The Best Resorts in Algarve

Vila Vita Parc Resort

Condé Nast Traveler magazine says this is one of the world’s best spa resorts, Michelin gives one of its ten restaurants two stars, and the World Travel Awards distinguished it with the title of “world’s leading luxury green resort.” Naturally, it’s one of Algarve’s most exclusive places to stay, and is constantly updating its facilities and services. It stands above two romantic beaches close to Carvoeiro, and has contemporary-style rooms and suites, although the architecture is inspired by the traditional and Moorish Algarve. The swimming pools are surrounded by a tropical garden.

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Vilalara Thalassa Resort

Considered one of the five best thalassotherapy centers in the world, this luxury resort is surrounded by natural beauty. It has beautifully-landscaped gardens and stands above an almost-exclusive beach with the characteristic golden rock formations of Algarve, close to Carvoeiro. Its suites are spacious and there are two restaurants and four swimming pools.

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Domes Lake Algarve

Built around a lake, between lively Vilamoura and the quieter end of Albufeira (the beaches of Rocha Baixinha and Falésia), this 5-star resort is especially recommended for couples. Inspired by the Mediterranean and Asia, it features spacious rooms with balconies, a floating restaurant, two bars, three swimming pools (one of them with a sandy bottom), a spa, and gardens with plants from every continent.

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Cascade Wellness Resort

The wide range of facilities at this luxury resort in Lagos includes three restaurants, two bars, a spa, a gym, tennis courts, soccer fields, a kids’ club, and a large outdoor swimming pool. It overlooks the ocean and has standard rooms, apartments, suites, and villas of different styles and sizes. You can walk to the beaches of Porto de Mos and Canavial, as well as to the beautiful Ponta da Piedade headland.

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Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

Although not located within walking distance of beaches, complimentary shuttles take guests to the beach of Vilamoura. The many beaches of Albufeira are also a short drive away. This is a large resort with rooms and suites with private terraces, some of them accommodating up to six people. By the adults-only outdoor swimming pool, you can enjoy cocktails and snacks. If you’re bringing the kids, they can have fun at the playground, kids’ club or children’s pool. The four restaurants offer creative Portuguese cuisine, seafood and international options, while at the spa there are Thai and Algarve-inspired treatments.

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Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort

Direct access to the beach of Santa Eulália is just one of the advantages of staying at this resort in Albufeira. Many of its rooms, suites and apartments offer a sea view, there are four outdoor swimming pools for adults and three for children, a thalassotherapy spa with an adults-only indoor pool, three restaurants serving Portuguese and international cuisine, and a kids’ club.

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Pine Cliffs Hotel

One of Algarve’s most beautiful beaches (Praia da Falésia, in Albufeira) is right below this clifftop resort. Its architecture and design include traditional Portuguese tile panels, Moorish inspiration and contemporary pieces. All rooms have a sun terrace, and there are almost a dozen restaurants (some of them are seasonal), a spa, a 9-hole golf course and five tennis courts.

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Alvor Baia Resort Hotel

Algarve’s largest swimming pool is in this 4-star resort in Alvor. It’s surrounded by a lawn and parasols, and includes a section for children. There’s a total of 402 suites with balconies, two restaurants, two padel courts, a spa with a heated pool, and a children’s playground. A free shuttle takes guests to the beach of Alvor, just five minutes away.

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Vidamar Resort Hotel

Located by the beach (Praia dos Salgados, in Albufeira), and with direct access to the sand, this resort consists of 250 rooms with views of the ocean or over exotic gardens. The 5-star facilities include four swimming pools outside and two inside, a spa, a fitness center, and four restaurants.

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Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel

It’s a family resort but it also appeals to adults traveling without children. It offers four bars and a spa for grownups, four kids’ clubs, and three restaurants for all tastes. There’s the choice of boutique-style rooms, apartments or villas. Those staying at the villas have exclusive access to a heated swimming pool, but there are other swimming pools, indoors and outdoors, for all guests. It’s found at “the end of the world” (Sagres) and provides direct access to the beach of Martinhal. This is the best place to stay if you want a luxurious holiday in Europe’s last wild coast -- the beaches of Costa Vicentina are a short drive away.

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