If you want something a little more demure than mechanical bulls and bar crawls for your hen do, then take a look at chic and sophisticated Vilamoura, an elegant marina resort that is the Algarve’s answer to Spain’s Marbella. Located 25 minutes from Faro airport and 20 minutes from party town Albufeira, Vilamoura is also a stone’s throw from the elite resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
Boasting excellent spa hotels, gourmet restaurants, some of the best beaches in the Algarve and serene activities like golf, horse riding and people-spotting, this is the place to go if you want to don a muumuu, straw hat and shades, and quaff sparkling sangria while admiring gleaning yachts.
Vilamoura flourished in the 1970s and 80s, when it was reinvented to become the Algarve’s premier marina resort. Today its glitzy marina is lined with fashion boutiques and celebrity-owned bars, commanding an innate air of glamour and exclusivity.
Fronted by extensive golden sands, Vilamoura strikes that perfect balance between beach holiday destination and year-round resort thanks to its first class sports facilities, among them the legendary Old Course golf course and the prestigious Victoria Golf Course, home to the Portugal Masters, as well as the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, one of the best Equestrian Facilities in Europe which hosts two of the biggest show jumping events on the international calendar, the Champions Tour and the Atlantic Tour.
If you fancy a wild night out, party town Abufeira is just 20 minutes away, or stick around the marina for some live music, a pub quiz, or a spot of karaoke. Or treat yourself and your party to dinner and a show at the local Vilamoura Casino, followed by a dance at one of the exclusive summer nightclubs.
Indulge your senses by day and let your hair down by night in the Algarve’s chicest resort. All you need now is to decide where to stay!
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
For some serious pampering in the lap of luxury, take a look at the Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa. This glorious five-star hotel has a magical look about it. Inside rooms are stylishly light and minimalistic, and the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre, gorgeous spa and six pools. The Hilton Vilamoura Cascatas’ 7 Seven Spa is among the Algarve’s finest, where the relaxing sounds and sights of water create the ultimate relaxing experience.
Anantara Vilamoura Resort
The ultra-chic and contemporary Anantara Vilamoura Resort has a distinct Miami vibe about it. Cool and trendy, its beachfront location provides the opportunity for incredible sunsets, which only add to the glamour of this hotel. Stylish and elegant on the inside, outside the pool-side Champagne Cabanas provide an über-swanky beach lounge vibe. It also has an award-winning spa, while among the 280 rooms and suites is a two-level penthouse, perfect for special occasions.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Wedged between Vilamoura beach on one side and the swish marina, its bars and boutiques on the other, the five-star Tivoli Marina towers over Vilamoura’s waterfront, taking frontline location to a new level. The elegant hotel sets the standard for Vilamoura’s luxury tourism, being on of its flagship units. Home to the trendy Purobeach pool lounge and beach club, and a short stroll to Vilamoura Casino, the hotel comprises spacious suites with sea, marina or mountain views, and also houses a fabulous spa and acclaimed restaurants, while the beautiful Falésia Beach is nearby.
Four Seasons Vilamoura
A traditional resort hotel, this large, modern hotel, fringed by palm trees, is around a 10 minute walk to all local attractions, including the marina and beaches. Located in the heart of Vilamoura, it combines the style and elegance for which the Four Seasons brand is renowned. Spend your day on lovely pool side sun-loungers gazing over sparkling turquoise pools, indulge in spa treatments at the hotel spa, and by night enjoy the best that Vilamoura has to offer. The Four Seasons offers tailor made packages showcasing the various aspects of the hotel and its surroundings.
The Lake Spa Resort
The Lake Spa Resort exudes elegance; impressively palatial, its location is second to none too, just a short stroll to the beach and a few minutes’ walk to the Old Course. A stay at the Lake Spa Resort is the height of luxury, with the gorgeous units set out around an artificial lake. A tranquil retreat, the enchanting, exotic hotel also has gorgeous gardens and a state-of-the-art spa, the Blue & Green Spa, where brides-to-be can de-stress and reenergise.
Hotel Vila Galé Marina
Stepped towards Vilamoura marina, the Hotel Vila Galé Marina enjoys a privileged location right on the waterside. Fully refurbished in 2013, the substantial four-star hotel offers all mod cons, like free wifi, a health club with spa trimmings, and stylish, comfortable rooms. Just 200 metres from the beach and 50 metres from the Marina, this is central location at its best, in the heart of Vilamoura.
Laguna Resort
An ideal place for holidays with friends and family, the laid-back Laguna Resort is a private and secure tourist complex that makes a great base for exploring Vilamoura. Accommodation is available in apartments and townhouses; apartments offer spacious terraces, some with panoramic views, while villas have a terrace, BBQs and private garden. All accommodation is fully equipped and furnished. With an on-site spa and chic café, Vilamoura’s beaches and marina are all just a short stroll away.
Parque Mourabel Oasis Village & Pé do Lago
In the heart of Vilamoura, surrounded by manicured lawns, the Mourabel Oásis Village & Pé do Lago Park complex offers value for money self-catering accommodation on the fringes of Vilamoura. Still only 2km from the Marina, Falésia beach, and less than 500 meters from Vilamoura’s only Bowling Green, this development has two swimming pools, a communal bar with nightly entertainment, a snack bar, and free transport to the nearest beaches. Comprising fully furnished apartments and studios with kitchenettes, full hotel services including breakfast and 24-hour reception are also available.
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