Vilamoura, Style & Glamour in the Algarve
Vilamoura may be one of Portugal’s biggest purpose built tourism resorts but it’s also one of the most prestigious and glamorous. This super stylish holiday destination has the lot…stunning beaches, glorious weather, world class hotels, great food and a host of trendy bars and restaurants. Everything you could want from a holiday is right here on the Algarve and it continues to attract a discerning clientele all year round. Overseas visitors have been coming here in their droves for years and it’s easy to see why.
Vilamoura welcomes all ages of beach lovers, golfers, wine buffs and nature lovers so you’ll be sharing the resort with everyone from 0-90! It’s just a happy, chilled out place with something for everyone.
The town’s glitzy palm-lined marina is the hub of the action in Vilamoura where gleaming, luxury yachts are moored alongside chic bars and swanky restaurants.
The marina at Vilamoura is also the culinary hotspot of the resort offering a fabulous line up of international and traditional Portuguese cuisine. There’s no doubt about it, this is the place to see and be seen. This is where the beautiful people come out to play and there’s nothing I like better than to park myself in one of the bars to watch the world go by. If you enjoy a spot of people watching on your holiday then you’ll be in heaven in Vilamoura Marina.
Swanky pastimes at the marina aside, Vilamoura offers some great beach life too and you can while away sun filled days and nights on some pretty spectacular coastline. Close to the marina is Praia de Marinha, part of the exclusive Purobeach set up where you will find all manner of things going on. Here they have resident DJs to fill the air with funky, chilled beach tunes, Tai Chi classes and a massage area. Sounds bliss, doesn’t it?
Vilamoura and the rest of the Algarve too, boasts plenty of beaches, waterparks, world-class golfing and quaint rustic towns to explore so it’s ideal for a family holiday in the sun. Be sure to spend an afternoon on Praia de Falesia or Quarteira beaches too. Praia de Falesia stretches from Vilamoura to Olhos de Aqua and set against a beautiful backdrop of cliffs and pine trees. Quarteira is also popular and has a pretty promenade if you fancy taking a nice stroll along the front without getting your feet wet!
As for where to stay when you come to Vilamoura, well, what can I say…you will be spoilt for choice but if you want a little bit of luxury (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) then you’ve hit the jackpot. There are some really beautiful places to hang your hat but here’s a few suggestions – well, 11 of them actually!
My Vilamoura Top Hotels – in no particular order (they are all wonderful)!
1. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
An iconic 5-star hotel with luxurious and airy suites and direct access to Vilamoura beach. There’s also ample dining options within the hotel – there’s 7 to choose from.
2. As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
These luxury apartments clearly have your well-being in mind. The complex is close to some of the golf course and also boasts a gym, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a great selection of body treatments. Bliss!
3. Vila Gale Ampalius
Close to the beach and Vilamoura’s famous casino, this gorgeous aparthotel offers an indoor and outdoor pool in an ideal location.
4. Crowne Plaza Vilamoura
A cracking beach front location with a scenic garden, a wellness spa and a business centre – (for those of you who can’t switch off on holiday!)
5. The Lake Resort
A charming five-star resort with its own private sea water lake and three swimming pools.
6. Four Seasons Vilamoura
Family friendly luxury in elegant, high spec apartments.
7. Laguna Resort Vilamoura
A secure complex of high end apartments and townhouses set in a gorgeous, natural setting and also features a kids club – ideal for families with little ones to keep entertained.
8. Dom Pedro Marina
Just a few minute’s walk from the marina, the hotel also has a private, reserved spot on the beach for its guests.
9. Pestana Vila Sol
Five-star family resort offering a kids club, games room, and swimming pools as well as some lovely wellness facilities in the hotel spa.
10. Vila Gale Marina
With great views of the marina, the hotel also has a pool, health club, outdoor Jacuzzi and a handy shuttle service to some of the region’s best golf courses.
11. Anantara Vilamoura
A stunning, luxury retreat with poolside cabanas and lovely views over the Oceanico Victoria golf course.
Learn Portuguese
Now that you know where to stay, here’s some handy words and phrases to get your holiday off to a great start. A little effort goes a long way with the locals…
- Hello………………………………………………Olá
- Goodbye………………………………………..Adeus
- Good morning………………………………Bom dia
- Good afternoon…………………………….Boa tarde
- Good evening/night……………………..Boa noite
- Please……………………………………………..Por Favor
- Thank You………………………………………Obrigado(a)
- You’re welcome……………………………..De nada
- I’m sorry…………………………………………Desculpe
- Excuse me/pardon me………………….Com licença
- Sir……………………………………………………Senhor
- Madam……………………………………………Senhora
- Yes………………………………………………….Sim
- No…………………………………………………..Não
- Do you speak English, French, Spanish, German, Italian?……………………..Fala inglês, francês, espanhol, alemã, italiano?
- Where is?………………………………Onde é que é?, Onde fica…?Onde é…?
- Today……………………………………………..Hoje
- Tomorrow……………………………………..Amanhã
- How much is it?……………………………Quanto custa?
- One……………………………………………….Um(a)
- Two……………………………………………….Dois(Duas)
- Three…………………………………………….Três
- Four………………………………………………Quatro
- Five……………………………………………….Cinco
- Where is the bathroom?……………..Onde fica a casa de banho?
If it’s luxurious then I am there! A self-confessed culture vulture from London. who appreciates a good plate of food and glass of wine. I travel to learn and to enjoy other cultures – and try to get involved in the kitchen! Finding deals online for travel makes this possible.