The Martinhal Resort in Portugal is more of a small village rather than a hotel. The property boasts a 5 star hotel, larger villas in addition to 2 & 3 bedroom suites. All villas and suites enjoy the services of staying in a 5 star resort. Located 10 minutes from the town of Sagres in the Algarve the hotel is easily reached by a flight to Faro or a 2.5 hour drive from Lisbon Airport.
The property offers anything and everything any 5 star resort might offer including three restaurants, spa, and oodles activities for children of all ages (from 4 months to teenagers). Accommodation and activity options are endless and because this is a very family oriented property most of the room categories are in the two to three bedroom size range. There are standard hotel accommodation in the main building which boast the best views and also offer interconnecting option.
This hotel is a brand new build from the ground up and is only 5 years old so the building and surrounding areas are in great condition and the décor was very clean, simple and modern but with a warm homey feel. The staff went way out of their way on more than one occasion to make our stay perfect. I really can’t say enough about the level of service that came out of the property on many fronts.
The heart of this property is the fact that it is a true family resort. The hotel is loaded with families (we were there during peak season). In fact if you are not traveling with children, I might recommend a visit when schools are in session.
There are 3 dining options and each of the restaurants offers children’s recreation within a few paces of your table and during breakfast & dinner a kid concierge (entertainers) to keep them entertained. Our 7 year old was able to run rampant until his meal arrived and then go back to some activity once the last bite hit his stomach. I am not just talking about a few lego pieces nearby…..I am talking about bouncy houses, trampolines, bungee jumping, sand pits, monkey bars…the whole works. My son was able to play hard while we enjoyed dinner or lunch making it easier to relax. There was a casual restaurant with pizza, pasta, some fish and burgers as well as two higher end dining rooms. The food quality and restaurant service was very good and there is a good selection of local and more modest (but good) dining options.
The property had 3 separate pool areas and ample and easy access to the beautiful beach in front of the hotel. One day we enjoyed the beach in reserved loungers in a quite area while our son swung from the rafters in kids club. The kids club has it all, pool, ping pong, climbing and jumping areas, arts and crafts, games and so on and so on.
The hotel is located 10 minutes from the historic town of Sagres. It is very quaint and worth a walk about while the scenery along the Atlantic Ocean shore line (10 – 30 minute drive north depending on where you go) will absolutely blow you away. The cliffs and dunes and beaches along the ocean are stunning and all are very accessible by car. I would highly recommend asking the hotel for some simple directions on how to see the Atlantic Ocean.
We had a great stay at Martinhal. The property is new, well maintained and very nicely appointed and the staff very helpful. For the kids, Martinhal is a dream destination, so well worth the trip for any family wanting to explore an European getaway.
As an aside, if you are a golfer don’t missed the chance to play Palmara in nearby Lagos (30 minute drive) with 27 championship holes. Be sure to play 19 to 27 along the water (be sure you get booked on this nine) as well a preference for 10 to 18. Stunning, challenging, well maintained and great value.