5-a-day is so last season! This October half term Martinhal Sagres, the multiple-award winning luxury family resort in the Algarve, has teamed up with children's food expert Fiona Faulkner to launch her most ambitious project to date – to fast-track Martinhal's younger guests to 20 fruit and (mainly) veg a day, transforming their attitudes to their greens (reds and yellows...) 

Fiona, a secret weapon for celebrity mums and even royalty, is founder of the renowned Toddler Chef programme as well as author of 25 Foods Kids Hate and How To Get Them Eating 24.

“How do the nation's top mummies get their kids eating veg? They call Fiona Faulkner” The Sunday Times 

“I have yet to recover from the shock of seeing my son, aged 4, eating three portions of the dreaded carrots”

Fiona, who's been name-checked as 'the Harry Potter of vegetables' by ITV (“she does magical things with them”), is now bringing her special brand of magic to the luxury family resort Martinhal Sagres, working with children aged 2-13 in 'food is fun' cookery sessions, introducing the games and techniques that transformed her own family's eating habits.

Fiona says, “I'm so thrilled to partner up with the Algarve's most famous family resort. What this partnership offers is so much more than 'kids cookery lessons'; I've developed a programme custom-designed to transform kids attitudes to their food  - something that parents will see the benefit of long after they've dusted the sand from their shoes.

This October I'd love to see kids of all backgrounds take part in the challenge: from mini masterchefs to fussy eaters! – with a full reassurance that there'll be a big emphasis on fun, a totally non-pressurised environment, and plenty of cake and ice cream in addition to the carrots and broccoli!”

Children will be coached in re-creating some of Fiona's most tried-and-tested recipes (Spinach Pesto! Butternut and Banana Smoothie!) along with a number of brand new dishes exclusive to Martinhal Sagres. As part of the sessions, children will be taught a variety of cookery skills, engaged in mini challenges, and - all in the process - encouraged to broaden their palates. All children who take part in the 20-a-day Challenge will receive recognition and reward, along with additional prizes for 'good attitude'.

Fiona will also be offering a demo for parents (complete with cocktails!) where she will also be answering questions as well as revealing some of her best tips and techniques.

Classes will be split up into age groups (2-5, 6-8 and 9-13 year olds), with a different age group having one class a day. All sessions will be supervised by Fiona and trained kids club staff, parents are asked to supervise 2-5 year olds. Each class will last around one hour to make the various dishes; the mini chefs will then have time to enjoy their hard work for lunch time, with prizes for those who can count all 20 of the veg and fruit they are eating!

This October half term at Martinhal Sagres children can expand their taste buds and experience the fun of preparing and eating the once dreaded fruit and veg!

About Martinhal

Martinhal Family Hotels and Resorts have two family friendly resorts in the Algarve. The Martinhal philosophy is focused on providing stress free luxury holidays for all the family. With baby concierge services, award winning accommodation facilities, kids clubs and a whole host of activities; Martinhal resorts are built and designed with children and parents in mind.

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel offers stylish private houses, villas and hotel rooms on the Western Algarve coast. Its modern, luxurious, and open spaces includes four heated swimming pools, as well as an open-air tennis court, al fresco restaurant, and access to the stunning beach. Activities include hiking, tennis, football, windsurfing, swimming, yoga and of course, surfing.

Martinhal Quinta Family Resort opened in June 2015 in the prestigious Quinta do Lago area of the stunning Algarve. Martinhal Quinta is an exclusive 4-star private collection of independently owned luxury villas. The resort compromises of 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses, and 3 and 4 bedroom villas – each with a private garden and pool area.

-End-

Notes to Editors

Prices are from 358€ per house per night for a family of 2 adults, 2 children under 12 and a baby, half-board. Price valid 5th September – 31st October and subject to availability

There will be a charge of 10 Euros per children. Maximum numbers apply, pre-booking is advised. Classes will take place between 26th – 30th October 2015.