Now, investors and house hunters wanting to explore this beautiful corner of Portugal themselves can snap up a luxury apartment at the Cascade Resort, just 2km from Lagos from as little as 290,000.

Located between Ponta de Piedade and Porto do Mos beach, the resort combines 58 apartments in small twostorey clusters and 20 villas.

The apartments measure 67-100sq m and boast large terraces, underground car parking and have access to a communal pool.

The four-bed villas feature high-spec fittings and fixtures, a basement floor with sauna, garage with room for three cars and come with a private pool.

Close by there are at least six golf courses including Boavista and the Penina course, which hosted the Portuguese Open an impressive 11 times.

There are also plans for a driving range in front of the resort.

The entire development also includes a five-star hotel designed in antique style with a spa and beauty treatment centre, available for residents to use. As well as local restaurants and bars there will be a medical centre, shops and a hairdresser.

Completion date for phase one is planned for the end of 2007. Apartments are offered on a lease-back scheme, with 5% guaranteed returns during the initial three year period.

One-beds start at 290,000, two-beds from 380,000 while the four-bed villas with private pools cost from 1.25m.

For further information contact Savills Hamilton Osborne King.

01-618 1300, www. savills. ie