Luxury hotels along the Algarve coast for a taste of Portuguese Paradise

A tranquil haven along the Algarve coast, the Crown Plaza Vilamoura offers a relaxing holiday away from the tourist bustle. As you sink into golden sands under the shade of a parasol at this five-star destination, an ice-cold cocktail is just the thing to keep cool when warm breezes blow in from the sea.

Unwind after your journey with a refreshing dip in the 1,000-square-metre outdoor pool, before heading to the spa for a pampering session. Treatments make use of the orangeries and almond trees the Algarve is famous for – choose from rejuvenating massages, body scrubs and wraps as well as facials and beauty treatments. Try the Jet Lag Cure massage for a revitalising boost after the flight.

In high season, spend your evening eating al-fresco at the Caravela restaurant on the seafront, where you can have the catch of the day grilled to perfection. An accompanying bottle from the expansive Portuguese wine cellar is a must. Or, retire to your spacious room, decorated in calming neutrals with contemporary furnishings designed for comfort. Fix yourself a drink from the minibar or a Nespresso coffee and take in the sunset from the private balcony.

Nestled in the ancient Moorish town of Tavira, Vila Gale Tavira is steeped in history and inspired by Portugal’s cultural exchange with north Africa. Discover this fascinating past with a walk to the nearby castle, a 12th-century Moorish fortress, and the church of Santa Maria do Castelo, formerly a mosque.

Elegant, terracotta-tiled rooms are havens of relaxation, with free Wi-Fi, cable TV and a private balcony. Outside is an expansive resort with plenty of options: gardens, an outdoor pool, a health club and games room. Let your tension dissolve away in the Jacuzzi or Turkish bath before having a massage, body scrub, wax or facial. While you’re being pampered, little ones can have fun at the Nep Club for kids.

There’s plenty to do on a day out, too: take the ferry from town to the wide, golden sands of Tavira Island Beach, an idyllic sandbar that stretches for 7 miles. Or tee off at Benamor Golf, an 18-hole course just 10 minutes from the hotel, which boasts mountain and sea views.

On arrival at Hotel Magnólia, you’re greeted by a popping pink neon welcome sign, giving you just a hint of the colourful paradise that awaits. From the yellow and white parasols that line the outdoor pool to the pastel pink booths in Mag’s Restaurant, the hotel takes inspiration from 1950s motels to deliver a slice of Americana on the Algarve coast.

With an outdoor pool, gym and chill-out room featuring Xboxes and ping pong tables, there are plenty of places to unwind at this adults-only hotel. Step into a guestroom, suite or cottage – each with bright, airy décor in Miami beach pastels – slip on the custom Magnólia slides and take in the view from your private balcony. Or borrow one of the colourful Dutch bikes and explore the nearby Ria Formosa park. Quinta do Lago beach is also within easy reach for adrenaline-fuelled watersports.

The hotel comes to life at night with a DJ by the pool bar. Order a custom cocktail or a milkshake and float in the water or watch the star-strewn sky from a lounger. Recover the next morning in the wellness centre with holistic treatments, a Jacuzzi, sauna or Turkish bath. Or simply revive yourself with fresh pastries and a mimosa at Mag’s Restaurant.

The breathtaking clifftop location is just one of the reasons why Tivoli Carvoeiro is an ideal place for a peaceful break. Decorated in understated tones with sumptuous furnishings, your room features a rainfall shower, free Wi-Fi and a Nespresso machine. Soak up sparkling views of the sparkling Algarve coast and the Atlantic Ocean from your private balcony. The beach is just moments away for you to dip your toes in the sand or try your hand at watersports such as parasailing or surfing.

Take a break from the sun with a soothing treatment in the spa. There are couples treatment rooms if you’re celebrating romance or a special birthday. Detox in the sauna or steam room and pamper yourself with a massage, body scrub, wrap or facial using luxury Viya products.

For dinner, make a reservation at Med Food & Wine to dine on freshly caught seafood on a terrace overlooking the rugged coastline. Then head up to the Sky Bar to sip a dry white port and tonic against a backdrop of tranquil tunes and ocean vistas.

With a spa, pools, beaches and golf, Hotel Conrad Algarve has everything you’d expect from a luxurious Algarve hotel. And the Michelin-starred restaurant – Gusto by Heinz Beck – is the jewel in its crown. Settle into the cool, modernist surroundings and experience extraordinary dishes such as John Dory with a liquorice crust.

Your plush, sophisticated room is packed with luxuries. Freshen up in sensational style under the rainfall shower, or soak in the bath while watching the built-in TV. Upgraded rooms feature a balcony with a view of the pool, surrounded by loungers, Balinese beds and lush gardens. Little ones can make a splash at the kids’ club with their own dedicated pool.

Leave your tensions behind in the spa with ice fountains, experience showers and an infinity pool featuring a state-of-the-art underwater music system. Try an intraceuticals oxygen-infused facial to leave your skin looking and feeling rejuvenated, or explore the menu of massages, scrubs and wraps. Feeling fully relaxed, take a family trip to nearby Quinta do Lago beach for snorkelling in the clear blue waters – the hotel runs shuttles throughout the day. If you’d prefer an afternoon on the greens, the hotel’s golf concierge will be happy to arrange a round for you at nearby Vale do Lobo Golf Club.

The verdant surroundings of Anantara Vilamoura are a peaceful place to spend a week relaxing in the sun and exploring the Algarve coast. Huge windows throughout the hotel let natural light flow through and offer views of the Victoria golf course, home of the Portugal Masters.

It’s easy to have downtime in your room – decorated in restful tones with contemporary wood panelling – simply play your favourite tunes from your iPhone or iPod on the docking station and pour a Nespresso. Then stretch out with a book on the daybed on your private balcony. There are five pools to try out, one dedicated to adults and one for children to splash in. After your morning swim, drop by the spa, where Asian techniques are used to energise and revitalise. Treat yourself to a massage with almond milk and honey, inspired by the region’s snow-white almond blossom.

In the evening, choose from the hotel’s four dining options. At the flagship, Emo, try the crispy suckling pig with grilled orange wedges and a sherry sauce. Pair it with one of the restaurant’s 350 wines as you watch the sun set over the fairways.

If you’re a golf aficionado, Morgado Golf and Country Club is a dream. Wake up in your bright, modern deluxe room, take a refreshing rainfall shower and head to the balcony, where you can look out over the course and begin planning your shots.

You have two courses to choose from: Morgado Golf Course and Álamos Golf Course, which both offer expansive views of the nearby Monchique Mountains. If you need to work on your swing first, the Morgado do Reguengo Golf Academy has some of the most extensive training facilities in the country to practise drives, putts and chips.

If you want to get closer to nature, you’ve come to the right place. This is an oasis of sweeping natural scenery between beaches and mountains – watch out for migrating flamingos between August and October. Go snorkelling in the clear waters at Rocha Beach (just a 20 minute drive away) to spot aquatic life. Or, if you’re not ready to leave the tranquillity of your hotel, there are two outdoor pools and two children’s pools amid the landscaped gardens.