Cabanas Resort Park

The Cabanas Resort Park attracts both families with young children looking to take advantage of the plethora of activities that the hotel offers, and older couples who come for the secluded nature reserve setting. The large hotel has somewhat dated interiors, centered around an atrium where the check-in desk, lobby, business area, and rather oddly placed and open kids' club are all located. The atrium is painted a sandy shade of brown, and has magnolia tiled floors, large potted trees, and heavy bamboo armchairs and coffee tables. The hotel’s restaurant is divided into two: The half with the buffet restaurant is a restrained one, with unremarkable light-wood furniture, while the bar section is painted in a vibrant purple, walls and ceiling. Despite the range of facilities here, the atmosphere is peaceful.

The hotel is located on the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, on the banks of the river that gives the park its name, as well as along a lagoon that is home to rare sea birds. On the other side of the lagoon is a wide, sandy beach, which the hotel runs a free boat shuttle to throughout the day. It’s a 15-minute walk to the town of Cabanas, which has shops, tapas bars, and restaurants. Travelers looking for somewhere a bit livelier will have to drive for 15 minutes to reach the town of Tavira. It is a nine-minute drive to Benamor Golf, an 18-hole course. It’s a 45-minute drive to Faro and its airport, or expect an hour-long transfer to Portimao Airport.

Each of the apartments at the Cabanas Resort Park has either one or two bedrooms, and a bright, airy open-plan living room and kitchenette with art on the walls. Kitchenettes are well-equipped, with a mini-fridge, microwave, two-burner stove, coffeemaker, and the usual crockery and cookware. Additionally, the rooms have a light-wood dining table and chairs, sofa bed, armchair, and flat-screen TV. Bedrooms have orange walls and either deep-blue or peach bed covers. Several guests have complained that the mattresses can be rather hard. Bathrooms are decorated with peach colored tiles on the walls and floor, and have a shower/tub combo, bidet, hairdryer, and free toiletries. All rooms have a furnished terrace, a safe, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi, although guests have noted that coverage can be spotty. 

The hotel makes the most of its location in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve to offer a number of activities, including hiking and walking tours, mountain biking, and water sports like canoeing and sailing. There is a frequent and free boat shuttle across the lagoon to the wide and sandy Praia de Cabanas. On-site, a spa offers massage treatments and wellness therapies, as well as access to a hot tub, a Turkish bath, and sauna. Outside, there is a large freeform pool and kiddy pool set in a sunny terrace with plenty of sun loungers under straw umbrellas, and views over the lagoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served buffet-style in the hotel’s restaurant and receive positive reviews. There is a small gym with cardio and weight equipment, as well as an outdoor volleyball court, playground, and solarium.