If you prefer your holiday without the noise and commotion that often goes hand-in-hand with busy resorts, then we have some excellent suggestions for a more peaceful kind of getaway. Take a look at these havens of calm and tranquillity, where the onus is on rest and relaxation.
From adults-only hotels to fabulously restored farmhouses, contemporary country hideaways and even safari lodges, the Algarve is home to a surprising array of refuges, both in the city and in the countryside, where hustle and bustle is left outside the gates.
TUI Blue Falésia
Albufeira
Perched high on soaring ochre cliffs that overlook Albufeira’s famed Falésia beach, TUI Blue Falésia is an adults-only resort where guests’ relaxation is the main priority. With a spa, a huge pool and locally-inspired treats to pamper guests, the TUI Blue Falésia is an oasis of romance and respite. A short walk from Falesia Beach, this upscale, polished hotel is also just 2km from the Pine Cliffs Golf Course, 12km from the Cerro da Vila village ruins, and a 15-minute drive to Albufeira.
Belver Boa Vista Hotel & Spa
Albufeira
Nestled in a privileged spot in the heart of Albufeira city, boasting stunning views over the quaint cobbled streets surrounding it and out over the ocean, this luxury boutique hotel provides peace and quiet from the moment you walk through the doors and into the stunning reception. With a décor inspired by the Portuguese discoveries and the sea, this adults-only hotel is a sanctuary of serenity in the heart of a vibrant city. Escape the busy streets and indulge in some serious R&R at the Belver Boa Vista.
Jupiter Marina Hotel – Couples & Spa
Portimão
As the name indicates, this brand new hotel is geared towards couples. Born from the clever conversion of an old canning factory, its bo-ho chic décor takes inspiration from the beachy colours of its surroundings. Overlooking the sparkling Arade River and within a short walk of Praia da Rocha’s famous long, golden beach and glamorous marina, this adults-only hotel is the perfect place for a romantic weekend for two.
Falésia Hotel
Albufeira
Exclusively for over-16s, the Falésia Hotel is like a true Eden. It’s verdant, pine-tree-peppered gardens and pretty ponds fringe a lovely pool area, where guests can relax to the sound of trickling water and birdsong. A heated indoor pool, a wellness centre and an on-site restaurant provide everything guests could need year-round, while having some of the region’s best beaches on the doorstep.
Hotel Maritur
Albufeira
Tailored to adults, the charming four-star Maritur hotel stands proudly on a hilltop that offers panoramic views over the São Rafael coastline. Guests have at their disposal a solar-panel heated indoor pool, an aquabar, a restaurant and 71 rooms ranging from standard doubles to suites.
Casa Modesta
Olhão
A stunning feat of modern architecture, the dazzling white Casa Modesta, a renovated traditional farmhouse located between Olhão and Fuseta, does rural tourism with a contemporary twist. This hidden gem, where tradition and ancestry go hand-in-hand with mod cons, is located on the fringe of the glorious Ria Formosa protected lagoon in the unspoiled eastern Algarve. All nine rooms have private patios opening onto the surrounding countryside and an up-lit pool is the perfect place for a soak, day or night.
Vila Monte Farm House
Moncarapacho
A little oasis of luxury in the rural eastern Algarve is what Vila Monte Farm House offers. As far as farm houses go, this one is pretty special. It takes the simple essence of the Algarve countryside and reinvents it with a deluxe rustic-chic feel and laid-back atmosphere. Rooms are fresh, crisp white havens of calmness with dazzling blue dashes of colour, while two pools (one heated), a gym, and heated pool and two on-site restaurants cater for guests’ every whim.
Casa Arte
Lagos
This beautifully-renovated traditional Algarvian villa has maintained its regional soul while elevating a stay there to an unforgettable, rather lavish experience. Providing the comfort and service of a high-end hotel with the seclusion of a private villa, Casa Arte, which has six bright and airy rooms, a private pool and al-fresco dining areas – including the obligatory pizza oven! – provides a personalised getaway to enjoy moments of tranquillity and seclusion.
Casa Rei das Praias Luxury House & Suites
Ferragudo
The Casa Rei das Praias Luxury House & Suites, within walking distance of the popular Caneiros Beach, in Ferragudo, is a very grown up guest house. The über-swanky looking building places the onus on luxury and details. Equipped with its own bar and spa, and boasting amazing sea views, it has everything needed for a sumptuous break. Under the same umbrella as the legendary Rei das Praias restaurant on Caneiros beach – also famous for its glamorous summer beach parties – this exceptional guest house is where contemporary meets cool.
Algarve Safari Lodge
São Bartolomeu de Messines
You can’t get much more peaceful than being in the very heart of nature in the deep Algarve countryside, and that’s exactly what the Algarve Safari Lodge offers. Comprising a range of different lodges and safari tents, here, traffic is a distant memory, with only the sounds of birds, bees and the breeze creating the soundtrack to your stay. All tents and lodges have bathrooms and outdoor kitchens, and there is an onsite swimming pool to cool down on hot days. So if pure, undiluted nature is your idea of a perfect getaway, then this is the place to unwind and really recharge your batteries.
