Monte Dourado Resort

Monte Dourado Resort is situated on a hilltop overlooking Carvoeiro and the Atlantic Ocean, and housed in a series of low-slung white buildings with red terra-cotta roofs. There isn't much in the way of public spaces or indoor facilities, so guests spend their time outdoors when they're not in their apartments. Five outdoor freeform pools and children's pools are bordered by terra cotta decks, and surrounded by a stone wall. These generally serve as whatever social hub there is at Monte Dourado, though it's admittedly low key. The resort has a bit of a gated community vibe. A stay here is mostly about the space and convenience of the apartments and their kitchens, so the resort is ideally suited for families and small groups on extended stays.

Monte Dourado Resort is situated on a hilltop, about a five-minute walk down to Carvoeiro, a former fishing village turned tourist haven. The village has a supermarket and is filled with restaurants and bars, and the town square often features live entertainment and dancing at night. The walk back from the village to the hotel is up a steep hill, and a bit strenuous, so a taxi is an option. Carvoeiro Beach, the Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation, and the Algar Seco with its grottoes and water spouts are all within a 10-minute walk of the resort. Marinha Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, and is a 10-minute drive from the property. Slide & Splash water park is 15 minutes away by car. Estombar-Lagoa train station is a little under a 15-minute drive, and Faro Airport is 45 minutes by car. 

The key asset of the two- and three-bedroom apartments at the Monte Dourado is space, and their two- and three-bedroom configurations that are appealing for families and groups. Modern details are peppered in among the homier stylings, with pops of bright color and funky wall art alongside overstuffed chairs and sofas. Everything is spotless and well-kept, with little visible wear. Each unit comes with a full kitchen featuring an oven, four-burner stove, microwave, full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, drip coffeemaker, and electric kettle. The appliances, cookware, and tableware are all in good shape. All 109 apartments also have washing machines, drying racks, living rooms, dining areas, fireplaces, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Each unit has a terrace or balcony, some with a partial ocean view. A fee is assessed for the use of the in-room safe. Bathrooms are all fairly spacious, though some have limited counter space around the sink. The two-bedroom apartments have two bathrooms and the three-bedrooms have three bathrooms. Keep in mind that the advertised ocean views are often only partial.

As most guests are here to unwind on their own terms, features are limited, though even by that measure what's on offer is slim. The main features are the five freeform outdoor swimming pools, one for each block of apartments. A small children's pool is adjacent to each. The decks get good sun but occasionally the sun loungers are taken up early in the day. One outdoor pool is heated in the winter. The resort has two outdoor hard tennis courts, with court use and equipment rental for a fee. There is no fitness center on site. The Monte Dourado is completely self-catering with kitchen apartments, so it has no breakfast buffet or on-site restaurant. There are numerous restaurants within a five-minute walk of the resort. A lobby-level living room has a library and computers for guest use. The resort also has a front desk with limited hours (but 24-hour staff availability). Parking is free, with parking spaces located right in front of each apartment block. Wi-Fi is also free.