Blue & Green The Lake Spa Resort

The Blue & Green Lake Spa Resort attracts a high-end clientele thanks to its pricey rooms (for the area), top-notch features, and modern Mediterranean and Asian style. There's no denying an air of exclusivity inside this expansive resort complex. Designed to be and, more importantly, feel big, the hotel delivers a relaxing sense of space and features smart layouts in the dining rooms, bars, and other public areas. Other peaceful elements include a natural pond, unique sand-bottomed outdoor pool resembling a beach that runs right up against the edge of the lake, and lots of bright flowers next to palm trees. Couples seeking a romantic and quiet getaway will usually find what they are looking for, but high season tends to bring in lots of families with young, and sometimes rowdy, children. Overall, this top-rated hotel is a cut above the rest, though note that it closes in December and January for maintenance. 

Blue & Green The Lake Spa Resort is located on the outskirts of Vilamoura, on a relatively unoccupied street. Guests here benefit from the quiet off-center location, while still being within a 10-minute walk to the beach and marina -- where several of the town's restaurants, bars, and shops can be found. There are six golf courses nearby, all within a 10-minute drive from the resort. Trips to Faro Airport can be made in under 30 minutes by car. 

Rooms are outfitted with a classy Mediterranean vibe, dominated by attractive neutral tones in terra-cotta tile floors, honey-wood furniture, and white and blue linens. Suites have more Asian-inspired decor, including dark-wood floors and furniture, red accents, floral prints, and stone masks. All 192 rooms come with air-conditioning, minibars, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and 26-inch LCD televisions. Also standard are private furnished balconies with garden or sea views. Bathrooms are sleek and outfitted with separate showers and bathtubs, a good variety of luxe toiletries, and bidets. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers are also provided. One- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes or full kitchens are available and convenient for families. 

One of the highlights of the Blue & Green The Lake Spa Resort's array of features is one of the its three pools: the beach-inspired pool. It has a natural sandy floor, and from first glance, it can fool you into thinking it's a lagoon. Hotel loungers are set up on a short stretch of golden sand that leads and continues into this creative pool. Two other outdoor pools are available and separate by a wooden pathway. All pool have loungers, a few daybeds, and umbrellas, but many past guests have complained of early-morning sunbed reservation. It's also worth noting the vibe can get a little hectic when lots of families with children are present. Another big draw is the spa, which features its own small set of therapeutic indoor pools (for guests 16 and over), a Turkish bath, and a continental-themed treatment menu that covers all five senses. There's also a spacious, bright gym with cardio machines, free weights, and views over the gardens. Guests can access the spa facilities and gym for free. Other notable facilities include a kids' club with activities, meeting rooms, a library business center, and game room. Free underground parking is available, as is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Superb dining options include an Asian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant; a seasonal spot called Gustatio, serving updated versions of traditional Roman and Visigoth dishes and the resort's comprehensive breakfast buffet (included in most rates); and the floating restaurant, Mare Nostrum, also open seasonally, with Mediterranean-based menu. The African-themed Zanzibar serves drinks in an elegant interior space that spills out onto a terrace overlooking the lake, or for more casual drinks and snacks, check out the pool bar or the seasonal afternoon tea room, Jaipur.