Vila Vita Parc

I could have kissed Jolita, the guest relations director at Vila Vita Parc – in fact I did. The hotel – although that really doesn’t do it justice – has so much to offer that I really didn't know what to choose, but Jolita advised me with real patience and care.

‘Luxury’ doesn't fully describe the heavenly landscape of whitewashed buildings hidden among palm trees and pampas that seem to sprout out of the pristine lawns, gleaming cobbles and clear water fountains. The enormous resort – that is actually five resorts designed like individual villages – has a Disney like quality, where you feel as if someone has been shining the leaves just for you. Ducks and swans glide contentedly over the cool turquoise pools crossed by a humpback bridge, where as if to complete the scene, a wedding couple – an African prince and princess who have just been married in the grounds – appear.

Vila Vita Parc attracts its fair share of the great and the good. As I was checking in Jacques Chirac was just checking out. This superbly run German hotel sees a staggering 40% repeat customers thanks to the setting, but also the service. ‘We have seven restaurants here (one of them is Michelin starred) so you don't ever have to leave the hotel. In fact, most people don't,’ Jolita tells me. It was good advice.

In the spa, I indulge in a Vital Maritim – a unique treatment described as a ‘maritime journey through the Algarve’. After an invigorating exfoliation with sea and salt algae, I am treated to a bath with marine micro alga, water lily extract and essential oils, which feels like being in a soothing blue lagoon. This is followed by a sleep inducing massage using fragrant marine algae flowers and relaxing lavender.

I dine on flavoursome prawns in garlic and piri piri and fresh codfish at the onsite Adega Portuguese restaurant and the magic continued in the aptly named Alladin bar. Although tempted to visit Vila Vita Parc’s impressive wine estate, Herdade dos Grous for an organic alfresco lunch washed down with award-winning wines surrounded by olive groves and vineyards but decide to stay put. I suggest you visit Vila Vita Parc; just don't leave.

Vila Vita Parc

Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos

P-8400 - 450 Porches . Telephone: + 351 / 282 / 31 01 00

http://vilavitaparc.com