The Magnolia Hotel

The Magnolia Hotel manages to combine a calm, minimalist air with quirky and atmospheric decor -- something that is not easy to pull off. Its adult-only policy and quiet, somewhat isolated setting contribute to the tranquil atmosphere. The design is lovely, as seen in the octagonal lobby that's centered around a vast metal pillar that fans out into the ceiling, and has armchairs in bold hues. Leading off from this is the bar, which is furnished with artfully mismatched couches and armchairs in various pastel hues and bold patterns, low coffee tables, and rugs. The restaurant is a similarly attractive space, nodding to its menu of dishes that all feature beer, with bare filament bulbs hanging from shiny copper piping, a large photo mural of a distillery, beer bottles acting as flower vases, and chairs upholstered in a mixture of leathers and patterned fabrics. Outside is a somewhat concrete-y pool terrace, and grounds that are well-maintained, though a bit lacking in lush greenery.

The Magnolia Hotel is in a rather an isolated area along a busy main road outside of Faro, and there are very few amenities nearby, though the resort is designed so that guests don't need to step outside. That said, the Vale de Lobo golf course is a seven-minute drive away, while the Praia de Vale de Lobo is a minute or two past the golf course. In the other direction, Quinta Shopping, a mall that’s home to many luxury brands, is a three-minute drive away, or 10 minutes’ walk along a busy freeway without a sidewalk. Farther afield, Faro is a 20- to 30-minute drive away. Expect a 20-minute transfer time to Faro Airport.

The hotel has 77 rooms, which are bright and airy, and decorated with a similar attention to detail as the shared areas downstairs. Instead of the bright pastels and bold shades, however, standard rooms are decorated with muted patterns and cool neutrals, which can feel a bit lackluster. They have two single beds pushed together, topped with crisp white linens and throw pillows in various colors, as well as big ochre headboards. Other amenities include small desks that double as stands for flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Suites have queen-sized beds, and separate living rooms with dove-gray couches and mustard-yellow pillows, plus they add coffeemakers. Bathrooms are decorated with creamy marble slabs, and have walk-in shower cubicles, bidets, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries.Dotted around the hotel’s grounds are stand-alone, minimalist chalets, with sharp-right angles and hard edges softened by cozy furniture. The insides of these chalets are clad almost entirely in pine, and they have separate bedrooms with queen-sized beds. They open-plan living/dining areas have fabric couches, adjacent dining tables, and kitchens with stovetops, fridges, microwaves, kettles, and the usual cookware and crockery. Their sitting rooms, meanwhile, have a couch, coffee table, and a flatscreen TV, as well as a dining table that seats four. These bathrooms have walk-in shower cubicles with rainfall showerheads. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces.

The Magnolia Hotel has a good range of amenities that are aimed squarely at tourists looking to relax and unwind. Firstly, a spa offers treatment rooms for a range of massages and wellness therapies, as well as a gym with a treadmill, cycle, cross-trainer, weight machines, and free weights. Outside is a somewhat concrete-y pool terrace with a large lap pool and a clay tennis court. The restaurant is uniquely beer-themed, with dishes that have a hint of beer. It's open all day, serving buffet breakfasts and a la carte lunch and dinner. A lounge bar has a menu of drinks and snacks. There is a small art gallery showcasing works of modern art. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout.