“An early 20th-century gem of a place, complete with period details, which overlooks one of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, complete with Michelin starred dining and a L’Occitane spa.”
“An early 20th-century gem of a place, complete with period details, which overlooks one of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, complete with Michelin starred dining and a L’Occitane spa.”
Hotel Review
Approach with caution for the road to this hotel is lined with tee-shirt shops and fast food cafés but once you are in through the wrought iron gates, a veil of luxurious tranquillity descends. Originally opened in 1934, the hotel retains many of its period details from the sweeping wooden staircase surrounded by ancient hand-painted tiles, the ornate, painted wooden ceiling beams in the bar and the stained glass windows in the turret which tops this little gem.
Renovated by Graça Viterbo in the last few years, the rooms are clad in bold nautical stripes and cheerful yellow, many still containing original hand painted tiles. The 11 rooms in the main house mostly have views overlooking the long, sandy beach and Ocean beyond. The best room in the house is 116 whose bathroom is housed in the stained glass turret. All bathrooms have tubs and showers and come with L’Occitane amenities. There are seven further suites in the Blue House, which stands in the grounds and another 20 rooms in a new extension which overlooks the gorgeous palm tree lined swimming pool.
Food is well worthy of the Michelin star it has been awarded. Try the fresh mackerel with green peas, a green pea puree, lavender vinaigrette and a sprinkling of borage flowers or the 45 day matured veal with Jerusalem artichokes. In the summer the restaurant spills out onto the terrace, creating a magical setting by the sea.
The Spa sits in the grounds and offers treatment using L’Occitane products.
Recommended for
- Beach Life
- A unique setting, almost completely surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach.
- Watersports
- The property sits directly on the beach.
- Foodies
- The fine dining restaurant is reputed to be one of the best in the region
- Total relaxation
- Spa breaks
Written by Mary Lussiana
Recommended For
- Beach Life
- A unique setting, almost completely surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach.
- Watersports
- The property sits directly on the beach.
- Surfing
- From Praia de Rocha there are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
- Kayaking
- There are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
- Foodies
- The fine dining restaurant is reputed to be one of the best in the region
- Windsurfing
- Total relaxation
- Local markets
- Designer Shopping
- Spa breaks
- Boutique
- A renovation by design firm Graca Viterbo.
- Restrictions on children
- Adults only property
- Luxury
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Designer
- Sit-out Terrace
- Beach nearby
- Seaviews
- On the beach
- Restaurant
- Spa
Facilities
- Restrictions on children
- Adults only property
- Swimming Pool
- Lovely Outdoor Pool
- Wifi
- Safe
- Towelling robes
- Bar
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Airport transfer
- Outdoor dining
- Meeting Room
- Sit-out Terrace
- In room music system
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Air conditioning
- Suites
- Room service
- Sitting Room
- Garden
- Restaurant
- Spa
Activities
- Watersports
- The property sits directly on the beach.
- Surfing
- From Praia de Rocha there are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
- Kayaking
- There are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
- Designer Shopping
- Local markets
- Windsurfing
Map & Location
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Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
