Portugal is arguably one of the most attractive holiday locations in Europe, although it tends to be overlooked by holidaymakers. Sitting on the west coast of Spain, nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has everything.
From the mountainous regions towards the north, the islands Madeira and Azores to the south, and the gleaming beaches found in the Algarve and Alentejo, it’s easy to see why more and more tourists are flocking to the country to enjoy all Portugal has to offer.
The Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa (Algarve, Almancil)
The Algarve is known as one of the best locations in Europe for golfing holidays – but if golfing isn’t your bag (pun intended) this is still an amazing place to stay and experience all the Algarve region has to offer. This resort is just 15 minutes from Falesia beach and 25kn from Faro airport, putting it in a prime location for those looking for a relaxing, stress-free holiday.
Widely considered the epitome of luxuriousness, it boasts the largest spa in all of Portugal (over 2800 metres!) with countless beauty and relaxation treatments available.
Each room is spacious and has its own balcony or terrace, along with LCD TV and hi-fi systems to keep you entertained when you’re not golfing or swimming in one of the 6 heated pools on-site. And if you fancy giving golf a quick bash there is a golf simulator unique to Portugal!
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort Hotel and Spa (Algarve, Albufeira)
The Grande Real Santa is a brand new, 5-star resort situated on the glorious Santa Eulalia beach on the southern coast of Portugal. Aside from the beautiful beach and surroundings, there are plenty of on-site activities for you to partake in; from the two hard court tennis courts, 4 heated pools, a seawater pool connected directly to the beach, 3 more pools dedicated entirely to the children and a gym fully kitted out with the latest equipment.
If staying in the resort isn’t your idea of a proper holiday then there is plenty to take advantage of outside the hotel, from paragliding, water-skiing to snorkelling and wind surfing, all available on the amazing seafront year round.
Royal Savoy (Madeira, Funchal)
The first of two amazing resorts located in Funchal, the largest town in Madeira, the Royal Savoy is a 5-star luxury resort set aside its sister resort, the Classic Savoy. Right on the beach and a short walk from the town, harbour and bustling markets, it has stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and amazing scenery. The internet is filled with enthusiastic reviews of the Royal Savoy, from holidaymakers and travellers impressed with the high standards of service and luxury available there.
Vila Vita Parc (Algarve, Porches)
Set atop a cliff overlooking the sea, the Vila Vita Parc is one of the most picturesque resorts you can imagine. The 22 acre resort boast a wide range of activities, from horse riding and mountain biking, to golf, tennis and even a ‘kids park’ for families to enjoy. Vila Vita Parc is known for its restaurants, which leaves guests spoilt for choice with 9 different restaurants; there’s even a wine cellar where visitors can sample delicious wines sourced from all over Portugal. For those with a little more cash to spend, the Presidential suites boast spectacular views and private pools for the ultimate luxury experience.
Quinta da Casa Branca (Madiera, Funchal)
Finally we come to the Quinta da Casa Branca, a peaceful resort found in the countryside outside of Funchal. A tranquil, family run hotel, designed to really give guests a feeling of tranquillity and space. The main building, a manor house over 160 years old, is set in wonderful mature gardens with sun terraces and beautiful pools.
Here you can indulge in a wide variety of spa treatments, or for a little more excitement you can try big game fishing, wind surfing, diving and a host of other water sports. This resort is designed to get you away from it all, but if you feel like getting back again there are shuttle buses available to allow you a day of exploring in Funchal.
This post was written by Jordan Peck, travel junky and freelance writer, on behalf of eShores.
Robert Schrader is a travel writer and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications such as “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” along the way. His blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, provides a mix of travel advice, destination guides and personal essays covering the more esoteric aspects of life as a traveler.
