Fun in the sun... Clare Leckie and boyfriend Oliver

Slippery slide... the Slide and Splash park in the Algarve

AS I take my position at the top of the near- vertical waterslide, I can feel the nerves taking over.

The whistle goes and I'm off. A smooth start gets me into a good position but then it all goes wrong.

I finish last and turn to congratulate my opponents as I climb out of the splash pool.

This is what you can expect every day at the Slide & Splash park in the Algarve.

It's a full-on experience for all ages, but don't be fooled that the slides will be calm and slow. As you fly down the Black Hole or tackle the huge Kamikaze you'll regret non-sturdy swim gear as I did.

The Algarve is a great destination for all the family, but if you're looking for a kids-free break you can't do better than the five-star CS Atlantic Sao Rafael Hotel, which from May caters for couples only.

It is part of Thomson's new range of contemporary adult-only holidays, all in great settings, with a relaxed environment.

They also come with extra special touches, like double beds in the room as standard (no twins), double sunbeds at the pool, and more tables for two at dinner.

The CS Atlantic Sao Rafael is a beautiful hotel set on a cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by impeccably kept Mediterranean- style gardens.

There are three pools and three restaurants. One is a la carte, another is by Sao Rafael beach with endless dishes of fresh fish caught daily, and the main buffet restaurant offers different cuisine from around the world every night. There is also a top notch spa equipped with a heated pool, 16 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness room. I suggest the anti-stress massage which will make your holiday that much more relaxing.

My boyfriend Oliver and I had a job dragging ourselves away from the hotel, but there are many activities to enjoy when you do.

Zoomarine is a must for animal lovers. The only one of its kind in Portugal, it gives you the chance to get up close to ocean creatures. The most popular event is the dolphin show, but check out the cheeky sea lions and impressive birds of prey show, along with high- dive acts where performers throw themselves off a platform from what seems like miles in the sky.

If you want to experience something extra special, Dolphin Emotions is the perfect treat where you get cuddles and kisses from these beautiful animals along with a ride on their back.

The Algarve is also home to miles of golden beaches. The nearby town of Albufeira is the perfect location for both the beach and shopping.

With 3,000 hours of sun annually it is no surprise that the Algarve is Europe's leading golf destination. It's got 30 courses, five of which are championship standard.

In fact, a holiday in this part of the world will suit everyone to tee!

Getting there

Thomson offers a seven-night half-board break to the 5T Hotel CS Atlantic Sao Rafael from £525 per person (two sharing). Departing from Luton on May 1, price includes return flights and transfers. Visit thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 3235.

Algarve Car Hire - www.myalgarvecars.com