The Vila Vita Parc opened its doors in 1992 and quickly became an instant success. Since 1995, it has been a part of the prestigious ‚Leading Hotels of the World,‘ a distinction that is completely justified. As soon as you pass through the grand entrance gate, you are transported to another world. Located in the Algarve, Portugal, the resort has evolved over the years into the stunning destination it is today.

From the moment you enter the resort, someone is there to take care of you, your luggage, and even your car. For some, this might be standard, but I was already impressed that someone would park my car for me. This level of service continued throughout the entire stay. The entire staff was so warm and friendly that you immediately feel at home. Whenever you’re ready to leave the hotel with your car, a staff member will have it waiting for you at the door, ready for your next adventure.

The Room

We stayed in a Deluxe Room with a Seaview, and it was incredibly comfortable. I especially appreciated its size and, more importantly, its location. Being situated in the main building, everything was easily accessible on foot from our room.

The cleaning service came twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening, so the room was always neat and tidy. I really appreciated returning to a freshly cleaned room each time.

I would gladly book this room again at any time because it immediately made me feel at home.

The Resort

The Vila Vita Parc resort is vast, spanning over 200 acres, so it’s quite common to take a golf cart to get from one area to another. While I usually prefer walking to take in the surroundings, we decided to try the golf carts a few times for convenience, especially when moving between the different sections of the resort, like the restaurants, pools, and beach access. The golf carts are a great way to navigate the expansive property without feeling rushed, and the drivers are always happy to share recommendations on things to see or do during your stay.

To start your day, you can choose between two fantastic breakfast locations. One is in the main building, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful garden view, while the other is in the clubhouse, offering an amazing view of the ocean. However, the clubhouse is an adults-only area, so if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need to opt for the garden-view breakfast in the main building. I personally preferred the clubhouse because, in addition to the buffet, you can also order à la carte dishes, allowing for a more personalized and leisurely breakfast experience.

The Vila Vita Parc offers a wide range of activities, including playing golf on their beautiful course, visiting a nearby vineyard, and exploring their impressive wine cellar. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a golf lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your stay.

We spent the majority of our time on the private beach, enjoying the sea. The hotel provides towels and sun loungers for guests, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Since the beach is private, there’s always someone on duty to watch over the area, so you can leave your belongings securely while you take a swim in the sea.

Although the sea was a bit chilly, it was incredible to swim and snorkel in the bay. The waters were home to beautiful mussels, and if you swim a little further out, you’ll discover a secluded bay to your right, where you can spend some peaceful time away from the crowd.

The Restaurants

During our stay in 2017, Vila Vita Parc featured 10 different restaurants and 6 bars, offering a wide variety of dining options without the need to leave the resort. We tried several of them, and all were fantastic, but my personal favorite was the Ocean Restaurant. While the selection of restaurants may change over time, I’m sure the dining experience will always remain exceptional.

Whale Restaurant

The Whale Restaurant offers a casual dining experience where you can enjoy dishes from all around the world. It’s located right by the pool, with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

We ate at the Whale Restaurant at our first evening and I really enjoyed our meal. So whenever you want to go to a restaurant but don’t want to dress up really, the Whale Restaurant is the place to be.

Adega Restaurant

The Adega Restaurant is a Portuguese restaurant where you can enjoy a nice Portuguese meal with life music and a very nice view over the swan lake.

Vila Vita Biergarten

Since it was nearly Oktoberfest season during our stay in Portugal, we decided to try the Vita Vita Biergarten. Located outside the resort, the restaurant is easily accessible, as the reception will arrange a shuttle to take you there.

It’s a charming restaurant offering a traditional German menu. While the presentation differs from what you’d find in Germany, the food is excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there..

Ocean Restaurant

The Ocean Restaurant is a two-Michelin-starred dining gem led by renowned Austrian Executive Chef Hans Neuner. Famous for its innovative take on Portuguese cuisine, the restaurant serves a refined tasting menu that highlights locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and a chic interior featuring a unique coral wall and Murano glass sculptures, Ocean offers a truly special dining experience. Open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, it’s the perfect spot for those seeking a sophisticated and unforgettable meal in the Algarve. Reservations are essential, and please note the minimum age requirement of 12 years. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or simply in search of a culinary adventure, Ocean Restaurant is a must-visit destination.

I can only tell you that if you ever have the chance to book a table at the Ocean Restaurant, do it. It’s simply delicious. The entire experience, from the elegant setting to the beautifully presented dishes, was unforgettable. Dining there felt more like a culinary journey through Portugal, elevated by the creativity of Chef Hans Neuner and his team. A true highlight of our stay at Vila Vita Parc.

Aladin Grill Restaurant

The Aladin Grill Restaurant is a unique live-cooking experience, where the kitchen is set right in the center of the room, allowing you to watch the chefs work their magic. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, with Moroccan-inspired décor that adds a special charm to the evening. It’s a great place if you enjoy high-quality grilled dishes prepared right before your eyes.

The atmosphere is inspired by Moroccan style, and the menu features a variety of grilled specialties, from meats to seafood.

The Spa

Since I love trying out every spa during my travels, I was especially curious about the one at Vila Vita Parc. The spa is located in a separate building within the resort, which adds to its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Since our stay in the Algarve was all about relaxing, I treated myself to two massages at the spa. First, I had a back, neck, shoulder, and head massage combined with foot reflexology. The second was a Vitamin C & Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial treatment. I truly enjoyed both experiences, not just for the treatments themselves, but also because of the peaceful atmosphere and the lovely therapist who made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Besides the treatments and massages, the Spa also offers a variety of other relaxing amenities. There’s a pool, a whirlpool, several saunas, and even an infrared sauna. During my appointments, I had the entire spa area to myself, which made the experience even more peaceful and enjoyable.

All in all, Vila Vita Parc is truly one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. I would go back in a heartbeat if I had the chance. If you’re looking for an exceptional place to stay in the Algarve, be sure to check out this stunning resort.

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