The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in The Algarve
The Algarve is a tourist honeytrap, synonymous with sunny beaches, sheltered coves, watersports and underwater caves - a haven for surfers and sunbathers alike. But there's more. Scratch beneath the surface and you'll discover picturesque historic towns with winding, cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture, hillside villages fringed with orange trees and olive groves and natural parks where you can escape the crowds. Accommodation-wise the region has massive variations too, from huge all-singing-all-dancing resorts to budget friendly apartments and guesthouses. In this collection, we've selected the best boutique hotels in the Algarve, where we think there's something to suit every taste and budget, without scrimping on the style.
For a boutique villa
- Almoada is a gorgeous 19th century farmhouse turned exclusive use boutique villa which can accommodate up to eight adults (it's over 12s only here). As well as beautiful, quirky interiors you'll find a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor plancha, saltwater pool and sun terrace. Plus there's a concierge to ensure that your every whim is catered for whether that be a private chef or simply recommendations for the best days out.
For families
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Praia Verde Boutique Hotel offers cheerfully bright contemporary décor in its fantastic range of rooms and suites. It will appeal to both families and couples with its chic finish and excellent onsite restaurant, plus a wide range of activities on offer from birdwatching to riding.
Cool and contemporary
- With an almost Spartan zeal for architectural purity, from the outside Casa Modesta resembles the steps to a temple precinct. The rooms are whitewashed and contemporary, all needless frills stripped away; they promise light and intimacy for couples on a break.
- Situated on the historic streets of Lagos, above a garden of orange trees stands the Casa Mae, offering traditional, contemporary rooms full of light and chic splashes of colour and spacious bathrooms. Not far from the beach and some excellent local sights, plus it boasts an excellent, upmarket restaurant.
Value chic
- Vila Monte Farm House offers heavenly, chic, hugely comfortable, light-filled rooms set amidst orange groves and gardens. It’s a pampering, relaxing affair, with endless opportunities: tennis courts, swimming pools, cinema and two restaurants. A retreat that’ll make you want to stay forever, one of the best boutique hotels in the Algarve!
For a luxury stay
- Grand House Algarve obviously deserves every one of its 5 stars. A stately, colonial-style boutique by the beaches of the River Guadiana, offering pretty, pampering suites aglow in an aristocratic aesthetic with their French balconies and antique furnishings. The beach restaurant is particularly divine. A fabulous stay!
- The Conversas de Alpendre is all about relaxation. A rustic-chic guesthouse getaway boasting the sort of beautiful views you previously assumed belonged to postcards. It’s a secluded and intimate affair: the airy, spacious rooms promise a zen-like state of calm, and the on-site bar, in-room massages, private hot tubs and saltwater pool will not disappoint.
- The most expensive property on the list, and for good reason: Vila Joya is fit for royalty. An old Moorish house conversion, it stands on a palm-fringed hillside sloping down towards the sea. The light-filled, contemporary rooms are magical – adorned with antiques and fresh flowers, and the bathroom walls are lined with ancient hand-painted tiles. To top it all off, there’s a world-famous 2-star Michelin restaurant. Worth every penny!
Rustic-chic boutique
- Approached by a lane lined with olive trees stands Vila Valverde, a whitewashed boutique resembling a Roman villa. The spacious and minimalist rooms are flooded with sunshine, rustic-chic in style, with exposed stone walls and pastel-coloured furnishings, and all boast private terraces with gorgeous views. With a spa and indoor pool, you’ll be pampered silly.
Nature's getaway
- Redefining the meaning of value-chic, Companhia das Culturas is a 40 hectare working farm only a stone’s throw from the seaside. Offering Turkish baths, saltwater pools, yoga, Qi-gong and Tai-chi, you’re spoiled for choice. The rooms are rustic-chic, think exposed stone walls and antique furnishings with plush linens and cool marble flooring. Amazing value!
- A whitewashed, renovated farmhouse perched amidst 36 hectares of orange trees, staring out to the deep blue sea, Quinta dos Perfumes is one of the best boutique hotels close to the beach. The B&B has rooms that are light and airy, with a plush, contemporary feel, with private terraces overlooking the sea or gardens. A great bonus is the saltwater pool, and you're walking distance to restaurants.
