Salgados Palace ★★★★★

The Algarve – a sprawling mass of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and glimmering, cobalt waters on the south coast of Portugal. And here, in the midst of it all, lies Albufeira. At one point in time this town was a fishing village, playing host to rickety old wooden boats and a rustic harbour. These days, it’s a popular holiday destination, drawing in thousands of visitors every year. It’s easy to see why, too – the beaches are some of the best in Europe, the tropical temperature is perfect for topping up tans, and the craggy scenery is a beauty to behold. But, still, beneath its new identity as a holiday hotspot, Albufeira retains much of its former charm as a small, unassuming fishing village.

Wandering through the cobbled streets of the old town, passing quaint cafes and a selection of fine restaurants, the captivating allure becomes evident. Traditional Fado melodies waft out of bars and shops, not yet drowned out by mainstream music, whilst winding alleyways present quirky new finds around every corner. The architecture is also a fascinating mix, with strong hints to the area’s Moorish past.

People mainly flock to this part of Portugal for the beaches – and boy are they exquisite! Long, wide sandy beaches stretch out for miles and are punctuated with rocky outcrops, and then there’s the inviting blue waters, perfect for cooling off in the midday sun. Albufeira, as I found out, is the ideal holiday destination. And, so too is the Salgados Palace Hotel, which has a little something for all the family.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly for me, was the fabulous spa, complete with an extensive range of relaxing facilities and treatments. I wiled away many an hour enjoying a massage, followed by a dip in the Jacuzzi (there’s also a sauna and a selection of beauty therapies amongst other services designed for treating you to the perfect ‘me-time’). Then there’s the difficult choice of which pool to slip into for an afternoon swim – with three to choose from, it’s no mean feat!

For the more active visitor, the 18-hole golf course is the ideal place to spend some time perfecting your swing. Or, if you already consider yourself a pro, try teeing off from one of the white tees, especially for the more practised golfers amongst us. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and, of course, with the glorious blue skies and sunshine, Salgados’ golf course is a popular hangout.

Travelling with kids? No problem – as I said before, the Salgados caters for all the family. With an in-house Kids Club ready to whisk the young ones away and keep them entertained throughout the day, you are free to relax, explore, and enjoy the resort (and region) as you wish – did I hear a contented sigh there? 

And the best bit? All of these fantastic facilities are set against a sleek, chic, and modern décor – something the newly renovated Salgados prides itself on. The rooms are big and spacious, with a clean, minimal design, and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out across the beautiful scenery of the Algarve. The bars and restaurants are just as exquisitely decorated, and with a sumptuous selection of restaurants and bars to choose from so there won’t be any family arguments come dinner time.

There’s everything you could possibly need (and more!) at the Salgados Palace Hotel – golf, a spa, swimming pools, delectable cuisine, fine décor, and something to keep the kids happy. The icing on the cake, though, is the fantastic scenery – the scenery that so unique to the Algarve, it keeps visitors returning every year. As for me, I certainly enjoyed exploring the beautiful region, and left safe in the knowledge that I can come back to the Salgados and find everything I need in a holiday, right at my fingertips.