Casa Rosa Villa Hotel, Olhao, Algarve, Portugal - Explore & Book

"While many tourists head west for big surf and big hotels, a more cosmopolitan mix of people find themselves in beautiful Olhão. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now a vibrant town with a distinctly Moroccan vibe (owed, in part, to the fact it’s twinned with Agadir). There, the newly opened Casa Rosa sits proudly, with its pink-washed walls, on a pretty, tree-lined street. Known locally as the ‘pink house’, it was built in the 1950s but left in disrepair until new owners Colum and David stumbled across it and fell in love. They spent three years transforming the sophisticated 9-bedroom hotel – one that feels part-Portuguese quinta, part-Moroccan riad, with plenty of bohemian, artistic flair. Take a stroll down the winding, cobblestone streets towards the waterfront and you’ll find shops, cafes, restaurants and some of the freshest seafood around (Olhão’s the Algarve’s largest fishing port, so there’s nowhere better to enjoy it). On a hot, sunny day, we had a hard time leaving the pool – the passionfruit mojitos had something to do with it – but there’s a lot to explore. You’re centrally positioned among the Algarve’s best beaches, with the Ria Formosa national park on your doorstep. Highs Gorgeous courtyard and terrace overlooking Olhao – perfect for alfresco dining and lounging, with areas for sun and shade-seekers Lots of generous touches: big, comfy beds, eco-friendly toiletries, and a flask of herbal tea left at turndown Owners Colum & David will make you want to move to Olhão just to hang out Unlike other places in the Algarve, people actually live in Olhão so it doesn’t feel like a tourist town Good value for money which adds to the laid-back, welcoming feel Lows The pool is small so you can’t swim laps, but it’s perfect for a relaxing dip Olhão has a lovely harbour but the closest beaches are a drive (or ferry boat/water taxi) away There’s no surf, but almost every other watersport is available There aren’t any TVs in any of the rooms, which we didn’t miss but some people might Shops and restaurants in Olhão are mostly closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly" - Leona Ford