As one of Europe’s premier sun worshiping destinations, Portugal is blessed with some truly excellent holiday resorts. Most of these are located along the coast, a coast of the Atlantic Ocean with stunning geographical and ecological diversity. The Algarve coastline in southern Portugal is particularly attractive, with its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, historic seaside resorts and beautiful natural parks. No wonder some of the country’s most celebrated resorts are located in this warm and sunny playground.
The Mid-Atlantic island of Madeira has a number of equally attractive resorts set in attractive grounds, dotted with colorful subtropical flora. Many of these hotels command privileged positions on towering cliffs where, of course, the ocean views are breathtaking.
And you don’t have to travel too far from Lisbon to enjoy a five-star getaway. Beyond the capital are several holiday resorts of exceptional character, luxury hotel properties – some with golf courses – offering peace and seclusion for the more discerning tourist.
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1 Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel
In the Algarve, near the historic town of Sagres , Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel defines the luxury holiday destination for families. Set in manicured grounds overlooking Martinhal Beach , this acclaimed resort has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind and children of all ages are welcomed with open arms. The luxurious ambiance is enhanced by truly eye-catching accommodation. A beautiful portfolio of self-contained village, garden and bay houses set around an attractive village square or overlooking a wooded valley and the sea beyond. The collections of ocean homes are in an elevated position and enjoy beautiful views of the beach.
With the family at its heart, Martinhal’s leisure facilities are strongly aimed at keeping young people busy, and there are plenty of things to do. Beyond the resort’s five swimming pools, guests have exclusive use of a fully equipped sports club; tennis courts; and on the beach, a fantastic water sports centre. Meanwhile, the boutique Finisterra Spa offers gloriously indulgent down time for everyone.
Traditional Portuguese gastronomy is celebrated with great generosity at the seaside resort’s chic As Dunas restaurant, where fresh seafood is the specialty. The modern restaurant O Terraço also serves resort guests, including those staying at the five-star Hotel Martinhal , known for its clusters of wood-wrapped cube-shaped beach houses designed as if born from nature.
Accommodation: Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort and hotel
2 Penha Longa Resort
The densely wooded and granite-hewn Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais provides a suitably dramatic backdrop to this extraordinary resort, the centerpiece of which is a luxuriously appointed five-star hotel. Each of the 194 rooms and suites offers extensive views over the green Serra de Sintra Mountains and the celebrated Penha Longa golf course , a 27-hole championship layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The golf course meanders through immaculately manicured grounds, offering players breathtaking views of the Estoril coast and a lofty perspective of the landmark 19th-century Palácio da Pena , on the highest peaks of the Serra de Sintra.
Just a 30-minute drive west of central Lisbon, Penha Longa Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the park. Activities include walking, horse riding and nearby Guincho Beach is one of the best beaches in Portugal. However, the resort’s recreational facilities are equally appealing. The hotel’s are built in the original buildings of the estate’s Spa & Wellness retreat, a Zen-like oasis of peace and tranquility. If you are traveling with children, you can be assured that your children will be looked after safely in the exciting and animated Kid’s Club.
Foodies are in for a treat. Complementing Penha Longa’s already highly regarded Arola (Spanish-Portuguese), Midori (Japanese) and il Mercato (Italian) restaurants, the hotel’s LAB restaurant is a gastronomic reference point. The menu, designed by celebrity chef Sergi Arola, offers inventive fusion dishes prepared to such technical and imaginative finesse that Michelin has awarded Arola and his team a bright, shining star.
Accommodation: Penha Longa Resort
3 VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Perched on a cliff embroidered with umbrella pine trees, VILA VITA Parc nestles in lush, subtropical gardens above a shimmering blue ocean. Located close to the popular seaside resort of Armacão de Pêra on the south coast of the Algarve, VILA VITA Parc yet retains an air of exclusivity, hidden above the city’s approach. Accommodation choices range from light, airy rooms and suites with a refined, classic design signature and relaxing terraces overlooking the ocean to airy, whitewashed villas with private pools.
