Finding the perfect hotel will make your holiday in the Algarve one to remember. As you’ll be aware, we are indeed blessed with fabulous weather in this part of the world and so much accommodation that it can be hard to choose where to stay.

We’ve explored many of the 52 luxury five-star hotels and selected our top ten based on a few factors.

High standards in comfort, service and facilities are essential along with the setting, most five-star properties have a sea view in the Algarve, and some even have Michelin star restaurants to add to their exclusivity. While prices in high season can be on par with city prices, there are always off-season bargains to be had, and many hotels and resorts run wellness retreats in the slower months.

The spas are world-class with brands such as L’Occitane and Sisley providing gorgeous products to enhance the experience. Fine cotton linen, plush pillows, luxurious toiletries, bonbons and little surprises in your suite make all the difference. The service has to be flawless, and a feeling of wellbeing should be almost instant when walking into the reception area. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the best. Enjoy and sweet dreams in the Algarve!

Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita is so much more than a hotel or resort, located in Armacao de Pera, Central Algarve.

It’s a unique oasis of sea-inspired rooms, suites and villas with ocean views and some of the best dining outlets in the area. The clifftop location has 54 acres of subtropical gardens, a Morrocan garden, fountains, pools, a private beach and their own yacht. A wine cellar that’s 8 metres underground with dining options, Misu Japanese restaurant, Ocean their Michelin star restaurant and many more besides. The Sisley Spa, Vila Vita shopping area and bars dotted around, should keep guests entertained. They also have a Bavarian Bier Garten, beach restaurants and a beach club in the local area along with their own vineyard in the Alentejo.

🔎 Book it or check prices: Booking.com

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Chateaux

A magnificent, historical building in the unlikely yet privileged location on the cliffs of Praia da Rocha. This is a boutique hotel with an eclectic and flamboyant style with some of the best views around. Direct beach access, a large pool and decked dining area are some of the outdoor features worth mentioning.

Spread over three areas, each with totally unique nautical design features and mostly facing the stunning panoramic sea views. The Vistas restaurant has a Michelin star and is worth a visit. We love the L’Occtiane Spa for a spot of pampering, and there are many restaurants and bars within walking distance – an ideal luxury hotel in the Algarve.

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Tivoli Carvoeiro

In the picturesque, old fishing town of Carvoeiro, perched inside the face of a cliff lays the breathtaking Tivoli Carvoeiro. From the hotel lobby, the eye is instantly drawn to the view at the back of the hotel, which is simply stunning. The recent refurbishment has seen the addition of a Sky Bar, The One fine dining restaurant, spa with gym and many large suites to accommodate more families. The design is light, bright and elegant, taking elements from the ocean and nature.

There is a lobby bar and two further, more informal restaurants along with a kids club and conference facilities. This is a very popular wedding venue too because of the excellent view and walking distance to the village and beaches.

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EPIC SANA Algarve

Located in the Falesia area of Albufeira, in a highly privileged cliff top position framed with perfectly manicured gardens you’ll find this haven. With a selection of sea-view and resorts view hotel rooms, studios and apartments in the residences with a children’s club, and then there are the gorgeous sea-view, garden suites. This is one of the best dreamy Algarve luxury hotels you can book. Every room has an oversized bath and rain shower with delightful toiletries, robes and slippers.

With direct access to the award-winning Falesia beach, there are two large outdoor pools, next to the Open Deck restaurant serving delicious Portuguese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The SAYANNA Spa is divine and definitely worth a visit, while their Al Quimia Gourmet restaurant is a must-visit for lovers of excellent food and wines.

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Conrad Algarve

World-class service, gourmet dining, brunches, fabulous events and an infinity pool are a few things worth mentioning about the luxury 5-star Conrad Algarve. Set in the golden circles’, Quinta do Lago where the rich and famous hang out.

The elegant rooms have contemporary notes of grey in the design features and balconies overlooking the palms or the pool.
Luxurious toiletries make having a soak in the marble bathroom all the better.

Dining at the Conrad Algarve is a marvellous experience, and the Michelin star Gusto by Heinz Beck is the best they have. More casual dining is available downstairs or poolside, and the cocktail bar is a real treat. The spa has some fantastic water features that can be used before treatments or for a fee.

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Pine Cliffs

Surrounded by mature pine trees in the stunning cliffs of Falesia, The five-star Pine Cliffs is a luxury, award-winning family resort managed by the Marriott International group. With many styles of accommodation with Pine Cliffs Terraces, Pine Cliffs Deluxe Villas, Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, Pine Cliffs Residence and Pine Cliffs Townhouses.

Only 800 m from the Atlantic beaches with private access, the 9-hole golf course, Serenity Spa, two swimming pools, the Anabel Croft Tennis academy. They have many dining venues including a private beach bar, Portuguese steak house and Japanese restaurant making this a perfect Luxury Algarve resort for those who enjoy the finer things in life and traditional hospitality.

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Domes Lake Resort

A luxurious resort with a natural, sandy beach pool and a floating restaurant that’s only 300 m from Falésia Beach. Balconies reach out from the rooms and have stunning views of the surrounding lake and sea.

A Moorish-style dome welcomes guests at the reception. Spacious, comfortable rooms with luxurious linens and bathroom treats put you in the mood to slow down and relax.

The resort has three restaurants, two bars and a library full of books and magazines but is also not far from Vilamoura Marina or Thai Beach Club for those who like to get out and about. There’s a spa area, Koala Kids Club, three pools and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy.

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Grand House

This beautiful, old school, grand house is Belle Époque hotel and the only 5-star hotel in the most eastern town of Vila Real de Santo António. On the bank of the Guadiana River, you can enjoy views of the harbour and Spanish town of Ayamonte at the other side of the river from one of the 30 rooms or suites.

The decor is traditional and features many antiques, mouldings and opulent design details. Fine dining, a rooftop terrace and bar are available to guests as is a complimentary transfer to the hotels’ beach club with its infinity pool – check-in and relax in the ultimate Algarvian luxury!

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Longevity Health and Wellness Hotel

This new hotel is built into a secluded hillside by the fishing village of Alvor and enjoys views out to the bay and the countryside. As a wellness hotel, the focus is on facilities such as their infinity rooftop outdoor swimming pool along with a heated indoor pool.

Contemporary, naturally inspired décor is evident throughout. All rooms have a balcony and all the amenities that you would expect from a five-star hotel.

The breakfast buffet is served at the Rooftop Pure Cafe by Longevity, which has beautiful panoramic sea views. There’s a spa and wellness centre, with a wide range of treatments and massages and state of the art fitness studio.

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Vidamar Hotel

A variety of interestingly sculpted outdoor swimming pools, outdoor and indoor bars and landscaped gardens along with a good selection of dining options create the mood here in the Salgados area of Albufeira.

Designer rooms and suites come in a range of pool, garden and sea views with large balconies and great amenities. Interconnecting family rooms are also available.

This five-star resort after the Marina of Albufeira, set in a tranquil location, perfect for a week or so to recharge your batteries in luxurious surroundings. The surrounding area has many of the Algarves’ best restaurants and pristine beaches. It’s also a great springboard to explore other areas as it’s very central.

There’s a kid’s club for the children along with room service to add to your comfort, as the parents can just enjoy the Algarve in luxury, you know you deserve it!

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