Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel

Hotel review

The first hotel that founders Chitra and Roman Stern began their child orientated resorts with (it has now been joined by properties in Lisbon and Cascais) has now reached double figures, celebrating its 10th birthday this year (2020). A real game-changer for families looking for child-friendly accommodation, Martinhal does, according to founder Chitra, ‘allow parents to drink their cappuccino with the foam still on it’. Children are scooped up at meal times by hands-on, friendly staff to be entertained while parents linger over their lunch. There are five different Kids Clubs starting with a crèche which takes babies from 6 months and going right up to teen activities on the beach from paddle boarding to windsurfing and mocktail contests. There is also a Baby Concierge who can ensure that all the equipment you need is placed ready in your villa or room for when you arrive.

The hotel has 37 rooms which spill out onto terraces overlooking the sea and is surrounded by clusters of townhouses, studios and villas which range from one bedroom to six bedrooms. Food draws on favourite Portuguese specialities and modern European dining at O Terraço, whilst pasta and pizza can be enjoyed in the Italian Trattoria in the village square. At Dunas, local fresh fish is served alongside oysters, clams and octopus.

Many of the villas have private pools but apart from those there are five large swimming pools dotted around the resort, with one particularly large one down by the beach. Finisterra Spa offes treatments using Voya amenities.

For a family friendly beach resort at the unspoilt end of the Algarve, it does not get much better!

Mary Lussiana Review published: 21/12/2023