Arrival/Check-in: We arrived at Vila Vita Parc exhausted after an overnight flight followed by a long layover before our connecting flight and, finally, an hour’s drive on unfamiliar roads. What a pleasure, then, when the front desk clerk greeted us by name as the valet quietly scooped our bags from the car. Our senses awakened, we began to notice our surroundings: a comfortable lobby leading to a sitting area and an expansive balcony beyond. Head Butler José Vila-Nova approached to introduce himself and escort us to our room. (30/30)
Guest Quarters: Our fourth-floor room located in the main building near the entrance to Vila Vita Parc’s sprawling landscape opened to a small foyer with a guest bath on the right. We proceeded into the comfortable living area divided into lounging (sofa, chair, coffee table) and dining (generous round table with banquette seating) space. Sliding glass doors opened onto a balcony set with chairs and ottomans in addition to chaise longues. The balcony also fronted the bedroom (accessed from inside via a door from the living area) with its own sliding glass doors. The bedroom featured a king-sized bed, an armoire and a chest of drawers; large closets lined the hallway leading to the master bath with a separate water closet and double sinks. (30/30)
Services/Amenities: Housekeeping delivered fresh fruit and bottled water every day, in addition to fresh flowers set in the living area and in both bathrooms. The multi-lingual staff switched seamlessly among languages, at times carrying on simultaneous conversations in Portuguese, German, French, English and Spanish. Someone was always on hand to answer questions about the area or offer tips for exploring — complete with a local map to help us navigate. We sampled several on-site eateries in addition to room service and were disappointed only once — a letdown I’d like to chalk up to early-season opening pains. I indulged in a couple of spa treatments. Both were phenomenal, but spa administration seemed a bit disorganized. (37/40)
The Experience: While we wanted to explore the Algarve, it was difficult to pull ourselves away from the serenity of Vila Vita Parc.
Total Score: 97/100
Vila Vita Parc Algarve
Alporchinhos
P-8400-450 Porches
Portugal
tel 351 282 31 01 00
Vila Vita Parc Algarve
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 8, 2023Maastricht is for Art Lovers
The southern Dutch city of Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, and home to many art institutions and art fairs, including TEFAF Maastricht, Europe’s premier trade show for fine art.
Sponsored Content
75 Years Connecting the Americas
Copa Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary by showcasing a Boeing 737-800 NG in an aircraft livery that harkened back to the airline’s look in the 1990s. During that time, Copa Airlines launched an expansion of their network to become the Hub of the Americas®, changing the way to travel to and connect in our Continent.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Sum of Its Parts: Discover the True Pulse of the City in Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Without visiting, it’d be easy to throw Chicago into any number of categories. Everyone thinks they know Chicago; after all, it’s the third-largest city in America, the most prestigious foodie city in the country, the city of jazz, a comedian’s playground, an architect’s dream, a writer’s paradise. The list goes on. Only when walking the streets themselves do you realize there’s nothing categorical about the Windy City, especially as it continues to evolve.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Airline Startups Take to the Skies, Offering Affordability and Accessibility
PHOTO: © ADRIAN OLSTAD
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Daily
Feb 8, 2023New Ayurvedic Journeys at Anantara Resorts in Sri Lanka
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka offer travelers new Ayurvedic experiences.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Aruba
eFlyer News
Feb 8, 2023Self-Care Staycation at Bellyard Hotel
eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023Regent Romance at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, one of London’s most luxurious properties and part of Oetker Collection, offers a romantic afternoon tea experience alongside a hotel stay just in time for Valentine’s Day. Available Feb. 11, 12 and 14, Valentine’s Afternoon Tea features Rosé Champagne and a rose cake to share with that special someone.
eFlyer Lead
Feb 8, 2023Devastating Türkiye, Syrian Earthquake: How to Help as Death Toll Rises
A deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria Feb. 6, with more than 11,000 fatalities thus far reported. That number is expected to grow as rescue operations continue.
ShareThis