Another Portuguese island to be introduced to the Irish market is the island of Porto Santo, which is 50km northeast of the larger and better known island of Madeira.

A three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK or Ireland, Porto Santo has an interesting history. When the explorer Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1478 he met his future wife, Filipa Moniz, daughter of the island's governor. To this day, one of the most important cultural sites on the island is the Christopher Columbus museum which recreates the original house where the explorer lived.

Porto Santo's chief town is Vila Baleira, which has a population of about 4,500. An airport is also situated on the island and is only a 15-minute flight to Madeira.

Colombo's Resort is located on the southwestern side of the island. Designed on two levels amongst golden beaches and acres of tropical vegetation, it offers privacy and genuine seclusion.

The 193 apartments and 12 villas have been designed by award-winning architects, Richard Bofill and Joao Caires, to blend harmoniously with the surroundings. Prices for the apartments start from 355,000, and the luxury villas start from 1,768,016, indicating that the development and island are targeting the upmarket end of the tourism market.

Phase one is already sold out and phase two is currently available. "Colombo's Resort is the first of its kind on an island that until now was a well-kept secret.

"It is set to become the latest fashion hideaway in this exclusive star resort, " believes Sophi Palmer of Lisney, which is the selling agent for Ireland.

The resort also includes a luxury 104-room five-star hotel, part of Starwood's renowned 'Luxury Collection', with facilities consisting of a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 9km beach, chic bars, restaurants, boutiques and a casino. There is also a kids' club and children's activities.

In keeping with other international developments, Colombo's Resort has an 18hole golf course and a ninehole pitch and putt course, both designed by Seve Ballesteros, substantial tennis and football complexes, an equestrian centre, diving centre and beach sports stadium.

In the future, the complex may be expanded to include other sports. This new infrastructure will extend the tourist season of Porto Santo and will be another attraction for visitors and residents.