JASMINE HARMAN goes back to the Portuguese region, Algarve, where she once lived to sample the health benefits of a pioneering spa resort

JUST because you have played the Old Course in Vilamoura, lazed on the beach in Vale Do Lobo or danced until dawn at Liberto's Bar, it doesn't mean you know the Algarve.

Having spent three-and-a-half years in the region, I thought I was something of an expert but I've now found it has a new string to its bow.

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Head 30 minutes inland from the coast at Portimão and you'll be a million metaphorical miles from manicured greens and neon lights.
Many don't realise the Algarve has mountains, and while it isn't exactly alpine, Mount Foia, its highest point, is nearly 3,000ft, giving it legitimate mountain status.

Nestling in its shadow is the spa town of Caldas de Monchique, home to the newly opened, five-star Longevity Wellness Resort. As my husband Jon and I approached, I was taken aback by its size. A contemporary structure of concrete, metal and glass, the shiny resort dominates the landscape.

At first it appeared incongruous against the surrounding natural park but closer inspection revealed a number of eco-features such as grass roofs for insulation and solar panels to provide much of the electricity.

Each of the 195 one-bed suites is equipped with recycling facilities. "Grey water" is used on gardens.

Each suite has a kitchen with Smeg and Bosch appliances, living and dining areas with iPod dock and plasma screen and two bathrooms. Ours was simply furnished, stylish yet unpretentious, with a stunning view from the terrace across the countryside and down to the coast.

The spa is the focal point and has everything from a pool, sauna and steam rooms to relaxation areas with ambient music and candlelight. High-tech fitness and nutritional evaluations are on offer, as are beauty and rejuvenation assessments. I had a consultation with Dr Bianca, a warm German doctor who told me that I needed a light microdermabrasion and more sleep to keep my skin youthful.

With fitness classes, pools, gym and Pilates studio, there is every opportunity to be active here but the number of spa treatments is almost overwhelming, so you might not have time for exercise.

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Jon and I plumped for a deep relaxing massage ritual for two.

In a dark-wood treatment room we were massaged in perfect unison on heated beds and later, my fountain of youth facial was so relaxing I fell asleep. It promises "instant visible results" and I was not disappointed. My complexion looked radiant and youthful and felt plumper and more elastic.

The restaurant, Longevity Cuisine by Olivier (overseen by Portuguese star chef Olivier da Costa), is dedicated to "healthy, gourmet cuisine". In the dazzling all-white interior, with its central oval bar and curved booths, we were served a deliciously creative meal with starters such as guacamole with toasted rye bread and quail egg, couscous and lemon, followed by homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli in tasty arrabiata sauce. Jon declared his lamb the best he'd had and the odd indulgence is certainly not frowned upon as proved by our exquisite lemongrass crème brûlée and an exemplary wine list.

You could happily spend your entire stay in the resort but I was keen to explore so we booked a two-hour countryside walk, hilly and hot but very enjoyable. Our guide, Elier, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He took us by the river that feeds the area's famous caldas (thermal springs) and pointed out wild olive, fig, cork and carob trees. I loved the hot, woody smell of pine trees, such a feature of the Algarve.

Caldas de Monchique is a few minutes away by car. It's a quaint place where locals and tourists fill up their water bottles in the many springs and refresh themselves under giant eucalyptus trees. We drank the water (cold and wonderfully pure) and bathed our hot feet as families with small children picnicked around us.

Monchique town, further up in the mountains, is home to several great restaurants. Our favourite was A Charrette, a gem serving traditional mountain food such as ensopado de borrego (lamb stew) or farinheira (cornflour stuffed sausages). Jon devoured the local delicacy, porco preto (black pork), much to the delight of the little old lady owner acting as chef.

Replete at our sparkling retreat, we needed little encouragement to indulge in plenty more relaxation.

GETTING THERE:
Longevity Wellness Resort, (dialling from UK: 00351 282 240 110/ www.longevitywellnessresort.com) offers doubles from £135 per night (two sharing), B&B.

Monarch Airlines (0871 940 5040/www.monarch.co.uk) offers return flights from various UK airports to Faro from £84.

Algarve Promotion Bureau: www.visitalgarve.pt Portuguese Tourist Office: 0207 201 6666/www.visitportugal.com