Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve

On Portugal’s sun-soaked Algarve coast in Lagoa (Alporchinhos), this 5-star hotel sits on golden sands with direct access to a private beach. It’s minutes from Cova Redonda Beach and a short drive to Marinha Beach and Albufeira; Faro Intl. Airport (FAO) is the preferred gateway.

Set across 11 hectares of manicured seaside gardens and cliffs, Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve blends sleek rooms and seaside grandeur. The 131 air-conditioned rooms have private balconies, minibars and LCD TVs; bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, designer toiletries and bidets. The property houses a top-rated wellness complex, including a Longevity Medical Spa and one of the world’s five best thalassotherapy centers.

Pamper yourself at the spa with massages, body treatments and facials, unwind in the sauna and Turkish bath, or hit the fitness center and health club. Outdoors there are stunning pools, a poolside bar, tennis courts (extra charge), a kid club and an arcade/game room. Wake up to sea-breeze mornings and walk straight onto a private beach.

Helpful services include a 24-hour front desk, limo/town car service and roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge). Complimentary wireless internet keeps you connected and free self-parking is available onsite.

Dining ranges from fine dining at Restaurant Coral to Italian fare at Trattoria Pantaleone and grilled specialties at A Costa, all with panoramic ocean views. BG Restaurant serves authentic Portuguese cuisine; there’s a bar/lounge and poolside bar, room service during limited hours, and a complimentary buffet breakfast to start the day.