Best Luxury Hotels In The Algarve
Portugal’s south coast has long been one of the most visited holiday spots in the world. And with a pleasant climate, safe sandy beaches, towns packed with amenities for all ages, picturesque fishing villages and waterparks, it’s easy to see why. As it’s so well established, the Algarve has a plethora of good hotels and resorts to suit every type of traveller – whether you’re looking for something family-friendly, boutique and intimate, serene and tucked away, or buzzing with nightlife, you’ll find somewhere that suits you on this 125 mile stretch of coastline. Here are a few of our favourites…
Albufeira, Algarve
Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve – The Luxury Collection
(5 stars) Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve, is situated in Albufeira, Portugal, atop the scenic cliffs overlooking Praia da Falésia and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is approximately a 30-minute drive from Faro International Airport. Established in 1992, it features 217 rooms and suites, presenting Moorish-influenced décor. All accommodations include private balconies with views of either the ocean or the resort’s manicured gardens. Guests can enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy with five floodlit courts, and the Serenity Spa, an incredible spa complex, offering a range of wellness treatments. The resort boasts eight swimming pools (indoors and outdoors), a fitness centre, and multiple dining options such as O Pescador for fresh seafood and Piri Piri Steakhouse for prime meats. Families are catered to with Porto Pirata, one of the largest children’s villages in Europe, featuring life-sized pirate ships and a mini-golf course. The resort’s location provides easy access to local attractions, including the Fisherman Village in Albufeira, the Moorish Castle of Silves, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Its blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and modern amenities offers guests a varied and exceptionally comfortable retreat.
Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve – The Luxury Collection
Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Algarve
(5 stars) Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Algarve, is located in Albufeira, Portugal, resting atop the region’s iconic red sandstone cliffs with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Situated approximately 30 minutes by car from Faro International Airport, the resort offers direct access to the renowned Falésia Beach.
Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites is a recent addition to the award-winning Pine Cliffs Resort, designed to reflect traditional Portuguese architecture. It features 148 spacious suites and apartments, including two Presidential Suites with expansive terraces offering stunning sea views. The accommodations are thoughtfully furnished, featuring relaxing living areas, state-of-the-art technology, and en-suite bathrooms. One- and two-bedroom suites also include fully equipped kitchens and dining areas with seating for six, with floor-to-ceiling doors leading to private balconies that provide spectacular views across the landscaped grounds or the Atlantic Ocean.
You have access to a variety of amenities, including the Serenity Spa, a 1,100m² facility with an indoor pool and an outdoor area with a jacuzzi. Dining options are diverse, featuring restaurants such as Zest, which focuses on healthy, organic-based foods, and Yakuza Algarve by Olivier, one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the Algarve. The resort also offers a range of leisure activities, including tennis and padel courts, a 9-hole clifftop golf course, and the Porto Pirata children’s area, which features two oversized pirate ships and a daily range of activities and games.
A panoramic elevator provides access to a scenic walkway leading to Falésia Beach, known for its golden sands and family-friendly water sports. The resort’s location allows guests to explore local attractions such as the Fisherman Village in Albufeira, the Moorish Castle of Silves, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Algarve
Albufeira, Algarve
W Residences Algarve
(5 stars) You can rest or play at W, although it’s advisable to leave the work behind and make the most of the vibe here. Opening its doors in the summer of 2022, this new W provides sea-view bedrooms to a backdrop of golden cliffs and has a stunning feature pool set across two levels, with a waterfall. If you’d rather swim in the ocean, it’s just a 15-minute walk away, or yards to the nearest bus stop to explore further afield. Dine on Portuguese or Italian cuisine (there are two serving the former and one serving the latter), relax in a hanging chair or on a day bed and book a range of treatments in the spa.
Vilamoura, Algarve
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
(5 stars) Anantara is a luxury brand which started in Asia (read about the Anatara Layan Phuket), and has now expanded into Europe with this stylish resort situated alongside the Victoria golf course, the venue for the Portugal Masters. Anantara Vilamoura offers a wide variety of spa treatments, along with indoor and outdoor pools. For active guests, there are tennis facilities and a fitness centre. What really sets this hotel apart, however, is the way it deals with the ‘basics’. Guests often wax lyrical about the quality of service, cleanliness, the excellent beds, and the superb range of food included in the breakfast. Golfers will also appreciate the high quality course on site.
Quinta do Lago, Algarve
Conrad Algarve
(5 stars) The Conrad is situated in Quinta do Lago, an area renowned for its golf courses. Some of the Algarve’s famous beaches are also readily accessible. There is a fitness centre and a tennis court, along with several swimming pools, including a heated infinity pool, plus a spa offering a range of treatments. Every room features a balcony, and foodies can enjoy meals prepared by well known chef Heinz Beck in the ‘Gusto’ restaurant. Guests are usually impressed by the service and the breakfast spread, whilst golfers have several excellent nearby courses to choose from.
Armação de Pêra, Algarve
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
(5 stars) This hotel is situated in 11 hectares of truly stunning grounds, with its own, private, sandy beach situated amongst sandstone rocks. It is located in Armacao de Pera, west of Albufeira, and offers a fine range of facilities including tennis, a fitness centre, and six outdoor swimming pools. There is also a spa where guests can enjoy thalassotherapy treatments and hot stone massages. The spaciousness of the resort means that it never feels too crowded, and there is a pleasantly casual atmosphere which helps guests to relax.
Portimão, Algarve
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
(5 stars) The Bela Vista Hotel in Portimao is located in three buildings, including the historic and imposing Palacete, on top of the cliffs overlooking the beach at Praia da Rocha. It is an adults-only hotel with a broad range of activities on offer, including tennis and various watersports. There is a fitness centre and a swimming pool, and many spa treatments are available. Several fine golf courses are in the vicinity. Guests speak highly of the fine location, the service offered by the hotel staff, and the excellent food in the beautifully located Vista restaurant.
Wyndham Grand Algarve
(5 stars) Moments from the spectacular Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Wyndham Grand Algarve is in the heart of Quinta do Lago, the exclusive lifestyle, leisure, and sporting destination on Portugal’s sun-kissed south coast. This family-friendly, all-suite property offers an understated luxury destination with dining that includes signature gastronomy at XXL by Olivier, a poolside café, and the Grand Bar & Lounge with a terrace overlooking the pool, as well as a Grand Spa and a garden view gym. Guest experiences encompass access to Quinta do Lago’s world-class sporting facilities, and also nature hiking and cycling along the protected coastline.
Hotel Quinta do Lago
(5 stars) Hotel Quinta do Lago is nestled in the Quinta do Lago Resort in the Algarve, bringing guests unparalleled access to the tranquil Ria Formosa Natural Park, miles of pedestrian-friendly beaches, and close proximity to world-class golf courses. This five-star hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World since 1988, boasts stunning views of the Ria estuary and sea, as well as peaceful trails to observe wildlife and lush gardens. Visitors can take in the unparalleled beauty of its rooms, suites, bar, restaurant, terraces, and swimming pool. Guests can easily explore the area on foot as the beach is a short walk away and also includes a beach club area for guests to enjoy.
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