“Surprisingly calm for its size, this duneside Algarve resort makes a strong case for doing absolutely nothing, just 40 minutes from Faro airport. A serious sommelier, a spa worth the journey and five restaurants.”

Hotel review

Newly renovated and sitting between the Atlantic and the Salgados natural parkland, this resort manages the difficult trick of feeling considered despite its huge capacity. Rooms come in resort, golf, pool and sea-view configurations; ours looked out over endless palm trees dissolving into the water. There’s a decent-sized gym with brand-new equipment, plus the spoiling Library Spa, stocked with Thalgo products. The gargantuan outdoor pool runs almost as cold as the Atlantic just beyond (invigorating or alarming, depending on your disposition), and complimentary yoga classes on the beach round things off nicely.

The hotel's sommelier Luis Neves runs a wine tasting that turns out to be one of the best hours of the trip; sample aged vinho verde and hear tales of ancient Roman clay winemaking revived in the Alentejo. Dinners at Primadonna Italian are casual but upscale, focaccia and pizzas piled high with Portuguese produce (Spaghetti Vongole makes good use of excellent local clams). Buffet breakfast at Moby Dick is a proper spread, with bubbles for the table. Mornings start and evenings end with a stroll along the scenic boardwalk through the dunes to miles of pristine white sand - some of the very best in Portugal. An easy place to park up and do nothing but read for a few days.

Recommended for

  • Total relaxation

    • The resort promotes a slow, laid-back atmosphere, centred around the gentle Wine and Books philosophy, ideal for truly unwinding
  • Families

    • There's plenty of activities for the whole family, including an impressive kids' club and even a special kids' spa
  • Sights nearby

    • Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve is right on the doorstep, a protected wetland home to variety of exotic birds including flamingos
  • Restaurant

    • There are five full-scale restaurants on-site, including a pool-side buffet for breakfast and dinner, an Italian and Sushi Bar
  • Cycling

    • The best way to explore the town and coastline is by renting one of the hotel bicycles, with the option of local cycling tours
  • Watersports

    • Nearby Galé Beach is a lively hub for watersports, with surfing lessons, paddle-boarding and jet skiing on offer
  • Spa

    • The spa facilities includes a Turkish bath, contrast showers, hydrotherapy, massage rooms and relaxation areas
  • Golf

    • Salgados Golf Course is right next to the resort, an 18-hole, 72 par course with stunning sea views
  • Pet friendly

    • The hotel welcomes one pet per room, and provides water and food bowls for them
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • 5* Luxury

  • Disabled access

  • Contemporary

  • Air conditioning

  • Kids Club

Facilities

  • Rooms

    250 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    There are five full-scale restaurants on-site, including a pool-side buffet for breakfast and dinner, an Italian and Sushi Bar
  • Bar

    Tasca da Memória Counter is a stylish spot serving light snacks, wines and cocktails, with the option to stay for dinner too
  • Spa

    The spa facilities includes a Turkish bath, contrast showers, hydrotherapy, massage rooms and relaxation areas
  • Pet friendly

    The hotel welcomes one pet per room, and provides water and food bowls for them
  • Swimming Pool

    Four outdoor, seasonal pools and two heated, indoor pools
  • Parking

    Parking is available on-site for a daily charge
  • Sauna/Steam

    Sauna
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Family Suites

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Library

  • Bicycle hire

  • Wifi

  • Good wine list

  • Babysitting

  • Lift

  • EV Charging Station

  • Suites

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Room service

  • Disabled access

  • Bath robes

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Games room

  • Kids Club

  • Safe

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve is right on the doorstep, a protected wetland home to variety of exotic birds including flamingos
  • Cycling

    • The best way to explore the town and coastline is by renting one of the hotel bicycles, with the option of local cycling tours
  • Watersports

    • Nearby Galé Beach is a lively hub for watersports, with surfing lessons, paddle-boarding and jet skiing on offer
  • Golf

    • Salgados Golf Course is right next to the resort, an 18-hole, 72 par course with stunning sea views

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Guests love Wine & Books by the Sea for its unique blend of tranquility, comfort, attentive service, and an exceptional beachfront location within the Salgados Natural Reserve. It is a place where the Atlantic Ocean, nature, and authentic Portuguese hospitality come together to create a truly relaxing escape.

What is there to do in the area? The Algarve offers something for every traveler. Guests can enjoy the beautiful Salgados Beach, golf courses, cycling trails, nature walks, birdwatching, outdoor pools, yoga classes, and our wellness spa. It is the perfect destination to reconnect with nature while embracing the relaxed rhythm of the Portuguese coast.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Our breakfast is an extensive American-style buffet featuring a live egg station, healthy corner, freshly made pancakes, natural juices, seasonal fruits, artisan breads, and a selection of local and international favorites.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Yes, we offer a variety of dining experiences throughout the day. Guests can enjoy Portuguese, Mediterranean, Italian, and Asian-inspired cuisine across our restaurants and bars. The surrounding area also offers excellent local seafood restaurants and authentic Portuguese dining experiences, which our team is always happy to recommend.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our most sought-after rooms are the Superior Double Room Ocean View, offering uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and Salgados Beach. Guests particularly appreciate waking up to the sound of the sea and enjoying spectacular sunsets from their private balconies.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We welcome families and offer spacious Family Rooms accommodating up to 4 adults and 4 children. Additional bedding options are available, making the resort ideal for multigenerational holidays and family getaways.

What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? At Wine & Books by the Sea, every stay is an invitation to slow down, breathe in the Atlantic air, and embrace the beauty of authentic Portugal. Whether you come seeking relaxation, nature, gastronomy, or meaningful moments with loved ones, we look forward to creating memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

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