Blown by gentle sea breezes, the resort is a true retreat, a luxurious oasis for the truly discerning guest. Top amenities include a series of landscaped pools, a 9-hole pitch-and-putt practice golf course and the Vital Spa , where you can relax effortlessly – the bubbling Jacuzzi is heaven. Active people can always take part in a fitness class or strength training, and for young people there is the fun Annabela’s Kids Park.
One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Portugal is holding court here, the two Michelin-starred Ocean . Directed by Austrian chef Hans Neuner, this sophisticated venue is known for its creative menu, focusing on carefully selected products chosen based on seasonality and cultural identity. Dinner is a rare and unforgettable treat. Bookings are essential and children aged 12 and over are welcome.
Accommodation: VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
4 Hotel The Cliff Bay
One of Madeira’s premium resorts, The Cliff Bay is located on a natural promontory high above the island’s capital, Funchal. From this privileged position, the hotel enjoys a fantastic panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, a sparkling mantle of royal blue and the domain of whales, dolphins and sailfish. Elegantly decorated in keeping with the local architecture, the hotel is surrounded by spruce gardens with centuries-old palms. In spring the grounds sing positively with color. The terraced design combines the five-star hotel with the cliff, offering guests direct access to the sea. Spacious rooms, all with private verandas, offer sea or land views and complement the top floor rooms and suites, which overlook Funchal and the bay – a truly inspiring view.
It’s very easy to become entranced by the charm of Cliff Bay, especially after taking advantage of the recreational facilities. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools to discover and novelties such as the solarium and the outdoor jacuzzi. You can also cool off in the warm, crystal clear sea at the hotel’s private jetty. Why not try a free diving lesson during your stay? As befits a resort of this quality, the Cliff Bay Spa offers a tailor-made wellness program that provides guests with a personalized and attentive experience for body, mind and spirit.
For locals and tourists, another hugely attractive attraction in Cliff Bay is the Restaurant Il Gallo d’Oro . This was the first restaurant in Madeira to win a Michelin star, but chef Benoît Sinthon in the kitchen now manages the restaurant to win two of the coveted awards. Every year Il Gallo d’Oro hosts the prestigious Rota das Estrelas gastronomic food festival, so expect a full house if you stay during this exciting culinary event.
Accommodation: Hotel The Cliff Bay
5 As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
In Portuguese, cascatas means waterfalls and waterfalls. This smart resort in the Algarve is so named because of the beautiful water features that decorate the grounds surrounding the hotel. As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is located behind the glitzy seaside resort of Vilamoura, surrounded by several excellent golf courses. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Faro, the Algarve’s regional capital, and is a popular choice for families: the resort’s Paradise Island is one of the best children’s play parks on the south coast. Another fantastic draw is the 7Seven Spa . This is the largest spa in Portugal, with only 14 treatment rooms. Celebrated for its aquatic massage and hydrotherapy circuit, the spa also offers a menu of other amazing treatments and rituals, including special two-, three- and five-day packages.
Staying here is to relax in luxurious accommodation arranged as one, two or three bedroom suites, as well as a four bedroom suite with a fully equipped kitchen. The resort is served by no fewer than six restaurants offering Portuguese and international gastronomy, including Italian American cuisine.
There’s plenty to do in and around the resort, but for many who stay here, it’s the golf options that capture the imagination. There are six layouts nearby, one of which is just a five-minute walk from the hotel reception. All are among the top golf courses in Portugal, a fact that makes As Cascatas a favorite all year round holiday destination.
Accommodation: As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
6 EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
With its sleek modern lines, minimalist décor and funky atmosphere, this cleverly understated resort hotel in the Algarve is all about modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology. Draped along the clifftops above Falésia Beach , the resort is set in a tranquil setting that matches the atmosphere – this is one seriously relaxing destination. Despite offering 162 rooms, 24 garden suites and 43 travel suites, EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel exudes an exclusive, boutique-like quality. Much of the property faces the ocean, offering guests enchanting views over a canopy of scented umbrella pine trees to an ice-blue horizon. Natural wooden verandas enhance the organic appeal of the rooms. The refined ambiance of Epic Sana is continued in the restaurants and in particular in the Al Quimia gastronomy . Chef Luis Mourão has designed a seasonal menu with the best Portuguese products used to create dishes that, despite their modernity, draw on centuries-old traditional recipes. Al Quimia is an adults-only restaurant, but there are other great dining options in the resort that are suitable for families.
