The Hotel Guru
Algarve
13 Best Luxury Hotels in The Algarve

13 Best Luxury Hotels in The Algarve

The Algarve is all sunshine, white sand beaches, hidden coves, bright blue-green seas, watersports and relaxation. A renowned holiday destination, from Faro to Lagos, it still boasts some gorgeous historic towns, unspoiled by mass tourism, like Tavira, natural parks and ancient cobblestone hamlets dotted throughout the sunswept hillsides. But mass tourism has also meant that the quality of hotels has blossomed in recent years, from elegant 5* resorts to rustic-chic boutiques. So, whether you're a surfer, diver, birdwatcher, sailor, sunbather or golfer, you'll love our collection of the best luxury hotels in the Algarve. We've got all bases covered... Read on!

For families

Standing gleaming and white on the clifftop, Vila Vita Parc is the ultimate luxury family resort. Set in 55 acres of lush gardens, families will love the elegant, light filled suites and villas on offer, as well as the great variety of activities to keep the kids entertained (the Kids Club has trampolines, climbing frames and arts & craft). While the adults can enjoy tennis, golf, the spoiling Sisley spa and the wide array of restaurants, including the fabulous two Michelin starred Ocean.
A collection of luxurious, white villas on Salema Beach, Vila Vita Collection is the alternative to Vila Vita Parc. With access to the resort's amenities, you gain privacy - a home away from home - right on one of the best beaches around. Spoiling extras include a chef to cook dinner, a butler to serve it, and a maid to clean - pure, five star luxury at its finest.
Martinhal Beach Resort prides itself as one of the most child-centric hotels around. There are 5 Kids Clubs, catering for all from babies to teens, offering a variety of activities ranging from horse riding and paddleboarding to cycling and windsurfing. For the adults, there is lots to do too: the Finisterra Spa is a godsend, and there are 5 swimming pools on site, not to mention the private pools with each villa. Rooms are contemporary, minimalist and coloured in pastels. Choose between main building rooms, beach front condos and private villas.

For a spa break

Vilalara Thalassa Resort is one of the finest wellness resorts around. Specialising in thalassotherapy, offering 6-day courses in slimming, anti-ageing and detoxing, all set in idyllic, green surroundings right by the ocean. In addition you'll find tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool, a Kids Club, yoga and pilates - it's truly a mesmerising experience.
A luxury hotel and spa set amid sprawling grounds, Anantara Vilamoura Resort is a paradise of relaxation and comfort. Offering clean, contemporary rooms filled with natural light and adorned with local pottery and objets d'art, it's the perfect place for couples on a getaway. With both an outdoor, palm-lined swimming pool and an indoor pool, a gym, a fabulous restaurant, plus it's only a stone's throw from the beach.

For value-chic

Vila Monte Farm House is like the mirage of a great whitewashed Moorish palace you might see while dehydrated in the Sahara. But this is no hallucination. Offering 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 boutiques in the Algarve!

All out luxury

Housed in an early 20th century mansion, on the beach, surrounded by palm trees, the Bela Vista Hotel and Spa is out-of-this-world. The rooms are an elegant mix of period charm and chic modernity - ancient hand-painted tiles line the walls, alongside sunflower yellow and nautical blue furnishings - the suites are truly works of art. Couples will love the L'Occitane spa, the Michelin-star dining and the swimming pool in the shade of palm trees. Unbelievable, exquisite, divine.
A modern take on a Moorish palace, Pine Cliffs Resort is a gleaming white building with a grand, palatial entrance, offering elegant, light-filled rooms with balconies boasting beautiful views. Just a stone's throw from the beach, complete with jetski rides and pedal boats, there's also an enormous swimming pool, an indoor pool, tennis courts, spa and the resort's very own golf course. Pure, simple, simply unbeatable luxury.

For a luxury boutique

Grand House Algarve 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!
Vila Joya sits in a gorgeously renovated old Moorish house, perched on a hillside covered with palm trees leading down towards the sea. The plush, contemporary rooms are full of light, and adorned with antiques, while the bathroom walls are chequered with ancient hand-painted tiles. To top it all off, there’s a world-famous 2-star Michelin restaurant. One of the best luxury boutique hotels in the Algarve! Worth. Every. Penny.

For rustic-chic boutique

Up a lane of olive trees stands Vila Valverde, a great white luxury boutique resembling a Roman villa. The spacious and minimalist rooms are filled with light, the aesthetic being rustic-chic of exposed stone walls and pastel-coloured furnishings. Each room has its own private terrace affording stunning views. With a spa and indoor pool, you’ll be pampered silly.
The Conversas de Alpendre sits in a beautiful, enviable location. Prizing tranquility above all else, this rustic-chic guesthouse is a secluded and intimate place, with bright and spacious rooms, an on-site bar, in-room massages, private hot tubs and a saltwater pool. Divine!
Situated in Lagos, above winding, ancient streets, the Casa Mae offers traditional rooms full of light and chic splashes of colour with creamwhite walls and spacious bathrooms. With its own garden of orange trees, delicious restaurant, and not far from the beach, you'll find yourself lost in tranquility.

Still not sure?

For something with more of a rustic edge, check out our collection of the best hotels in the Algarve off the beaten track
Or try the best family hotels in the Algarve, or the best beach hotels in the Algarve
Alternatively, you can contact one of our Gurus for advice.
- Vila Vita Parc Porches, Algarve 170 rooms from AU$326
  
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  Families  -  Loads of kiddie stuff so parents can unwind- playground with trampoline, swings and slides, kids club, creche and pool.
  Foodies  -  Eight onsite restaurants to choose from- we recommend the tasting menu from two Michelin Star Ocean with wine pairing.
  Spa breaks  -  State of the art spa with a huge range of treatments, yoga and meditation classes and top notch hair salon
  Diving  -  Vila Vita Parc run dive certification courses as well as courses in underwater photography& deep sea diving.
  
