We never really thought the Algarve was a UJ destination, but, as it turns out, pockets of it, especially off-season, definitely are. There’s a reason people flock here (and not just Boomers or golfers; the cool kids from Spain and Portugal do too): those red rocks, that brisk sea breeze, its proximity to both Faro and Lisbon, and, for us, to hole up in a great hotel and relax for the weekend.
The Hotel
There’s something about W resorts. (They don’t call them that, but we are.) We’ll file the W Algarve along with W Bali, W Ibiza, and W Barcelona, in that these are places you could check into and not leave (they are all in their W Beach collection). Luxe rooms, different F&B outlets, and a lot going on – in a good way.
The Vibe
If you choose W, you want a bit of a vibe. And that’s who was here. That doesn’t mean this was filled with youngsters – it was a very diverse crowd – but they all seemed to have that twinkle in their eye.
The Rooms
W always try to integrate local touches into the design of their properties, and in the 134 rooms and suites here, that translates into large pillows in the shape of sardines on the beds, intricate tiling, and sunset hues on the carpet and furnishings. Bathrooms are concrete and, excitingly, W have a new product partner (goodbye Bliss), Davines, which is a very welcome update. Rooms are west-facing and spacious, with balconies and views of the Atlantic or gardens.
Restaurants / Bars
Again, you could really not leave here. Almost all venues have indoor/outdoor seating, and some have views, so choose your timing well. Have lunch at Market Kitchen, which has local options like traditional Algarvian seafood cataplana and grilled fish, or go for comfort food like caesar salad and truffle mac and cheese. At night, this turns into a more upbeat space that serves sushi and sometimes has live music. Try the Wet Deck for a lighter lunch – poké bowls, various salads, hummus – and sit at their bar, or order from your sunbed. For dinner, their classic yet vibey Paper Moon serves excellent Italian, and Vino by Paper Moon is a more laidback version that focuses on featured wines of the day and raw dishes. You really can’t go wrong here. There’s also a W Lounge with DJs on the weekend, and across most of the outlets, there are special nights and activities.
AWAY Spa / Fitness
This is quite an advanced spa option, that seems to know exactly who their customers are. There’s a manicure/pedicure bar, express booths for pre-dinner make-up, LED masks, and a range of different treatments. They’ve again incorporated local touches into the design, with ceramic fishing buoys at the entrance, iridescent fish-type scales on the wall, and bobbin lace stencils. They also have a social outdoor spa area, with a hot tub, cold plunge, steam, sauna, showers, and relaxation area.
For fitness, there’s a well stocked gym, plus daily classes like yoga, spin, as well as guided meditation. Their boutique sells a range of different skincare and sunscreen products (including the excellent Coola), they have swimwear that isn’t exorbitantly priced, and if you want to walk to the beach, there are two that are close.
Highlights
It’s nice being kind of remote: it takes away any guilt of not leaving the hotel. If you do want to leave, there are several beaches you can walk to that have quaint seafront restaurants; in the off-season, the beach itself was gorgeous as well. If you’re up for an excursion, we’re also hearing great things about Austa, a venue (restaurant/coffee shop/pantry) approximately 35 minutes away that highlights independent producers from the Atlantic and Andalusian coast: the restaurant is seasonal, and the wines are low-intervention.
Anything Else
W are going through a bit of an update. If you’re familiar with the brand, you can probably tell that just from their website. And new bathroom product partners are just the start; they’ve already refreshed their hotels in Hollywood and NYC, and we’re sure they have more planned.
