All 105 suites come with large private balconies facing either the gardens or the ocean, so you're waking up to a view whichever room you land. Air conditioning is standard, essential in summer, along with flat-screen satellite TV, in-room safe, telephone, hairdryer and mini-bar. The suites themselves are spacious and styled with a clean, modern finish, nothing fussy, just well-appointed rooms that work for golfers who need somewhere comfortable to collapse after a long day on the course.
The hotel sits within landscaped Mediterranean gardens that give the whole place a relaxed, resort feel without the chaos of larger complexes. Four swimming pools are spread across the property, three outdoor and one heated indoor option for cooler months or early starts. If you're anything like me, you'll want a quick post-round dip before dinner, and the pool setup here makes that easy.
The spa offers hot stone massage therapy, jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath, ideal if your back's protesting after hauling a bag around Salgados in 30-degree heat. There's also a tennis court, football pitch and a well-equipped fitness centre with cardio machines and free weights for anyone who actually wants to train on holiday.
For food, the main buffet restaurant covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day, all included. It's the kind of setup that works brilliantly for groups, everyone eats when they want, no waiting for reservations or splitting bills. If you fancy something more refined, Tascaria serves Portuguese a la carte in the evening, proper regional cooking done well. The Suites Lounge handles drinks and live sport, while the Lobby Bar has a pool table and stays open through the day.
Off-site, Restaurante Ramires in Albufeira has been serving Portugal's signature chicken piri piri since 1964, it's the real deal and worth the short trip. Down at Sao Rafael beach, the beach bar does drinks and snacks with your toes in the sand, and if you want to try Caldeirada, a traditional fish stew that sums up Portuguese coastal cooking, this is the place.
The hotel is located in Sesmarias, 45 minutes west of Faro Airport and a stone's throw from Albufeira.
