Pestana Vila Sol

Set amid manicured gardens and the fairways of Vila Sol golf course, this Pestana property has a quiet atmosphere that draws golfers as well as  couples and families. The property was designed with nature in mind, and big manicured lawns with streams, shrubs, and trees lend it a tranquil and upscale vibe. The main building is a curvy three-story structure overlooking the golf course and the grounds, and huge windows make the lobby sunny and appealing. The combination of industrial-looking dove-gray floors and walls, and couches in different shades of blue and green, give the space a cheerful, welcoming feel. A long, colorful abstract painting made on tiles is an artsy touch. Also in the main building are the meeting rooms, the restaurant, and some guest rooms. The rest of the rooms and suites are spread out over the sprawling, green grounds, which also include a large round pool with two bridges, and a kiddy pool. 

The focus here is on relaxation, and there are many quiet nooks where guests can unwind and sunbathe. The sprawling layout means the property doesn’t feel crowded even when at full capacity, and its location right by the golf course means street noise is virtually nonexistent.

The Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel is located on a quiet street in a residential area. Connected to the property is the 27-hole Vila Sol golf club, and there are several other renowned ones within a five-minute drive of the hotel. It is 10 minutes by car to the bustling marina, home to restaurants, bars, and shops, and the hotel runs a free shuttle service to the area several times a day during peak season. The town’s main beach is also about 10 minutes away, and several others can be found within a 20-minute drive. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Faro Airport from the hotel. 

The hotel has 189 rooms, all with either balconies big enough for two loungers and a table with chairs, or a sunny patio. Many rooms are located in the main building and have somewhat generic, chain-like decor that incorporates orange carpets, and a yellow and dark brown palette. The rest, however, are housed in low, adjoining villa-style buildings, and have a warmer feel, with white furniture, pastel accents, high wooden ceilings with exposed beams, and terra-cotta floors. Suites have details such as exposed stone walls, wooden screens, and pendant lights that make them cozy and welcoming. Furniture is basic throughout, though, and some pieces are old-fashioned (especially the striped couches).

Amenities are a little subpar for an upscale hotel, including the small flat-screen TVs, the basic radio alarm clocks, the lightly stocked minibars, and the wall-mounted hairdryers. Also, rooms lack coffeemakers, and Wi-Fi is only free in units located in the main building. Bathrooms are clean and spacious in all rooms, and have shower/tub combos with glass screens, double sinks, and heated towel racks in most. Toiletries are displayed in cute hand-painted ceramic trays. 

The hotel is known for the attached 27-hole, par 72 Vila Sol golf course. Designed by British golfer Donald Steel, it includes an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole academy with a driving range. Although most guests here are golfers, the hotel also offers an array of amenities for those seeking some peace and quiet. The large outdoor pool is surrounded by a large deck and gardens, and features a seasonal swim-up bar and a kiddy pool. The indoor pool is housed in a stand-alone building with large windows and a tiny whirlpool, but some guests don’t find it particularly pleasant. The hotel also features a small, basic spa complete with massage services, a sauna, and a steam bath, and there is a fitness center with a handful or cardio and strength-training machines. Two tennis courts and loaner bicycles are also available on-site. 

The restaurant serves a decent international buffet for lunch and dinner, and has a spacious outdoor area overlooking the gardens. For lighter meals, the bar has a short menu with sandwiches and salads. The kids’ club is open seasonally, but there is also a playground and a games room with arcade machines convenient for the winter months. The hotel’s extensive meeting space includes a 400-guest ballroom and five smaller boardrooms. Freebies include on-site parking, and Wi-Fi in the main building.