Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort: swim-up suites, fresh seafood & a newly renovated spa
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort honours the brand’s Asian ethos whilst tastefully mixing local Portuguese elements creating an authentic experience on the famous Algarve coast. The 260-room five-star resort is divided into adults-only and family zones, featuring the region’s only swim-up rooms, a newly renovated spa, sensational sushi, and fresh local seafood to boot.
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is the Asian hotel group Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spas’ first European property (Read Lux Nomde’s review of Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benhavis Marbella). Bringing an Asian hotel brand to the shores of the Algarve, one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations with stiff competition, and making it blend in could be regarded as a daunting task, however, Anantara Vilamoura has managed to seamlessly, offer the best of both worlds. The hotel’s 250 artefacts, such as the large tree in the lobby, include sculptures, artwork, paintings and various installations by Portuguese artists, adding sophistication to the design, which is clean, and modern yet elegant.
The clever division of the hotel makes it popular among both families and adults. The latter can enjoy poolside Champagne cabanas and al fresco decks for complete relaxation, whilst families can access three pools (heated children’s pool between October and May), swim-up suites and a kids club.
Location
Located only a 30-minute drive from the Faro International Airport, and 24 km from Faro’s Old Town, the resort is easily accessed by car and is a perfect starting point to discover the Algarve.
For guests having access to their own transport, there are several local sights well worth visiting such as Loulé with its picturesque city market only a 20-minute drive away, and Albufeira which is 13 km away. The resort’s local ‘Journey Designer’ is readily available in the lobby and happy to tailor day trips and excursions based on interests and time from jeep safaris, and horse riding to cooking classes and dolphin watching. This is part of the brand’s aim to connect visitors with local genuine places and people. For beachgoers, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus departing several times daily to the Vilamoura Marina which is only a 10-minute drive away and 3 km from the beautiful Falésia Beach.
The Region’s Only Swim-Up Suites
The resort offers spacious rooms, suites and penthouses with pool and leafy garden views. The family-zone wing features the region’s only swim-up suites (30 new family rooms) where guests have direct access to a 30m pool from their private terrace. Equipped with child-locked gates for safety and a large family-sized sun lounger, it’s the perfect spot to hang out with the little ones. The pool is not connected to the bar area, however, it’s a fantastic feature for young families who can enjoy a convenient and hassle-free dip in the pool with the little ones.
The modern suites, facing the swimming pool are tastefully decorated featuring wooden wardrobes, an open-plan bathroom, a walk-in shower, a stand-alone bath, and a king-size bed. Equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, robes, a minibar, and high-quality wooden baby cots (available on request) the rooms offer complete comfort for those travelling with children. The super soft slippers and the flip-flops are delightful and so are the unlimited complimentary Nespresso capsules and high-quality tea bags, as well as the shampoo, conditioner and body lotion from the Portuguese brand Claus Porto.
The family zone is spacious, featuring three swimming pools, an outdoor playground and a complimentary kids club open daily for children aged four to ten years and hosted in a large colourful playroom offering lots of activities.
The swim-up suites offer direct pool access
Food and Drinks
Anantara is famous for taking food seriously, and the dining options at Vilamoura are as impressive as you’d expect offering a world of flavour within the realm of the resort.
The large breakfast breakfast is served in the Victoria Restaurant and features several stations. Guests can enjoy eggs to order, hot dishes, cheeses, fresh bread and pastries, yoghurts and fruits. Fresh orange juice and coffee are served at the table and there’s a separate breakfast section for the children piled with fresh fruits, pastries and various sweet treats.
The RIA Restaurant (open to families) serves fresh seafood from the Algarve coast and the Ria Formosa area and for both lunch and dinner guests can enjoy the catch of the day served poolside. The dishes are served on beautiful traditional blue and white ceramic plates and the placement mats and menus are made from cork adding to the Portugese vibe.
For lunch, there are several delicious dishes to share such as the Algarvian octopus salad, crispy calamari, and local clams. Lucky guests can get a fresh Turbot prepared which is cooked to perfection.
In addition to fresh seafood, RIA also serves ‘Pica-Pau’ beef, and Portuguese-style beef tenderloin steak by Chef Anabela Francisco which are great to enjoy for dinner. The orange and fig-shaped desserts are not only beautiful to the eye, but they are also sweet and delicious.
The service is fantastic. The staff members are incredibly knowledgeable, warm and friendly going above and beyond to ensure each meal is an enjoyable experience. Special celebrations, such as birthdays, are made special by the staff, creating long-lasting memories.
Sensai is a high-end Asian fusion located on the first floor and is usually where guests can soak in the genuine flavours of Japan. However, during this summer, it will be transformed into a Thai buffet and the famous Omakase sushi selection by chef Fabio Terada can instead be enjoyed downstairs at the Anantara Lounge and Bar. The Gunkan Maki and Makizushi are phenomenal, especially the tuna and quail egg which are outstanding.
Anantara SPA & Fitness Centre
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort puts a strong emphasis on wellness and well-being.
The newly renovated spa includes six treatment rooms (with new treatment beds), a heated indoor pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a Vichy shower.
There is also an outdoor terrace decked with sun loungers making it the perfect spot to soak in the stunning view and enjoy a herbal tea after a massage.
Several treatments are available blending healing Algarvian traditions with Ayurvedic philosophy. The “Algarve Journey” 90-minute treatment uses local fragrances and products such as sea salt, and citrus aromas for the initial body scrub followed by a full-body massage where olive oil is used. The experience is relaxing and refreshing at the same time.
There is also a well-equipped fitness centre, a tennis court, yoga and pilates classes and golf available. Guests can book a private Pilates class by personal trainer Bruno Simões who guides you through a 50-minute sequence strengthening core muscles and flexibility.
Who is this hotel for?
Located next to the Victoria Golf Course, home of the Portugal Masters, golfers are naturally drawn here. The innovative adults-only and family zones ensure everyone can get the most and best out of their stay. Couples will enjoy the glamorous and romantic adults-only restaurants, pool bar, and spa and wellness activities. Young families will feel comfortable with the many amenities for children, and the interconnecting rooms and suites are great for multi-generational travellers.
Rooms from €330 per night based on two sharing, including breakfast and taxes.
For more information, please visit www.anantara.com