Embarking on a Sayanna Retreat program is reason enough to stay here. A team of wellness assistants can personalize a complete feel-good plan for guests seeking rejuvenation of mind and body, from designing a balanced meal plan and exercise regime to organizing fitness workshops, yoga classes and wellness treatments. Or you can enrich your daily life by following the clifftop path for a few hours and breathing the fresh sea air.
Accommodation: EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
7 Conrad Algarve
In Quinta do Lago , the most exclusive holiday destination in the Algarve, the modern Conrad Algarve is nestled well amongst the beautiful villas and world-famous golf courses for which this pocket of southern Portugal is renowned. This five-star masterpiece is impressive in size and has a reputation for contemporary design, comfort and technology. It features 154 rooms and suites, including the beautiful Roof Garden Suite, with a swimming pool in the lounge… yes, in the lounge!
The hotel is not on the ocean. It is located inland next to the fashionable Quinta Shopping , a chic shopping arcade filled with designer goods and trendy cafes. This is the golf course grounds, and of the layouts within easy traveling distance of the Conrad, the championship is Quinta do Lago South .
The entire region is maintained to strict environmental standards and is a haven for wildlife. But there are also dozens of reasons not to leave the hotel. The seductively opulent Conrad Spa is just one. Often described as the most luxurious and desirable spa in Portugal, spa visitors can expect their individual therapy and treatment goals to be met effectively and comprehensively. Another is the sublime Gusto by Heinz Beck , the hotel’s flagship fine dining restaurant. Managed by Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, Gusto’s features a menu that celebrates Mediterranean textures and flavors. The Scandinavian-style space has hosted numerous culinary events and Michelin festivals and remains a top gastronomic hotspot.
Accommodation: Conrad Algarve
8 Hotel Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa
Hotel Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa
A sprawling and elegantly appointed property, the Hotel Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa is everything a holiday resort should be. Fronting the beautiful Santa Eulália Beach, a picture-perfect band of golden sand framed by a small, shallow bay, this is a destination that continues to captivate the imagination of tourists and tourists alike. Located near the lively town of Albufeira, Santa Eulália is a perfect holiday destination for families, where many of the guest activities are aimed at young people (the Realito Kids Club is a colorful amusement park for children aged 3 to 12). Sunk within the grounds are two swimming pools and a paddling pool and the beach offers plenty of exciting water sports opportunities.
The hotel has 344 rooms, of which 29 are suites and 155 are fully equipped Resort Suites. In keeping with the resort’s sunny location, celebrated Portuguese interior designer Graça Viterbo is responsible for the vibrant and contemporary décor. Five different restaurants, each with a themed menu, are located around the resort, all embellished with sea views and a pleasant al fresco ambiance. Its proximity to the beach is an obvious crowd-pleaser, but if you’re looking for a little R&R in a more refined atmosphere, consider the Real Spa Therapy, a recognized health and wellness facility specializing in thalassotherapy treatments and massages. A visit to the spa is a blissful way to spend some well-deserved “me” time.
Accommodation: Hotel Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa
9 Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort
Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort is considered one of the Algarve’s premier sports and activity resorts. The Lagos-based Cascade is equipped with the best football facilities in Southern Europe, with two FIFA-approved pitches and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. It also offers an Elite Golf Academy and two tennis courts. Several nearby beaches, including the picturesque Praia do Camilo , afford fun water sports opportunities. A healthier lifestyle can also be continued at the hotel’s own spa and wellness centre. Or you could choose to do nothing at all.
A regiment of sun loungers runs along the elongated outdoor pool, quickly snapped up by guests in anticipation of a long, lazy day that requires minimal effort. The feeling of space is enhanced by spruce gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is the same image enjoyed by the rooms and suites with different themes to represent the continents explored by Portuguese navigators during the golden age of discovery – Europe, Asia, Africa or South America.