- A haven of serenity, Pensao Agricola is a rustic-chic farmhouse turned boutique B&B surrounded by orchards of fruit trees and fields of wildflowers. A secluded paradise perfect for couples on a getaway, the rooms are light and airy, with whitewashed walls and beautiful antiques and curious. Unique, cute and intimate, it’s an amazing find!
Still not sure?
- Do you want something more off the beaten track? Try this.
- Looking for a seaside holiday? This could help.
- Searching for a family-orientated holiday? Give this a go!
- Or you could contact one of our Gurus for advice.
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Almoada Algarve 4 rooms from AU$456
Groups - This is the perfect pick for a group holiday to the Algarve with stunning interiors and excellent facilitiesCountry Escape - A lovely laid back country escape in the Algarve, situated in the hinterland away from the crowded resortsSelf catering - This self catering villa can comfortably accommodate 8 and has fully equipped kitchen and outdoor planchaExclusive use - The property is only available on an exclusive use basisA gorgeous 19th century farmhouse turned exclusive use boutique villa for eight in the Algarve hinterland. Beautifully designed interiors, four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, sun terrace and saltwater pool plus concierge services to cater to your individual needs. A stunning group hideaway. See More
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Praia Verde Boutique Hotel Altura (CASTRO MARIM) 40 rooms from AU$289
Cooking classes - Mediterranean cuisine workshops are offered for childrenSwimming Pool - Several outdoor poolsSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors.A rural location giving great access to the beautiful surrounding beaches. Interiors are wonderfully inviting with the design being functional yet on trend. The restaurant offers uncomplicated but delicious dishes. The perfect family get away. See More
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Casa Modesta Olhao (Algarve) 9 rooms from AU$359
Back to Nature - With the beautiful coastline close by and a natural park around the corner, this guesthouse makes a great retreat to natureLocal exploring - Book a package with the hotel to explore the local area with a traditional boat ride, birdwatching and bread bakingRomantic Break - Enjoy a quiet couples' getaway at this guesthouse; the private terraces are perfect for romantic down-timeCooking classes - Take a cooking class at the guesthouse and enjoy cooking with produce from the organic garden on-siteIn this contemporary take on a seaside guesthouse, modern architecture combines with traditional Algarvean materials. Simple, bright rooms lead up to private terraces with sea views, perfect for sunbathing. Cool down in the hotel pool before sampling wine from the cellar. A unique bolt-hole. See More
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Vila Monte Farm House Tavira 53 rooms from AU$538
Foodies - The wholesome delicious cuisine never dissapoints- perhaps because it comes straight from the garden or local organic farms.Romantic Break - A sophisticated couples paradise- with secluded rooms, private terraces, couples massages and romantic picnics on the beach.Cooking classes - The chef happily takes tours to the local markets such as Olhao's big fish market.Tennis - Head out on the hotel courts and try and work off your lunch!Recommended by - Tablet, Relais & Chateaux, Mr & Mrs Smith, I EscapeA refreshing Moorish style retreat, nestled in orange groves and organic gardens. Light, airy and effortlessly stylish rooms offer seclusion, comfort and private terraces. Gourmet farm to fork cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere. Two pools, tennis courts, and open air cinema seal the deal. Bliss! See More
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Grand House Algarve Vila Real de Santo António, Algarve 31 rooms from AU$261
Families - The family suites are great for those travelling with children; there are babysitting services available to give parents a breakBeach Life - The hotel has a private beach club with an infinity pool, perfect for a beach holiday (free transfers from the hotel)Romantic Break - The luxurious rooms and romantic rooftop bar make this hotel a favourite with couplesSights nearby - Try sightseeing in style with a day out in a hotel limousine to explore the local areaThis five-star boutique hotel on the River Guadiana occupies a renovated 1920s building. The colonial-style interior design nods to the hotel's heritage; the prettiest suites have a French balcony and living space. Enjoy views from the rooftop terrace or at the beach club. A stately luxury hotel. See More
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Vila Valverde Lagos 15 rooms from AU$473
