Set on the outskirts of Agua de Pau, the three-pearl Caloura Hotel Resort is set up to make the most of its seafront location, with steps leading down to a secluded sandy cove and a pool terrace that overlook the dramatic volcanic basalt crags. A huge perk is that all 80 rooms have sea-view balconies, but their interior furnishings are dated. The hotel has a decently equipped gym in a boxy basement room, sauna and an outdoor tennis court overlooked by mountains and mature palms, but the last two require a fee. An a la carte restaurant and free buffet breakfast receive positive reviews. Travelers wanting more modern decor should consider the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, which is set within expansive, gorgeous gardens but lacks a beach.
Set on the outskirts of Agua de Pau, the three-pearl Caloura Hotel Resort is set up to make the most of its seafront location, with steps leading down to a secluded sandy cove and a pool terrace that overlook the dramatic volcanic basalt crags. A huge perk is that all 80 rooms have sea-view balconies, but their interior furnishings are dated. The hotel has a decently equipped gym in a boxy basement room, sauna and an outdoor tennis court overlooked by mountains and mature palms, but the last two require a fee. An a la carte restaurant and free buffet breakfast receive positive reviews. Travelers wanting more modern decor should consider the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, which is set within expansive, gorgeous gardens but lacks a beach.
This four-pearl hotel is an upscale, albeit traditionally decorated, property within the grounds of the Quinta do Lago Country Club. It's a 10-minute walk from the beach along a bridge that crosses the Ria Formosa lagoon, and close to four world-class golf courses. The 141 rooms are elegant and sizable, with king-sized beds, robes, and marble bathrooms, but decor -- like a lot of the property -- is on the tired side. Excellent features include indoor and outdoor pools, buffet and a la carte restaurants, an expansive spa, and kids' club. Travelers looking for a more modern place to stay might want to check out the Monte da Quinta Resort.
This four-pearl hotel is an upscale, albeit traditionally decorated, property within the grounds of the Quinta do Lago Country Club. It's a 10-minute walk from the beach along a bridge that crosses the Ria Formosa lagoon, and close to four world-class golf courses. The 141 rooms are elegant and sizable, with king-sized beds, robes, and marble bathrooms, but decor -- like a lot of the property -- is on the tired side. Excellent features include indoor and outdoor pools, buffet and a la carte restaurants, an expansive spa, and kids' club. Travelers looking for a more modern place to stay might want to check out the Monte da Quinta Resort.
The Monte da Quinta Resort is a luxury property geared toward golfers, as it's a brief drive from five world-class golf courses. The 132 apartment-style suites are stylish and exceptionally appointed with retro decor, well-equipped kitchens, furnished outdoor spaces, and spacious living areas. An elegant design pervades throughout, and features consist of a large outdoor pool, spa with treatment rooms and a hot tub, and a well-equipped gym. Two restaurants include one serving a buffet breakfast and dinner, and the other a fine-dining Mediterranean eatery. On the downside, this area is removed from the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. Travelers looking to stay within walking distance of the beach may want to check out the Dunas Douradas Beach Club.
The Monte da Quinta Resort is a luxury property geared toward golfers, as it's a brief drive from five world-class golf courses. The 132 apartment-style suites are stylish and exceptionally appointed with retro decor, well-equipped kitchens, furnished outdoor spaces, and spacious living areas. An elegant design pervades throughout, and features consist of a large outdoor pool, spa with treatment rooms and a hot tub, and a well-equipped gym. Two restaurants include one serving a buffet breakfast and dinner, and the other a fine-dining Mediterranean eatery. On the downside, this area is removed from the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. Travelers looking to stay within walking distance of the beach may want to check out the Dunas Douradas Beach Club.
The upscale Ria Park Hotel and Spa, located in Portugal's Algarve region, focuses on relaxation. The decor throughout is traditional, tranquil, and neutral -- to the point of being dull for some guests -- and it sits a 10-minute walk to a sandy strip of beach, with little else around. The 175 rooms are pleasant and bright, featuring flat-screen TVs, furnished balconies with garden or sea views, and kettles alongside tea and coffee. Facilities, from the spa to the restaurant, are good, and the tropical pool area has sections for kids. Those wanting to golf will be well-situated to explore a few courses. Couples may prefer the Magnolia Golf & Wellness Hotel, though it's farther from the beach.
The upscale Ria Park Hotel and Spa, located in Portugal's Algarve region, focuses on relaxation. The decor throughout is traditional, tranquil, and neutral -- to the point of being dull for some guests -- and it sits a 10-minute walk to a sandy strip of beach, with little else around. The 175 rooms are pleasant and bright, featuring flat-screen TVs, furnished balconies with garden or sea views, and kettles alongside tea and coffee. Facilities, from the spa to the restaurant, are good, and the tropical pool area has sections for kids. Those wanting to golf will be well-situated to explore a few courses. Couples may prefer the Magnolia Golf & Wellness Hotel, though it's farther from the beach.
Dunas Douradas Beach Club is an upscale vacation property consisting of 132 privately owned condos for rent plus six villas with private pools and ocean views. All units have fully equipped kitchens and laundry machines, and some have terraces with whirlpools. The resort offers tons of amenities, including an excellent fitness center with personal trainers and classes, a luxury spa with a beautiful indoor pool, and three additional outdoor pools, one of which is for kids. Other family-friendly amenities include a kids' club, a playground, and babysitting on request. The only major drawback is that the nearest beach is a six-minute walk away, though direct beach access is hard to come by in the area. Travelers may want to compare rates at the similar Formosa Park Hotel & Apartments nearby.
Dunas Douradas Beach Club is an upscale vacation property consisting of 132 privately owned condos for rent plus six villas with private pools and ocean views. All units have fully equipped kitchens and laundry machines, and some have terraces with whirlpools. The resort offers tons of amenities, including an excellent fitness center with personal trainers and classes, a luxury spa with a beautiful indoor pool, and three additional outdoor pools, one of which is for kids. Other family-friendly amenities include a kids' club, a playground, and babysitting on request. The only major drawback is that the nearest beach is a six-minute walk away, though direct beach access is hard to come by in the area. Travelers may want to compare rates at the similar Formosa Park Hotel & Apartments nearby.
