Balaia Golf Village

Is this one of the most contemporary resorts in the Algarve? No. But the perfectly kept exteriors and homey interiors make it more pleasant than many of the dated properties in the area. Perfectly manicured box hedges sweep around to ornate wrought-iron railings and symmetrical rows of mature palm trees grandly usher guests to the resort entrance, elevating the atmosphere here just that much more right off the bat. Once inside, expect to see whitewashed walls complementing cobalt-blue signage, mosaic tiling, and plant pots. Things are dated, but pleasant, from a style perspective. Back outside, crisp white facades provide the backdrop for particularly well-tended and often sculpted plant life, plus cork, almond, and pine trees that populate the extensive gardens. The grounds are indeed huge, comprising numerous clusters of apartment blocks scattered throughout and connected by cobblestone footpaths and driveways. A nine-hole golf course and driving range complete the self-contained property. Despite the resort's focus on golfing, it attracts plenty of families as well as older couples looking for quiet, relaxation, and obviously a round or two.

The hotel has a peaceful and relatively secluded location on the outskirts of the popular tourist destination of Albufeira in the southern Algarve. There's very little in the immediate area beyond a few similar resorts, and not much in the way of bars and restaurants within walking distance. Balaia Beach is about 12 minutes away on foot, and a few lovely long stretches of beach are within five minutes by car. The dramatic cliffs of the sandy Santa Eulalia beach are accessible on foot in about 20 minutes -- though only from accommodations near the hotel's entrance; otherwise it's a short drive. 

The hotel provides a free shuttle service into the center of Albufeira (10 to 15 minutes) a few times daily. This coastal city offers plenty of nightlife, and restaurants serving Portuguese cuisine and lots of fresh seafood. The Old Town, along Avenida da Liberdade, features souvenir shops selling local pottery and crafts. Faro Airport is around 35 to 40 minutes' drive away and the hotel can provide shuttle service.

The resort has 250 Studios, Apartments, and Villas spread throughout numerous, low-level accommodation blocks. Decor can vary greatly from one unit to the next, since many of the units are privately owned and rented out for most of the year. But overall the style leans towards bright, relaxed, and homey, with Standard and Superior levels available -- the latter tends to feel fresher and have more modern appliances. The Superior One-Bedroom Apartment we saw featured a pleasant palette of white, cream, and blue in the bedroom, while the living room had a curved, non-working fireplace and pretty pottery.

Some of the units are looking a little tired and in need of refresh, and the decor can look dated even for all of its brightness. Apartments range from single-room layouts to three-bedroom units. Villas have two or three bedrooms, and all include living and dining areas, full kitchens with washer/dryers, and furnished terraces with garden, golf course, or pool views. Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are standard, but Wi-Fi is only available for a fee. Bathrooms also vary in terms of upkeep, though all more than cover the basics, with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and a limited supply of toiletries. While most rooms are quiet, some set towards the road can be prone to traffic noise. 

Leisure facilities at the hotel are quite excellent, with a wide range of things to do (even if dining isn't exactly a high point). Firstly, each cluster of accommodations features its own swimming pool (six in all), each with a section for children and surrounded by sun loungers. A heated indoor pool can also be found in the health club, which includes a sauna, whirlpool tubs, steam room, and massage treatments; parts of this area could use a refresh. The fitness center is bright and clean, with a good number of modern cardio machines and weight-training equipment. Outdoor sports facilities include a nine-hole golf course, driving ranges, and golf academy, while tennis players have four clay tennis courts plus a tennis academy. A bowling green is popular with older guests. This family-friendly resort has various playgrounds and a kids' club, and there are babysitting services (fee). 

The are two restaurants, one serving snacks and meals buffet-style (half-board rates are available) and the other a la carte in the Clubhouse -- quality is generally mediocre. Some of the pools have poolside bars, though there's little in the way of space for evening socializing. A supermarket at the entrance to the resort provides groceries for self-catering. Parking is free. Bike rentals are also available.