A delightful dimension to the culinary experience is the show kitchen in the Senses Restaurant. Here guests can follow the creative and technical process of some of the menu’s signature dishes served on an attractive terrace during the summer months. Another restaurant, aptly named Moods, is the perfect setting for a seafood lunch and other light meals.
Accommodation: Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort
10 Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
The Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort combines a glorious and largely secluded beach with one of the most stunningly attractive golf courses in Europe. The hotel is located in the middle of Portugal. Silver Coast , less than an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. The 18-hole layout, designed by American golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, is a challenging mix of seaside links and parks. The stark contrast between sandy dunes and lush fairways is not lost on players who want precise play, especially when a stiff breeze kicks up the Atlantic.
The hotel – classically styled and of palatial proportions – reveals itself along cliffs and over grounds that flow seamlessly into the contours of the golf course. The 177 rooms and the nine suites, all with a private terrace or balcony, offer views of the ocean or the golf course. The resort also has a selection of beachfront townhouses and apartments – ideal for families.
Besides golf, you can also practice your serve and volley at Praia D’El’s tennis academy, and the resort’s Clube Aventura can arrange various outdoor activities and other things to do. The Kalyan Spa specializes in sports massage and offers a soothing “Backswing – Hot Stones” treatment to relieve muscle tension, among other wellness rituals. A “must-do” excursion is a visit to nearby Óbidos, an enchanting hill country enclosed within its 14th-century walls and often voted Portugal’s most beautiful place to visit.
Accommodation: Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
11 Sheraton Cascais Resort
If peace and seclusion is a priority, the Sheraton Cascais Resort has you covered. This tranquil retreat, set amongst an abundance of umbrella pines, has a deliberately low profile yet the property is only a short distance from Cascais, a popular day trip from Lisbon, approximately 30 kilometers away. The hotel has a refined, chic atmosphere and offers a select range of rooms and suites. Meals are taken in the glazed terrace, where the menu differs from Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. This is also a favorite brunch spot for guests and non-residents. Diners have access to an exclusive swimming pool and a kids’ club keeps toddlers busy.
The site is integrated into the Quinta da Marinha estate, where an internationally renowned golf course hugs the coast. The resort itself features the luxurious Serenity Spa and its proximity to the ocean means spa-goers can expect a range of treatments and therapies that harness the natural properties of seaweed and sea salt.
The area is ideal for sightseeing. Besides Cascais and its animated holiday atmosphere, you can visit the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of mainland Europe – while Guincho Beach is a mecca for seasoned windsurfers and kiteboarders.
Accommodation: Sheraton Cascais Resort
12 Pestana Porto Santo All-inclusive
On Porto Santo, Madeira’s smaller sister island, the all-inclusive Pestana Porto Santo is the perfect option for families and larger groups looking for a comfortable and excellently maintained base from which to relax and enjoy a worry-free stay. The 275 rooms include doubles, suites, apartments with kitchenettes and Mediterranean-style villas with private pools, all decorated in soothing maritime tones. The hotel overlooks the sun-drenched beach of Porto Santo, a nine-kilometre-long carpet of golden sand that is quite unique in the archipelago. Two large freestyle pools plus a separate children’s pool appease those who prefer to stay at the resort, and another indoor pool with multiple water jets anchors the boutique Magic Spa .
With two buffet restaurants and four themed restaurants to choose from, guests are free to dine on their own schedule. In the evening, you can enjoy dishes of grilled food at the resort’s Mares Restaurant and the cuisine is deliciously international in taste.
Porto Santo is an idyllic destination and remains well under the radar of mass tourism. Easily reached by sea and air from neighboring Madeira, the effort to get here rewards visitors with a fascinating landscape of ancient volcanic peaks and attractions such as the Casa de Colombo, the house where Christopher Columbus lived . Outdoor enthusiasts can explore on foot, bicycle or horseback while enjoying pristine natural surroundings.
Accommodation: Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive
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