The Melancholy of the Traveler – Discovering the Soul of Algarve Restaurants & Hotels

The Melancholy of the Traveler

Sometimes I wonder if my work can even be called work. I explore the best restaurants in the Algarve, discover boutique hotels, and uncover hidden gems – and if they are truly worth it, I share them. It feels less like a job and more like a privilege. Portugal, and especially the Algarve, is my stage. Here I taste, listen, and experience. But most of all: I meet people. Chefs who bring Algarve gastronomy to life, hoteliers who transform a stay into an unforgettable memory. Their stories touch me, perhaps because I was once a Hotel & Restaurant Manager in the Netherlands – a beautiful profession that never really leaves you.

That’s why Jan Brokken’s new book The Melancholy of the Traveler resonates so deeply with me. He writes about travel as a search for human stories and encounters. Exactly what fuels my love for the Algarve: the unexpected conversation, the glimpse into a hotel kitchen, the smile of a waiter proud of his craft.

There is also a sense of nostalgia. A longing for the past, combined with the joy of the present moment. The Algarve gives me that feeling. Every discovery is an adventure – whether it’s fine dining by the sea or a cozy countryside stay – and sharing these experiences is, perhaps, my own form of art.

👉 Read more about the best hotels and restaurants in the Algarve on HotspotsAlgarve.com/blog