Hotel Martinhal Sagres, Sagres, Portugal - Explore & Book
"Martinhal Sagres is like no other hotel on the Algarve. Forget golf, forget overdeveloped land and rammed beaches. This tasteful designer temple sits within the protected Costa Vicentina national park on the cliffy western rather than flat southern coast - in fact, on the very bottom left-hand corner of Portugal, sticking out into the Atlantic. The location is fabulously unspoilt, wild and rugged - a rather bold setting for such a stunning contemporary hotel. But it works: this is a magical combination of luxury and nature.There are 37 chic rooms, some in the main building, others in a cluster of private wood-clad blocks beside it, all with views of the impossibly blue ocean. Surrounding them are dozens of self-catering villas for 4-6, some with private pools (see our separate review). The resort has 3 excellent restaurants serving variations on Portuguese food, 4 beautiful swimming pools surrounded by teak decking and lime-green bean bags, and a spa with sea-inspired treatments. Everything is contemporary in style, with a thoughtfulness, flair for design and eye for detail in an authentic, thoroughly modern, Portuguese setting. Highs A paradise for kids, with several play areas, imaginative kids clubs, 4 heated pools and activities for every age group, including a sweet fairy-door trail But ticks all the parent boxes, too! A spa for those in need of pampering, activities for all including windsurfing, cycling and deep-sea fishing; or just lie in the sunThe biggest breakfast buffet imaginable - we loved the fresh detox juices and creamy scrambled eggs with coriander and chivesGorgeous interiors - a mix of Portuguese materials (local Monchique stone, cork from nearby forests) and funky extras (iPod docks, Mongolian beanbags)Even though the resort was almost full when we stayed, it really didn't feel crowded. There's masses of space and a calm vibe Lows Part of a resort, with dozens of villas sprinkled about. Stylish and low-rise though they are, it feels a bit suburban (and not very i-escape), but the upside is a wealth of facilities, including tennis courtsYou need to book the restaurants in advance in the eveningsService is mixed - staff are lovely, but often too laid-back; our waiter couldn't tell us anything about the winesGiven the exposed location it can be very windy, so not ideal for beach sunbathing, and the surrounding land is bleak in places" - Belinda Archer
