Quinta Do Lago Hotel

The Quinta do Lago Hotel is an impressive sight upon arrival, being a large building with red clay tile roofing and sitting above the Ria Formosa lagoon. The inside of the hotel follows suit, with shiny marble floors and Baroque Italianate couches and armchairs in the lobby, which is dominated by a huge staircase with curving wrought-iron bannisters. The fine-dining restaurant, the Cad’ouro, takes this Baroque tendency to the extreme, with plasterwork nooks showcasing Venetian masks and small oil paintings. It has an attractive brick fireplace, but its jazzily patterned carpet and lack of windows can make the place seem dim and unappealing. The other restaurant, Brisa do Mar, is a completely different space, with plate-glass windows overlooking the Ria Formosa lagoon and understated decor in warm neutrals and grays. Outside is a lovely swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. The hotel attracts tourists and golfers from Britain and the rest of Europe.

The Quinta do Lago Hotel is set in the Ria Formosa natural park, overlooking the lagoon. It’s a 10-minute stroll over a footbridge to reach the Praia Quinta do Lago. The hotel is within the grounds of the Quinta do Lago Country Club, and it's no more than a 10-minute drive from four world-class golf courses, including Quinta do Lago Sul, one of the most highly regarded in the region. However, guests who aren’t into golf are unlikely to find much joy in the region -- the area is light on dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s a half-hour drive into Faro, the nearest large town, and transfers to Faro Airport take between 15 and 20 minutes by car.

The hotel’s 141 rooms are all sizable, but their classic decor may be too traditional for some. Standard Rooms are more subtle in their approach, with cool neutral linens, traditional wooden furniture, patterned carpet, and horse-themed artwork. Each of these rooms come with a desk, two chairs around a small table, and a wardrobe. Premium Rooms are larger, with space for a couch and glass-topped coffee table, as well as a chintzy half canopy above the bed. Garden Suites have a similar look -- think floral-patterned bedspreads that match the drapes and canopies -- but they're spread across either two or three rooms, one of which is a living room with a dining table, couch, and coffee table. Marble bathrooms have a walk-in shower cubicle and bidet, as well as a tray of free toiletries. All rooms have a furnished balcony, as well as a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add tea- and coffee-making facilities.

The Quinta do Lago Hotel has a lengthy list of amenities that appeal to both adults and kids. The outdoor swimming pool is a pleasant spot with a shallow section for kids and a separate hot tub. There are a good number of cushioned loungers and umbrellas lining the stone terrace. A sleek indoor one has two walls of glass that let in lots of natural light and provide views of the Brisa do Mar Restaurant. Other wellness features include a well-equipped, modern gym, and a spa offering treatment rooms for massages and wellness therapies, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. A tennis court is also on-site, and staff can assist guests in booking tee times for the nearby golf courses. For kids, there's a kids' club with indoor and outdoor play areas. The all-day Brisa do Mar Restaurant serves international cuisine buffet-style, while the more formal Cá d’Oro serves an a la carte Italian menu for dinner. In addition to the pool bar, there's an indoor bar. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout.