Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa *****

MY unforgettable stay at Vila Vita

Jérôme, father of Achille, 5 years old, from Brussels

Last August I visited this legendary hotel for you. Here are my impressions.

A JEWEL NESTLED ON A CLIFF

At Little Guest, we visit each and every establishment in our collection before recommending them to travelling families which use our services to book their family holiday.

It was in this context that I was lucky enough to stay at the Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa.

Inaugurated in 1992, the hotel quickly established itself as THE most beautiful hotel in the Algarve. Owned by a wealthy German family, the hotel is the object of special attention from the members of this family who personally take care of the decoration and many other aspects. This is why Vila Vita feels like home.

The attention paid to the decoration and to the smallest details is truly impressive. Works of art are combined with exceptional materials such as linen, silk, marble, natural stone and wood. The whole forms a refined but not pretentious universe. The restaurant with its self-service buffet is a good example of this atmosphere. I visit a lot of hotels, but I have never seen such a refined buffet restaurant, far from the image one usually gets of this type of place.

The resort is arranged around a large park with lush vegetation. It is good to stroll around this domain which includes a 9-hole golf course and a sublime park with a fountain under which swans and ducks refresh themselves.

The endpoint of the resort offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the surrounding ochre cliffs. This is where an infinity pool is located, offering one of the most instagrammable spots in the area. In order for children to avoid putting themselves in danger by walking on the edge of this pool, access is reserved for adults only. But rest assured, just a stone’s throw away, the hotel has installed a superb paddling pool surrounded by beautiful swings!

This part of the hotel offers direct access to a pretty little cove protected from the wind. You will have to go down a wooden staircase to get to this beach. For families with strollers or grandparents, the hotel also put in place a free shuttle to another beach where there is no need to go down the stairs. On this beach you will find one of the hotel’s restaurants, allowing you to spend the whole day at the beach, having lunch in front of the waves at lunchtime.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES

The hotel offers services worthy of a palace in a relaxed atmosphere. The catering is varied, refined and very affordable. At lunchtime, for example, you can expect to pay between €10 and €15 for a starter and between €20 and €25 for a main course.

The minibar in my room was in the image of this establishment which advocates home-made and local products. The traditional M&M’s and Pringle’s were replaced by a chocolate bar prepared by the Pastry Chef, home-made biscuits and chips.

On arrival at my room, I was treated to a bottle of wine straight from a vineyard owned by the owners of the hotel. This local wine is also served in the different restaurants of the resort.

My room had a magnificent view on the sea. The bedding was very comfortable. I recommend families to stay in the two-bedroom Duplex Suites, some of which have an incredible rooftop where you can relax.

I, of course, visited the hotel’s kids-club and crèche. It is a very beautiful place with an indoor part and a large outdoor playground, protected from the sun by the shade of the maritime pines. The staff is very friendly and the activities are varied. I appreciated the impeccable cleanliness of the place and the impressive size of this area dedicated to children.

Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the small village made of wooden huts with straw roofs. These small shops offer original local creations and international brands such as Etro or Villebrequin. The children’s shop is very well stocked.

During my stay, I met a lot of children. Vila Vita is indeed a family-run hotel and is designed above all to welcome families.

If you like peace and quiet, refinement, way of life, decoration and gastronomy, the Vila Vita is made for you. Believe me, you will spend an unforgettable holiday here.

Have a great holiday!

Jérôme

For the children

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa welcomes families with children with open arms and offers them exceptional hospitality!

Custom-made activity programmes, mini clubs for all ages, babysitting service, facilities worthy of a childhood dream, that's what awaits your little ones.

From 6 months to 3 years old, babies are welcomed like little princes and princesses at Natalie's Crèche to let Mom and Dad go about their own business. A babysitting service is also available to parents on request.

Children from 4 to 11 years old are welcome at Annabella's Kids Park where they spend all their energy sliding down slides, turning swings and jumping on trampolines. In the company of qualified children's entertainers, they engage in all kinds of fun activities (sports, adventure games), creative activities (painting, cooking classes) and festive activities (organised theme evenings).

Teenagers from 12 years old join their new group of friends for exciting outings! The more adventurous ones engage in surfing lessons or a hectic day at the water park, while the others prefer the calm and tranquillity of a sunbathing session at the beach. Many sporting activities are available to these inexhaustible young people: tennis, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, cycling, basketball, handball and golf.

From 13 to 18 years old, young adults have the privilege of participating in the VITAL Teen wellness programme. Each day follows a different schedule, always organised in 3 different sessions: a training session, a nutritional report, as well as a group sports activity. Of course, this programme would not be complete without wellness and fitness sessions!

family experiences

Between water parks, adventure parks, shopping trips, nature corners, the Algarve is a gold mine for family outings!

Located 40 minutes by car from the hotel, Lagos has a beautiful historic centre and a tourist beach where there is plenty to do. Cruises, beaches, majestic cliffs, water sports, diving, there is something for everyone. To discover all the must-see places for the whole family, consult our complete Algarve practical guide.

Within the hotel, parents and their children enjoy the private beach of Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa: the Armação Beach Club. It is here that you can relax on a fine sandy beach under the gentle Portuguese sun. There are 3 restaurants and water activities such as jet skiing, sailing, paddle, kayaking or pedal boat.

Protector of the environment and marine life, the resort is committed to the conservation of the surroundings and sustainable development.

For the parents

While children are having a great time, Mom and Dad agree on the next activity to be tested. Fortunately, they have a lot of choices!

A sanctuary of relaxation and tranquillity, VILA VITA Spa by Sisley presents a menu of beauty and therapeutic treatments in collaboration with the famous French brand Sisley Paris. Away from the daily stress, take care of your pretty face before giving yourself a benevolent pedicure to repair your tired little feet that trot all day long.

With its holistic approach to wellness, this hotel sends you directly to Wonderland and ensures the full development of your body and mind. Eating habits, sports diet, everything is examined to get you back in shape. A healthy mind in a healthy body is the mantra.

The spa also has a garden pavilion where yoga sessions (private and group lessons) are practised, as well as a HYPOXI® studio, whose main function is to sculpt you a dream body according to a gentle method based on an exercise routine and a balanced diet plan.

Always in the interest of your satisfaction, the establishment has opened a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a heated indoor swimming pool (possibility of having a personal trainer), as well as a beauty and hair salon for the final touch.