MacDonald Hotels offers 45 hotels throughout the UK, 4 resorts in Spain as well as a resort in Portugal.

Each of the hotels boasts luxury and comfort as well as distinguishing local characteristics making each of the properties ever so memorable. MacDonald Hotels offers booking agents a chance to experience their various hotels with an Exclusive Passport Familiarisation trip. Each agent is provided with a MacDonald Passport and the goal is to fill your passport with stamps upon obtained from visiting a MacDonald hotel. Each familiarisation trip is generally held over a weekend and is jam-packed with exciting activities but with the consideration of your personal time, there is always plenty of R&R time offered to you also. At the end of each year, a Passport Party is held to offer all agents who have completed their passports the opportunity to win a trip for two for a week in any MacDonald Hotel. Fortunately, I had completed my passport, was able to attend and also won the major prize subsequently becoming a MacDonald Ambassador. In 2016 I had visited and experienced 21 properties within the MacDonald Hotels portfolio. In the present day, this count is at 24 with more to add to this I'm sure. Each property boasts their individual charms and although there are a few properties that I would deem my absolute favourites, it must be noted that the excellent levels of service, the high quality of dining, as well the various exquisite products and experiences offered are well represented by the consistency that is seen throughout all the properties. The major prize that was won took me and my husband to the Western Algarve, to the breathtaking Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa.

The resort has stunning mountainous views, an indulgent spa, and in nearby surroundings you are able to embrace nature with an array of activities such as hiking and horse riding, trial your golfing abilities at an award-winning golf course or if your spirit lies within the ocean, you are only a short distance from some of the best beaches in Europe.

The Algarve is also a culinary delight and if seafood is to your liking then you cannot miss the Cataplana, unique to the Algarve region and offered at Mon Chic restaurant. Needless to say it is dining with a fabulous view.

The suites at the hotel are modern, spacious with a contemporary feel. Each suite provides a seperate living and bedroom area, floor to ceiling windows to ensure you don't miss the fabulous views, a balcony as well as an extensive list of amenities, one of which is the Exclusive Monchique Cosmetics toiletries which is definitely a purchase to be made for the home, or alternatively a fantastic holiday gift.

Relaxing by the pool and self indulgence with a treatment at the spa is of course a primal incentive for those staying at MacDonald Monchique. To take life's stresses away it is vital to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. With MacDonald Monchique you'll only need a couple hours poolside or in the Sensorial Spa and you will attain revitalisation through the amazing hydrotherapy. And for those looking to arouse your senses I highly recommend the Monchique Storm Shower.

The hotel offers a meeting capacity for up to 70 delegates and with the vast offerings from the hotel as well as the destination itself MacDonald Monchique would be perfect for any high-end clients looking for a unique incentive trip. There are so many places to visit nearby to also allow delegates to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture.

This opportunity to experience MacDonald Monchique has been one of which is irreplaceable in memory. It has brought the best of the diverse region and has provided a trip of a lifetime. In many hearts, myself included MacDonald Monchique will remain.