Picture the scene: it’s 1966, and Englishman George Ansliy is aboard his vessel, sailing the waters around southern Portugal. Suddenly, his gaze is caught by a section of beautiful rugged cliffs near Praia des Gaivotas. He stares, open-mouthed, and fumbles for his binoculars to get a closer look at the breathtaking landscape. From that moment on, he vowed to make this piece of the shoreline a tourist’s very own piece of paradise: and that he did.
At first, the villages he built on the 11 hectares were sold to wealthy individuals. It wasn’t until the birth of his granddaughter, Lara, that the development was christened – Vilalara – a name which it has retained to this day. Since then, the Vilalara complex has changed hands, but has always kept the same essence and atmosphere of being an exclusive hidden oasis. The introduction of Portugal’s first Thalassotherapy Centre in the 90s, providing medical cures and therapies using seawater, only heightened its prestige, and now all it takes is a glance around the lush resort to see what all the excitement is about.
The world-class Thalassotherapy Centre itself covers 2,600m2, and is complemented by a spa, fitness centre and personalised wellbeing programmes, meaning each individual can take away exactly what they please from their retreat. Visitors are never short of things to do, with 5 pools, direct access to a stretch of golden beach, tennis courts and exclusive agreements and rates with the best golf clubs in the area. Not only this, but gourmet à la carte dining at their B&G and Terrace Grill restaurants, with stunning views over the sea and food ranging from Portuguese cuisine to seasonal fresh fish and sea food dishes.
The Vilalara Thalassa Resort **** has been inspiring lovers of the Algarve for 50 years, guaranteeing them the utmost exclusivity and that little something extra that makes a holiday so special. So choose your indulgent spa treatments, sink back into your poolside sun bed, watch the sky and the ocean merge into one and let go of all your worries – everything else is taken care of!