Europe's first alcohol-free resort launched

Europe's first alcohol-free holiday resort - aimed at recovering addicts - has been unveiled in Portugal.

The company behind the project, Renovatio, is launching "Sober Holidays" with the aim of providing visitors with a “safe, supportive environment” it says is not available at other resorts.

The property – a restored 19th-century villa - is located in the Algarve, close to Faro airport, and will start taking guests in April. It offers a wide range of activities, from mountain biking and hiking, to bird watching and tennis. There are also 14 golf courses in the surrounding countryside.

Although counselling sessions are not obligatory, and Renovatio is not affiliated with any other organisation, guests will be offered access to three weekly English Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Weekly Gamblers Anonymous and twice-weekly Narcotics Anonymous meetings will also take place locally.

“For people in early recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, it's a great idea,” said a member of AA, who asked not to be named.

“It is difficult to find an environment where they are surrounded by like-minded people are not exposed to their former lifestyle.”

The property is owned and operated by Andrew O'Loughlin, a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for four years.

“On any conventional holiday, alcohol is everywhere,” said Mr O'Loughlin. “I could not find anywhere in Europe that offered an alcohol-free environment. I'd spoken to recovering alcoholics who had not been on holiday for five years.

“If we can stop one person relapsing on holiday, then it's worth it,” he added.