Situated on a cliff facing the ocean, the luxury Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa has the feel of an elegant estate and village spanning 54 acres of garden grounds. The property has 180 rooms, the most basic of which have contemporary decor by local artists, sunken living rooms, and outdoor areas. Many features are off-site or seasonal, but the resort presents a slew of dining and recreation options, along with access to a small beach with Portugal's largest reef offshore. The nine restaurants include a two-star Michelin spot, and there are seven bars and an elegant wine cellar. Other bonuses are the European-style holistic spa, eight swimming pools, kids' clubs, and golf facilities. Across the road, the resort's main competitor, Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort, offers a well-respected Thalassotherapy spa and more tranquility, but less of a luxury-estate feel.
Situated on a cliff facing the ocean, the luxury Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa has the feel of an elegant estate and village spanning 54 acres of garden grounds. The property has 180 rooms, the most basic of which have contemporary decor by local artists, sunken living rooms, and outdoor areas. Many features are off-site or seasonal, but the resort presents a slew of dining and recreation options, along with access to a small beach with Portugal's largest reef offshore. The nine restaurants include a two-star Michelin spot, and there are seven bars and an elegant wine cellar. Other bonuses are the European-style holistic spa, eight swimming pools, kids' clubs, and golf facilities. Across the road, the resort's main competitor, Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort, offers a well-respected Thalassotherapy spa and more tranquility, but less of a luxury-estate feel.
The mid-range, family-friendly Pestana Viking Resort offers 184 spacious kitchenette-equipped rooms a three-minute walk from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. It's a five-minute drive (or free hotel shuttle ride) from the small town of Armacao de Pera. The hotel has two large swimming pools -- one set in a sunny terrace among verdant lawns, and the other inside the spa area. Rooms are well-sized, bright, and outfitted with kitchenettes, but decor is a bit dated and some have old tube-style TVs. Wi-Fi is only free in public spaces. The restaurant receives good reviews, but many guests choose to eat at local eateries. Travelers looking for a more contemporary property with lots of features should consider the similarly priced Clube Praia da Oura.
The mid-range, family-friendly Pestana Viking Resort offers 184 spacious kitchenette-equipped rooms a three-minute walk from Praia da Senhora da Rocha. It's a five-minute drive (or free hotel shuttle ride) from the small town of Armacao de Pera. The hotel has two large swimming pools -- one set in a sunny terrace among verdant lawns, and the other inside the spa area. Rooms are well-sized, bright, and outfitted with kitchenettes, but decor is a bit dated and some have old tube-style TVs. Wi-Fi is only free in public spaces. The restaurant receives good reviews, but many guests choose to eat at local eateries. Travelers looking for a more contemporary property with lots of features should consider the similarly priced Clube Praia da Oura.
Thanks to its slightly secluded location, large and serene garden grounds, and cliffside ocean views, the Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort is ideal for couples or families looking for a relaxing vacation. This 131-room luxury resort is outfitted in a modern Mediterranean style and features one of Europe's top thalassotherapy spas, as well as six pools, a kids' club, private beach access, and two restaurants and bars. Spacious rooms come with minibars, Nespresso machines, and sleek bathrooms, plus breakfast is included. Travelers might also want to check out the nearby Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, which offers even more on-site dining options with nine restaurants and a wine cellar.
Thanks to its slightly secluded location, large and serene garden grounds, and cliffside ocean views, the Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort is ideal for couples or families looking for a relaxing vacation. This 131-room luxury resort is outfitted in a modern Mediterranean style and features one of Europe's top thalassotherapy spas, as well as six pools, a kids' club, private beach access, and two restaurants and bars. Spacious rooms come with minibars, Nespresso machines, and sleek bathrooms, plus breakfast is included. Travelers might also want to check out the nearby Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, which offers even more on-site dining options with nine restaurants and a wine cellar.
The Terrace Club is a two-pearl apartment complex, set a nine-minute walk from the Praia da Senhora da Rocha in a sleepy residential part of Porches. The185 apartments are large and have well-equipped kitchens with full-size fridges and coffeemakers, although some stovetops need replacing and there's no air-conditioning. Additionally, guests need to pay to access Wi-Fi in their rooms. There is the option to stay either full-board, half-board, or all-inclusive at the Terrace Club, but the restaurant's food receives poor reviews. An outdoor pool and kids' playground add some recreation opportunities on-site. Guests looking for a self-catering option with more activities should look at the Ouratlantico Apartments in nearby Albufeira.
The Terrace Club is a two-pearl apartment complex, set a nine-minute walk from the Praia da Senhora da Rocha in a sleepy residential part of Porches. The185 apartments are large and have well-equipped kitchens with full-size fridges and coffeemakers, although some stovetops need replacing and there's no air-conditioning. Additionally, guests need to pay to access Wi-Fi in their rooms. There is the option to stay either full-board, half-board, or all-inclusive at the Terrace Club, but the restaurant's food receives poor reviews. An outdoor pool and kids' playground add some recreation opportunities on-site. Guests looking for a self-catering option with more activities should look at the Ouratlantico Apartments in nearby Albufeira.