10 Stunning Best Resorts in The Algarve (Portugal)

29th June 2021

When you think of Portugal, your mind cannot help but conjure up images of the iconic Algarve region. Turquoise blue waters, golden sand beaches, and stunning beach-side cliffs. Let’s face it, most of us would do anything to be basking under the sun, eating freshly caught seafood, and sipping on a cocktail or two at the hotel of our dreams. Luckily for us, luxurious and spectacular accommodation is not hard to come by there. However, with so many options, it can be hard to choose. Read on to discover some of the best resorts in the Algarve.

1. The Lake Resort – Vilamoura

Located just a short walk from the iconic Falésia Beach, the Lake Resort is one of the best resorts in the Algarve. The rooms here are nothing short of five-star with each room offering a private balcony overlooking the ocean, luscious gardens, or the private lake. Guests can relax after a long day of exploring the sights in one of the Lake Resort’s three swimming pools, one of these has a natural sandy bottom – perfect for those days when even the 300m walk to the beach seems like a marathon.

If you’re thinking of coming here in the off-season, don’t fret! One of the pools is also seasonally heated for your comfort. The lake resort has two spas, the Blue Spa and the Green Spa. The Blue Spa specialises in hydrotherapy treatments, and the Green Spa focuses on more traditional yet world-renowned treatments – think Ayurvedic massage or Japanese Shiatsu. Enjoy your meals at their floating restaurant Marenostrum (open seasonally) or their year-round restaurant Fusion.

CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – THE LAKE RESORT VILAMOURA

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2. Vila Monte Farm House – Moncarapacho

For those who would like to enjoy the famous Algarve beaches but in more of a country setting, Vila Monte Farm House is the choice for you. Traditional architecture coupled with beautiful grounds all just within a short drive of the beach make this easily one of the best spa hotels in the Algarve.

The perfect place to relax, stays at the Vila Monte Farm House revolves around wellness and recuperation. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with modern facilities and amenities, and they are within arms’ reach of the two outdoor pools.

Enjoy your meals at À Terra Restaurant which has a farm-to-table menu and uses ingredients either from the local market or freshly harvested from the hotel grounds. The hotel has numerous massage therapies, but if you want to take your experience further, why not book a yoga or meditation class or join a guided astrology session.

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3. Vilalara Thalassa Resort – Porches

Nestled among the cliffs of Praia das Gaivotas, Vilalara Thalassa is without a doubt one of the best beach resorts in the Algarve. The five-star resort boasts 11 acres of wonderful seaside gardens. To top it all off, it has five amazing swimming pools (four salt water and one freshwater).

All rooms are elegantly decorated and have a private terrace or balcony with views of the grounds, pools, or ocean. Their award-winning spa offers several services which are perfect after a long day at the beach (which is literally a stone’s throw away) or sightseeing. Enjoy your meals at one of two restaurants which both offer delicious Portuguese cuisine and have stunning ocean views. This resort is a must-visit for beach lovers.

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4. Tivoli Carvoeiro – Carvoeiro

Another cliff-top resort, the Tivoli Carvoeiro might just have it in the bag for the best resort pool in the Algarve. Their luxurious outdoor pool sits within lovely gardens and has a 180-degree view of the iconic beachside cliffs we’ve all come to associate with the Algarve.

This resort is great for families as they offer family rooms, and they are within a short drive of Slide and Splash. Did I mention the massive pool? Foodies will not be disappointed as there are five restaurants in the vicinity, serving local wine as well as Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisines.

Those wishing to relax after a long day could give the Tivoli spa a visit. Alternatively, visit one of their three ocean-view bars for some much-deserved sunset cocktails.

CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – TIVOLI CARVOEIRO

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5. Companhia das Culturas – Fazenda

If you’re looking for one of the best resorts in the Algarve for a secluded romantic getaway or for reconnecting with yourself by being surrounded by nature, then this is the place for you. Companhia das Culturas sits within 40 hectares of land which boasts olive, apricot, and fig trees.

The building itself is inclusive of an old olive-mill turned lounge where guests can relax and enjoy the clean, country air. The restaurant serves mostly Southern Portuguese dishes with 70% of the ingredients coming from the organic vegetable gardens on the property.

The hotel is located close to Castro Marim Natural reserve and Praia Verde which makes hiking a popular activity for guests. This hotel also offers spa services, but what makes them unique is their beautiful Hamam or Turkish bath. Stay here if you want something a bit different from the usual Algarve resorts and are looking for a place with sustainability at its core.

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6. Monte Rei Golf and Country Club – Sesmarias

Monte Rei Golf and Country Club is a beautiful resort located on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This is one of the best resorts in the Algarve if you love golf or want to stay somewhere surrounded by luscious landscapes. This is a great family-friendly option, as the resort offers private, two-to-four-bedroom villas.

With four restaurants on-site, finding somewhere to eat that suits everyone’s taste won’t be a hair-pulling task. Spend your days by the hotel pool soaking up the sun, or wander out and visit one of the many nearby beaches. You can also arrange guided tours of Tavira or nearby Seville through the resort.

CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – MONTE REI GOLF and COUNTRY CLUB

7. Grand House – Relais and Chateaux – Vila Real de Santo António

Located in the historic town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Grand House – Relais and Chateaux is probably one of the best luxury hotels in the Algarve. First built in 1926, this fully restored hotel has beautiful rooms which honor the building’s rich, roaring-twenties history.

With no shortage of things to do in the area, hotel-arranged activities include horseback riding on the beach, visiting an oyster farm, or enjoying treatments at an outdoor mineral spa. When all that is finished, you can relax and enjoy some fine dining at the Grand Salon hotel restaurant which has stunning views of the marina.

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8. Vila Balaia – Albufeira

Villa Balaia is a group of beautiful, self-contained villas set within lush tropical gardens and is easily one of the best resorts in the Algarve. Villas are large and modern, and each has a private, open terrace that overlooks the swimming pool (seasonally heated).

There are two restaurants on the property that serve traditional Algarvian dishes, or you could opt to cook your own meals using the fully equipped villa kitchen. This resort has no shortage of outdoor activities with hiking, biking, and tennis all being on the table if you so desire. If not, feel free to lounge around the pool, drink in hand, or visit the many nearby attractions.

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9. Romantik Villa – Salema

Romantik Villa offers a wide variety of room options which are all beautifully furnished and decorated. All rooms come with a fully-furnished private terrace or balcony with pool or garden views. The resort reflects the spirit of Salema, the historical fishing village it resides in, and has stunning ocean views making it one of the best resorts in the Algarve.

This place is adult-only, so come here to get some peace and quiet with your partner,. However, don’t worry – with a huge range of things to do such as kayaking, scuba diving, dolphin watching and surfing, you won’t be bored for a second. This resort is perfect for adventurers who want somewhere relaxing to come home to after a thrilling day of sightseeing and activities.

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10. Hotel Faro and Beach Club – Faro

Hotel Faro and Beach Club is located by the marina in the exciting city of Faro. It is a mere three-minute walk from historical Faro Old Town, and its central location makes it one of the best hotels in the Algarve. Rooms are modern, comfortable, and spacious, but what makes this hotel so special is the fabulous rooftop dining and bar.

The Ria Formosa restaurant serves a range of dishes from around the world and shares space with the Cosmopolitan Rooftop bar where on certain days you can enjoy live music.

CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – HOTEL FARO and BEACH CLUB

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