Madeleine McCann went missing from a Mark Warner hotel

However, its unique character may have contributed to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Whereas most Mark Warner resorts are based in private, self-enclosed resorts, the fact that the Ocean Club buildings are spread out across the village means anyone can wander in and out of the holiday areas.

The McCanns were staying in an apartment in the central area of the Praia de Luz, rented by Mark Warner for the summer season.

Most of the other apartments in the five-storey block are privately owned.

All are said to have "quite sophisticated" locks on the doors.

Mark Warner has built up an enviable reputation as a child-friendly holiday company and in Praia da Luz its customers can take advantage of free evening childcare if they dine at one of the resort's two restaurants.

Strangely, despite eating in the resort's tapas restaurant, the McCanns elected not to put their children in the creche.
Instead, they chose to check up on their children themselves.

Around half of the buildings in Praia da Luz are used by holidaymakers and inevitably the industry dominates the town.

Britons make up the majority of visitors during the summer and there is a British pub, called The Bull, in the village.

Built in traditional Portuguese and Moorish styles, the Ocean Club buildings are set around landscaped gardens and most have views of Luz beach and the Atlantic Ocean.