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The romance of the Algarve has many layers: the warm sunshine, the beautiful architecture, spectacular coastline, peaceful golden beaches, the seafood, the scent of citrus and olive groves on the breeze… it’s easy to swoon imagining it. So our Gurus had no trouble coming up with a short list for the best hotels in the Algarve for couples. They have scoured the region and come across a wide range of properties that tick most romantic boxes from chic little off-the-beaten-track hideaways, to all-singing-all-dancing luxury resorts with Michelin starred dining. Browse through our selection and start planning that special holiday for two!
For the Album
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- The Vila Monte Farm House is called a farmhouse, but it’s really a much grander affair; a Moorish style villa in the hills behind Faro, expanded to incorporate 53 guest rooms and suites, plus two beautiful restaurants, two pools, a pitch and putt golf course and driving range, and an open air cinema. Here the breezes are fragranced with the scent of the citrus groves, olives and lavender, and there are terraces dotted around to make the most of the changing light. The decor is effortlessly stylish, the food is gourmet, the cocktails are excellent, and they offer well organised local excursions. It's a little slice of heaven!
For the Views
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- The Grand House Algarve is a five-star, 1920s built hotel on the River Guadiana in the lesser known eastern Algarve, with an impressive facade and a lobby to match. The Grand has 31 light-filled rooms and suites, individually decorated with pastel shades, unique artworks, and a nod to the hotel’s colonial heritage. Our favourite rooms have private balconies and living space. The roof terrace is a delight, with its stunning views — especially at sunset. They also provide free transfers to their private beach club, complete with infinity pool.
- The Vivenda Miranda is a beautiful 17th century villa surrounded by lush tropical gardens, overlooking the ocean on the coast of Lagos. Its 25 rooms and suites are decorated in a range of styles, and eras. The restaurant offers light, Mediterranean cuisine, with plenty of it sourced in the hotel’s own gardens, and there’s an extensive spa.
For a Special Occasion
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- The Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is a wonderful early 20th century property, sitting very pretty right on the sand at Portimão, overlooking one of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches. In addition to the perfect location, the Bela Vista has 38 charming rooms and suites, all individually decorated with their own colour schemes, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a L’Occitane spa. There’s also a gorgeously inviting palm tree-lined swimming pool. Our Gurus are fans of the original features — hand-painted tiles, a sweeping wooden staircase in the entry hall, stained glass, and the bathroom of room 116, which is housed in a stained glass turret!
For a Sunny Retreat
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- Conversas de Alpendre is an elegant guesthouse in a rural spot close to the coast. It has just 11 rooms, which feature original terracotta tiled floors, contemporary bathrooms with an industrial edge, and lots of white. The finest suites have private outdoor hot tubs and views of the landscape and the ocean beyond. There’s also a family apartment. In addition to the stylish rooms there’s a saltwater pool, and a bar and restaurant.
For an Intimate Bolthole
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- Casa Modesta is a cool, contemporary seaside guesthouse, cleverly constructed using the traditional materials of the Algarve, but with a result that’s anything but traditional. The guesthouse has nine, bright, simple rooms, all with private terraces and sea views, and a tranquil atmosphere. Relax on the terrace, or by the pool, then take a cooking class with the hotel’s chef, before sampling wine from the impressive cellar, and organic produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden.
For Rural Relaxation
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- Quinta dos Perfumes is an elegant farmhouse tuned six room hotel just outside Tavira. The rooms are in a row, with private terraces, and views over the sea and gardens, including 36 hectares of orange trees, and a saltwater pool. Some of the rooms have a kitchenette, but they offer a fabulous breakfast each morning, and you’re within a short stroll of local restaurants and cafes.
- Companhia das Culturas is a charmingly rustic guesthouse on a 40 acre working farm just outside Altura. Its eight rooms are whitewashed and simply dressed with antiques — as is the style of the Algarve — but they’re also fresh and comfortable with it. Four larger apartments have been converted from the old mill, and sleep up to five people. The mill also has a hammam. Most rooms lead out onto the courtyard and garden, where there’s a saltwater pool, beside which are offered yoga, Tai-chi and Qi-gong classes.
For a short break
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- The Hotel Faro & Beach Club is a smart, 90 room hotel overlooking Faro’s marina and the old town from mid-rise rooms, an elegant glass-walled restaurant and a gorgeous roof terrace with a bar and pool. The decor is simple and contemporary, done in nautical colours. The hotel has a beach club, a beautiful spa, a gym, bars and a restaurant, and bike hire. Perfect for a short break.
- Convento is about as close to a city break hotel as this list gets, a tranquil spot hidden in an artistic pilgrimage site in Olhao, with architecture that matches the city’s historic elegance. Its nine beautiful rooms are all individually decorated, with antiques, muslin canopies, and romantic lighting, and many of them open out onto the central courtyard. The small pool is super chic.
For Style Lovers
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- The Vila Valverde is an elegant villa, on the edge of a hill overlooking orange and olive groves. The whiteness of the exterior makes it seem both traditional and contemporary, but once you get inside the contemporary elements are dominant, with a huge floating staircase and a dramatic scale that feels light and spacious. Accommodation is in 15 rooms and suites, and there’s a wonderful collection of public space for guests too — terraces, lounges, sitting rooms, and almost everywhere has a wonderful view. There are pools indoor and out, and the restaurant specialises in traditional Portuguese dishes, served with their own olive oil and fruit juices.
For Great Value
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- The Casa Apollo Guesthouse is one of the smallest properties on our list, with just two B&B rooms in an historic villa in central Faro. Both the exterior and interiors are white, with feature plants — inside in pots, and outside in a walled garden with a lovely pool. Adults only.
- The Villa Rio is a luxurious, eight room guesthouse on the waterfront at Portimão, with views over the port. The decor is simple, with a white backdrop and a different colour for each room and suite — the most romantic rooms have four-poster beds and floor-to-ceilings windows, but they all have cosy feeling soft furnishings, and plenty of space. Breakfast is served on the terrace, by the pool.
- The Herdade Quinta Natura is a green and rural pick, surrounded by lush views of 20 acres of garden, and positioned right on the edge of a verdant natural park. There are just four guest rooms, all uniquely designed, complete with private terraces and contemporary colour schemes.
Still not sure where to book?