Total relaxation - Crafted for relaxtion, with comfortable suites, massage treatments, sauna and laid back atmosphere.Great walks - Explore the Monchique hills on foot, the hotel will provide a light packed lunch.Fishing - The hotel will organise big game fishing trips on request.Restrictions on children - This is an adults only propertyLavish accommodation surrounded by orange groves and olive trees. Contemporary white building with lots of natural light, huge terraces, and beautiful views over the grounds. Portugese specialities in the restaurant and lovely swimming pool. A real hideout in supreme comfort. See More
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Companhia das culturas Altura (rua do monte grande) 8 rooms from AU$295
Restaurant - Mediterranean and Atlantic food fusionGreat walks - Around Castro Marim and Cacela VelhaFull of character - Simple and rural rustic charmFishing - Excellent fishing nearby.Recommended by - SawdaysCharming and rustic hotel on 40 hectare working farm. Rooms have whitewashed walls, antique furnishings and French doors leading out into garden. With a hammam Turkish bath, outdoor saltwater pool, yoga, Tai-chi and Qi-gong classes. Close to beaches, local markets and great walks. Value chic. See More
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Pensao Agricola Algarve 6 rooms from AU$285
Honeymoons - An adults only secluded paradise, surrounded by orange, fig and almond trees also offering five course al fresco dinnersGreat walks - Explore the rolling orchards filled with orange, fig and almond trees and meet Ernesto and Julia the hotel's donkeysBirdwatching - Ask your hosts to organise a bird watching trip in the marshlandsRestrictions on children - Adult-onlyRecommended by - I EscapeA charming and utterly chic farmhouse turned boutique hotel outside Cacela Velha. Whitewashed walls and concrete floors are matched by vintage furnishings and clever up-cycled light fixtures and design quirks. The food is fabulous and your hosts are as warm and welcoming as they come. Heaven. See More
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Quinta dos Perfumes Algarve 6 rooms from AU$359
Total relaxation - A chilled out Portuguese paradise with outdoor saltwater pool, rolling green lawns framed by orange trees and regal sun loungersSights nearby - A perfect base for exploring Tavira, and Pedro the owner has a wealth of local knowledgeSwimming Pool - Salt water poolRestaurant - Breakfast onlyA beautiful farmhouse turned boutique hotel just outside the lovely village of Tavira. Each of the six rooms comes with a terrace overlooking the sea or gardens, and some offer a kitchenette. With 36 hectares of orange trees, a saltwater pool and fabulous fresh breakfast it's hard to beat. See More
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Casa Mae Lagos 30 rooms from AU$359
Local exploring - Well located to explore the historic city and access the beautiful beaches.Kayaking - Kayak along the coast to marvel at the natural arches and explore the caves.Sights nearby - Admire the stunning frescoes in the Igreja de Santo António.Great walks - Wander through the historic streets of Lagos.A striking white property standing tall in the historic streets of Lagos. Find a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary design throughout with white on white hues, wooden floors and plenty of glass. An excellent restaurant serves up traditional healthy fare and a choice selection of wines. See More
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Vila Joya Albufeira 22 rooms from AU$571
Foodies - Chef Dieter Koschina runs the Two Michelin Star restaurant- phenomenally tasty, locally sourced and utterly inspired cuisine.Spa breaks - An indulgent spa with extensive therapies including Swedish massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.Tennis - Brush up on your tennis skills with the hotels coach before taking on fellow guests.Lively - Hip and happening.Recommended by - I Escape, Kiwi Collection, FodorsTwo-star Michelin restaurant with five-star rooms, fabulous spa, and majestic sea views. Moorish style architecture and the use of "azulejos" tiles maintains a traditional feel. An abundance of activities on offer within the hotel. A truly indulgent stay. See More
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Conversas de Alpendre Algarve 11 rooms from AU$469
Romantic Break - The luxurious feel to this guesthouse, particularly the suite with the private hot tub, make it a perfect romantic getawayTotal relaxation - With a saltwater pool, restaurant and bar all on-site, there are all the ingredients for ultimate relaxation right hereFamilies - The self-catering family apartment is a spacious and bright space, great for travelling with kidsGreat walks - Explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Algarve on a marked walking trail in the Ria Formosa Natural ParkRecommended by - I EscapeA beautiful rural guesthouse on the Algarve coast. The best of the bright suites boast a private outdoor hot tub. The interior design marries modern fittings with wooden accents, in keeping with the country setting. The family apartment is great for travelling with children. A quiet, luxury getaway. See More
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