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The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in the Algarve, Portugal

There’s something for everyone at the ocean-facing Vila Vita
There’s something for everyone at the ocean-facing Vila Vita | Courtesy of Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa / Expedia

With its sensational beaches, dramatic cliffs and stellar golf courses, the Algarve needs little introduction. This sun-soaked corner of Portugal is home to some truly indulgent accommodation options. If you’re after a five-star stay the next time you visit this golden coastline, take a look at our pick of the best luxury Algarve hotels.

São Rafael Atlântico

Hotel, Luxury, Spa Hotel

The soothing therapeutic pool area in the spa at São Rafael Atlântico, with plush loungers and a water feature
Courtesy of São Rafael Atlântico / Expedia

A romantic hideaway with all the trimmings, this five-star Algarve hotel in Albufeira is just a short stroll to the nearest beach with limestone cliffs and golden sand. The spa is a highlight, with a hydromassage pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a Turkish bath. The rooms – all classically styled with a neutral colour scheme – range from doubles to suites with sitting areas, and you can dine on everything from sushi to fine Mediterranean cuisine.

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

Resort

The sprawling outdoor pool area at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, flanked by loungers, parasols and palms
Courtesy of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort / Expedia

Just a 10-minute drive from the bars and restaurants of the Vilamoura Marina, this peaceful 280-room five-star hotel in the Algarve overlooks the tranquil green of the Victoria golf course. Drift between five pools and champagne cabanas, or relax in the spa, which features treatments by Elemis, a gym and an indoor pool. There’s free yoga and pilates, plus a tennis court. The contemporary rooms all have terraces and views of the golf course, gardens or pool.

Grand House

Hotel, Luxury

A light-filled room at the Grand House, with a blue-and-white-striped sofa and draperies, images of fossils and wicker chairs
Courtesy of Grand House / Expedia

With its sparkling chandeliers, antiques and glamorous bedrooms, this restored five-star Algarve hotel certainly lives up to its name. The 31 rooms are elegant, with French windows and wooden floors, while the Grand Beach Club has a pool and serves tasty Mediterranean fare above a sandy beach. It’s right on the main street (Av da República), opposite the Guadiana river that divides Portugal and Spain, making it well placed to explore the shops and cafes in town.

Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort and Spa

Hotel, Luxury, Spa Hotel

The curving outdoor blue-tiled pool with loungers at Vale dOliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa, with buildings and palms behind
Courtesy of Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort and Spa / Expedia

Wedged between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, a short drive to fine beaches and golf courses, this five-star resort has 22 rooms and suites, plus 80 apartments if you’re looking for more space and flexibility. The Olive Tree restaurant serves fresh pizzas, piri piri chicken and fish, and has themed dinners with live music. Burn it off on a tennis court or bike ride (rentals are available), swim in the pool or indulge in a spa treatment such as a massage with Tibetan bowls.

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa

Resort, Spa Hotel

A tranquil gold-coloured treatment room at the spa at the Pine Cliffs Hotel, with two massage tables
Courtesy of Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa / Expedia

Smart and stylish, this contemporary, five-star Algarve hotel has 148 suites with panoramic vistas, an excellent spa, a kids club, nine restaurants, a tennis academy and a whole host of beach activities. It’s ideal for keen golfers – the resort encompasses the Pine Cliffs golf course – and fitness lovers will revel in the high-tech gym and indoor heated pool. There’s an authentic Algarve feel here, with Portuguese tiles and nods to the region’s Moorish history throughout.

Conrad Algarve

Resort, Spa Hotel

A palatial suite at the Conrad Algarve, with a dining area and living room flanking the indoor infinity pool
Courtesy of Conrad Algarve / Expedia

With great access to the golf, water sports, restaurants and shops of Quinta do Lago, this 154-room luxury hotel in the Algarve is well placed for a host of activities. Inside, the decor is sleek with traditional Moorish touches, including gleaming marble interiors, bespoke artworks and pops of colour, from teal headboards to red sofas in the bar. The spa is impressive, offering cutting-edge treatments such as oxygen infusion and inhalation therapies. The food is excellent, especially at the Michelin-starred Gusto by Heinz Beck restaurant.

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort

Resort

A picturesque sitting area at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, with yellow and tan overstuffed sofas and water views
Courtesy of Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort / Expedia

A great choice for families, this ocean-facing resort has a dedicated kids club, plus swimming lessons and football and tennis academies for your little ones. There’s a good spread of rooms, ranging from hotel rooms to grand villas, with interconnecting rooms available for larger families. Sitting high above the beach, the hotel is surrounded by the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve, but there are plenty of activities available on-site, including stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing.

Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve

Resort, Spa Hotel

A three-storey whitewashed building at Pine Cliffs Residence, with sprawling lawns dotted with plants and trees
Courtesy of Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve / Expedia

With a prime position on the seafront, this resort is vast, with 13 restaurants and bars, a golf course, tennis courts, a spa and a range of elegant accommodation options. Rooms and suites are spacious, with plush bedding and a neutral palette. For lunch, the poolside Corda Cafe caters to vegans and veggies and has a kiddie menu, while Piri Piri Steakhouse offers grilled-to-perfection meat and Portuguese wines.

VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve

Hotel, Resort, Luxury

Cabanas on astroturf flanking the outdoor pool at VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve, with palm trees and flowers dotted around
Courtesy of VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve / Expedia

Within striking distance of a beach, a nature reserve and golf courses, this five-star hotel is well placed for an Algarve holiday. The rooms and suites are spotless and minimalist, and all have balconies or terraces with views to the Atlantic, the exotic gardens or the pool. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options, too. Try the Ocean Restaurant for breakfast al fresco, or the Primadonna for tasty Italian fare. Facilities include three saltwater pools, direct beach access, a gym, a wellness centre and a kids club.

Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa

Resort, Spa Hotel

A lofty sitting area at Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, with a blue, yellow and white colour palette and a dramatic chandelier
Courtesy of Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa / Expedia

There’s something for everyone at this ocean-facing hotel, from a superb spa to top-notch restaurants and a host of activities, including golf, tennis and waterskiing. Direct beach access is another bonus, though you’ll be hard-pressed to drag yourself away from the infinity pool. The refurbished rooms and suites are decorated in peaceful shades of whites and blues – the best have roll-top baths – while the luxe villas have private pools and gardens.

Still haven’t found your ideal place to stay on the gorgeous southern tip of Portugal? See the best hotels in the Algarve. Hungry? Read our guide to the best restaurants in Lagos.

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