Vila Joya

The Algarve’s most hedonistic retreat is perched high on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Clad in pink bougainvillea it is surrounded by lush gardens dotted by palm trees and bordered by blue agapanthus. Whilst behind it may be built up, once through the gates, the all encompassing tranquillity allows bird song to be your wake up call. Each one of the luxurious 22 suites has a terrace, some with a hot tub, or a private pool, others with a log fire but all with a view out over the beach or garden, inset with swimming pool, and sea beyond. Rooms themselves vary in décor, some clean-lined and contemporary with egg-shaped tubs pressed against floor to ceiling glass windows allowing you a bath with a view, others filled with antiques and fresh flowers, ancient, hand painted tiles lining the bathroom walls. Once a private house, it has evolved over the decades since it became a hotel, adding on a room here, a spa there (with gym, steam room, hot tub and treatment rooms) but never loosing that family home feel. The heart of the hotel is the dining room which spills through arches onto a terrace overlooking the sea. Here Chef Dieter Koschina delivers 2* Michelin cuisine with exquisite dishes such as amber mackerel with cucumber and passion fruit or pigeon with corn and purple curry and wine pairing which draws on the best of Portugal.

For a more relaxed, feet-in-the-sand vibe, head down in the heat of summer to Villa Joya Sea, a white-on-glossy-white beach shack, where wicker and adobe light shades and raw coir rope blinds swing in the sea breeze. Here the Sushi Master prepares melt-in-the-mouth tiradito of kingfish and avocado and tuna nigiri while sunsets are accompanied by the blast of Caribbean chords and the rattle and roll of the cocktail shaker busy with amber mojitos and smoked and tastys.

 

Written by Mary Lussiana

• Fireplace
• Sauna/Steam
• Outdoor dining
• In room DVD
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• No pets
• Bar
• Parking
• Bath robes
• Safe
• Cots available
• Massage
• Free wifi
• Sit-out Terrace

• Good wine list
• Spa
• Restaurant
• Swimming Pool
• Garden
• Gym
• Child friendly
• Suites
• Concierge
• In room music system
• Wifi
• Air conditioning
• Views

• Riding
• Riding along the coast is one of the most magical ways to experience this rugged country, ask the hotel to facilitate you.
• Watersports
• The stunning Algarve coastline boasts waterskiing, snorkelling, fishing and jet-skiing, ask the hotel for the best spots.
• Other Activities
• Spend your days lounging by the stunning pool with a good book and a strong cocktail.

• Tennis
• Brush up on your tennis skills with the hotels coach before taking on fellow guests.
• Yoga
• Yoga classes are held at the spa, let yourself truly unwind in style.
• Golf