  Luxury cliff-top family resort in lush gardens. Contemporary, light rooms with white on white decor drawing the eye to the spectacular sea views. Fantastic children's facilities, tennis courts, golf course, luxurious Sisley spa, and excellent food. A beach paradise. See More
  
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- Vila Vita Collection 8400-450 Porche, Algarve
  
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  Sea Views  -  From some rooms.
  Spa  -  Exceptional Sisley Spa at Vila Vita Parc, it even has a menu for teenagers.
  Restaurant  -  Plenty of restaurants to choose from at Vila Vita Parc
  Tennis  -  Tennis court and coaches available at Vila Vita Parc
  
  Beachfront holiday villas in the Algarve don't come better than this! Contemporary and luxurious with private pools, beach views and terraces. Managed by Vila Vita Parc guests have access to all of the hotel's facilities during their stay. Private luxury with access to the best hotel in the Algarve. See More
  
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- Vila Monte Farm House Tavira 53 rooms from AU$538
  
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  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 Escape
  
  A 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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- Vila Valverde Lagos 15 rooms from AU$473
  
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  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 property
  
  Lavish 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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- Anantara Vilamoura Resort Olhos de Agua 280 rooms from AU$337
  
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  Spa breaks  -  Award winning spa featuring ancient Mediterranean therapies and energetic Asian techniques. Pool, steam room and sauna
  Total relaxation  -  A 'has it all' property offering a fabulous spa, two pools and the option to play a round of golf too.
  Sailing  -  Enjoy a romantic cruise around the bay.
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and outdoor pool
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A luxury hotel and spa set within sprawling grounds in Portugal's Algarve. Clean contemporary style throughout is dotted with local pottery and artefacts. Offering an array of pursuits, adults-only spaces and, of course, a fabulous spa there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. See More
  
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- Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel Sagres (Vila do Bispo) 37 rooms from AU$274
  
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  Families  -  Children are more than well catered for with a range of activities on tap including football on the beach and bikes to borrow.
  Spa breaks  -  Finisterra Spa offers a range of therapies for all ages (from babies to grandparents), plus couples' and family treatments
  Resort  -  Your own stylish villa with activites, entertainment and delicious menus. How to make your stay stress free.
  Private villas  -  The resort is made up of varying private villas and beachfront condos.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet
  
  The varying luxury accommodation at Martinhal, from rooms to beachfront condos to private villas, makes this resort ideal for energetic family holidays. The plethora of water sports and activities available is thrilling. A child-centric haven on the Algarve’s unspoilt west coast. See More
  
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- Grand House Algarve Vila Real de Santo António, Algarve 31 rooms from AU$261
  
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  Families  -  The family suites are great for those travelling with children; there are babysitting services available to give parents a break
  Beach 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 couples
  Sights nearby  -  Try sightseeing in style with a day out in a hotel limousine to explore the local area
  
  This 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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- Pine Cliffs Resort Olhos de Agua (Apartado 887) 535 rooms from AU$314
  
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  Spa breaks  -  Award Winning Serenity Spa with wide range of treatments and wellness packages including detox and weight management
  Families  -  With numerous on-site activities on offer this is the perfect spot for families.
  Restaurant  -  To suit every taste and budget
  Tennis  -  Annabel Croft tennis academy
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A pretty white washed resort on the stunning Algarve coast. Simply designed rooms are light and airy with large balconies, terracotta tiled floors and crisp linen. An array of activities including the resort's own golf course, spa, pools and tennis courts is sure to keep all the family entertained. See More
  
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- Casa Mae Lagos 30 rooms from AU$359
  
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  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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- Bela Vista Hotel & Spa Portimão (Praia Da Rocha) 38 rooms from AU$375
  
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  Beach Life  -  A unique setting, almost completely surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach.
  Watersports  -  The property sits directly on the beach.
  Surfing  -  From Praia de Rocha there are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
  Kayaking  -  There are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  An early 20th-century gem of a place, complete with period details, which overlooks one of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, complete with Michelin starred dining and a L’Occitane spa. See More
  
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- Vilalara Thalassa Resort Porches 8400-450 Lagoa, Algarve 131 rooms from AU$373
  
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  Families  -  With a kids club, playground, tennis courts, extensive gardens and multiple pools this is the perfet place to let the kids loose
  Spa breaks  -  This spa resort boasts a world leading thalassotherapy centre and excellent 6 day courses in slimming, anti-aging, detoxing etc
  Great walks  -  Wander the extensive grounds smelling the citrus trees, admiring the bougainvillea and listening to the crash of the Atlantic
  Tennis  -  There are four tennis courts on site, so there is no excuse for lazing around
  
  A full-service resort sitting on twelve hectares of stunning gardens running down to the cliffs of the Algarve. The rooms are generous, with even the smallest offering seating areas, and decorated in simple elegant style. The spa is the main draw here, though the three restaurants don't disappoint. See More
  
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- Conversas de Alpendre Algarve 11 rooms from AU$469
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The luxurious feel to this guesthouse, particularly the suite with the private hot tub, make it a perfect romantic getaway
  Total relaxation  -  With a saltwater pool, restaurant and bar all on-site, there are all the ingredients for ultimate relaxation right here
  Families  -  The self-catering family apartment is a spacious and bright space, great for travelling with kids
  Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Algarve on a marked walking trail in the Ria Formosa Natural Park
  Recommended by  -  I Escape
  
  A 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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- Vila Joya Albufeira 22 rooms from AU$571
  
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  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, Fodors
  
  Two-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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