Review: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, Algarve review

Why book?

Few resorts have as much on offer as Vila Vita Parc, which is one of the rare properties that cater to a large number of people, including families, but manages to feel peaceful and private. With an impressive 10 restaurants – including one with two Michelin stars – plus six bars, a golf course and a Sisley spa, there’s enough to keep you occupied for a fortnight.

Set the scene

Clifftop views over the ocean, green green grass and local birdlife as fellow residents; this is a place where nature takes precedence. Despite the sheer size of the resort, it never feels crowded or overwhelming.

The backstory

Vila Vita Parc opened in 1992 and has maintained its status as one of the best hotels in the Algarve ever since. Refurbishments began in 2012 with suites, a new pool and a bar, and were completed in 2018 with the addition of the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris. The growth of the hotel over the past 30 years has cemented it as a must-visit, particularly for those who want to experience some of the Algarve’s best restaurants.

The rooms

With an impressive 203 rooms and suites, and six luxury villas, guests can choose from ocean or garden views, one-bedroom or family rooms, or even rooftop suites. Exteriors are unmistakably Portuguese, with whitewashed walls and blue accents throughout, but what really stands out here is the amount of space available to guests. No room feels small, or crowded, and bathrooms are well thought-out, with large showers and sink areas for ultimate comfort – which is, of course, in keeping with the rest of the 50-hectare estate.

The food and drink

The restaurants and bars are so impressive here that it’s no exaggeration to say you’re spoiled for choice. A visit to the two Michelin-star Ocean is a must-do for foodies wishing to try the tasting menu from Chef Hans Neuner, which changes annually but always focuses on local ingredients (often from the property’s own organic estate, Herdade dos Grous, in the Alentejo).

Guests can also dine on Teppanyaki at Mizu, or taste the ocean at the hotel’s own Armação Beach Club, away from the main property. And a special mention goes to both Adega and Aladin, the former of which serves up hearty, traditional Portuguese cuisine, while the latter is an almost cave-like, Moorish-inspired restaurant with an open grill, where guests can watch their dinner being prepared.

There are six bars dotted throughout the property, each with talented and enthusiastic bartenders ready to mix your favourite cocktail, or even create something personal. Not to be missed is the wine cellar (which houses the largest private collection of wines in Portugal) for a bespoke tasting led by a knowledgeable and charming sommelier in the most immersive of environments. Those planning something extra special can even enjoy a private dinner in the candlelit cellar.

The spa

As Portugal’s first Sisley Spa, the treatment rooms here are housed in their own private building, which immediately evokes a feeling of calm. The bespoke treatment menu includes wonderful facials and massages, along with manicures and pedicures from legendary podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. Plus, specialists in osteopathy, reflexology and physiotherapy are available to help tackle specific concerns.

If you only have time for one treatment, we highly recommend the Golden Quartz Treatment, which was named ‘Best Signature Spa Treatment in the World 2021’ at the World Spa Awards. It makes for a completely unique experience, in which you lie on a specially-made bed covered with small heated quartz crystals to emulate the feeling of lying on a warm beach. As the bed slowly moves and vibrates, your therapist massages your body – and it’s hard to describe the feeling of relaxation, particularly since I spent most of it drifting in and out of sleep. For me, it’s one of the best – and most unique – treatments I’ve experienced.

The neighbourhood

Well-located in the heart of the Algarve – about 40 minutes drive from Faro Airport – Vila Vita Parc can be found in Porches, a tiny village mostly known for its ceramics, which line the pavements outside the shops on the drive to the resort. Should you wish to do some exploring (and you’d be entirely forgiven if you don’t step foot outside Vila Vita for the duration of your stay), the nearby fishing town of Carvoeiro is postcard-perfect, with all the charm of the Algarve, and fewer crowds than some neighbouring areas.

The service

The staff is the jewel in the crown of this property, which already has so much to offer. Everyone from the concierge to bar staff and spa therapists are warm and welcoming and will go out of their way to ensure you have the most wonderful time during your stay. Lean on them to help make the most of everything the resort has to offer, whether that’s simply booking your dinners or organising something special, like a trip on the hotel’s own private yacht.

Eco effort

Despite being a vast property, built 30 years ago, Vila Vita is focused on its environmental responsibility and has been working to minimise waste and water consumption. Because most of the restaurants take advantage of local Portuguese ingredients, and Vila Vita is itself a local supplier, the majority of food comes from nearby. The resort works closely with local wildlife organisations to protect and preserve its vast space.

For families

While the resort welcomes all visitors, it’s undoubtedly a family-friendly property, with a Kids’ Club, on-site playground and crèche available to look after babies from six months. There are six pools throughout the property and endless green space for young ones to enjoy. They share it with local birdlife, which lives on-site and makes for wonderful spotting opportunities for adults and kids alike

Anything else left to mention?

It’s not particularly easily accessible, but if you’re able to reach it, you mustn't miss the small beach, which you can find from the hotel grounds via some (admittedly steep) stairs. Although technically not a private beach, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find anyone but hotel guests here, which makes it feel wonderfully private – a rare thing, in the Algarve. It’s particularly wonderful here at sunset when the wispy clouds turn pink and highlight the orange sand cliffs, resulting in an experience that’s impossible to capture on camera.