ALONG Portugal’s south coast between the popular tourist destinations of Albufeira and Portimão sits Vila Vita Parc, a sanctuary and feast for the senses. This luxury resort cleverly balances the needs of families with children and the desires of couples wanting to relax in peace, anticipating every wish of both.
Vila Vita Parc gardens
We stayed in one of the Oasis family suites which has ample space for four and is next to an enormous family pool with swim-up bar and even a baby pool with its own cave. For those travelling without children there is a stunning infinity pool with its own bar. There is also the indoor/outdoor spa pool with jacuzzi where all are welcome. If that weren’t enough swimming options, the resort also boasts its own private beach close to the renowned Benagil rock formations and sea stacks.
Exquisite food made with love and skill is a mainstay of Vila Vita Parc’s 12 eateries and a wine cellar housing the largest private wine collection in Portugal. We tried Giardino restaurant which offers authentic, handmade Italian cuisine made with as much pride and passion as any Italian Nonna would put into her dishes.
Vila Vita Parc yacht (available for guests to hire) and beach
Opposite Giardino is the Whale restaurant and pool lounge, serving up grass-fed burgers from the resort’s very own organic farm – which also produces the resort’s olive oil, much of its produce and some of its wines. Both restaurants enjoy stunning views of the infinity pool and bay.
At the heart of Vila Vita Parc is a pretty terrace surrounded by fountains and featuring a traditional Portguese coffee shop and Adega restaurant, which serves up classic Portuguese cuisine and includes boutique label wines from Portuguese islands Madeira and the Azores.
Deluxe room with garden view
There are also three off-site restaurants located on the beach a short shuttle ride from the hotel at Armação Beach Club. We dined at Praia Dourada, which has a bright, high-end crab shack feel and serves fresh delicious sushi, poke bowls, oysters, salads, divine smoothies and heavenly coconut rice puddings with tropical fruit.
Life assumes a gentle pace at Vila Vita Parc – the only decision of the day is where to eat next and shall we swim at the pool or the beach? The breakfast buffet was a personal morning highlight and even after leaving I still yearn for the oat and banana cinnamon waffles, as well as the peace and tranquillity of the sun-drenched gardens.
by Nicola Kavanagh
Room rates start at €315