Plan a Trip to Portugal And Enjoy the Conrad Algarve

Portugal is continuing to climb lists as a popular vacation destination. As someone who has been four times in the past five years, I’m both thrilled and upset by this. It’s actually my favorite country and the one that I’ve definitely spent the most time in(outside of the U.S. where I live). So I love that others are experiencing all that it has to offer and loving it, while I’m also sad that my home away from home is becoming a more touristy spot.

There are various cities that I could write about, but I thought i’d start with the Algarve region and the hotel you have to stay at while visiting: the Conrad.

What’s not to love here? Seriously.

Location = 3.5

Ok this has an * next to it. Because it could easily be a 5. It’s a 20-30 minute drive from the Faro airport and a 5-minute drive to the Atlantic Ocean. What negative could there possible be about that? For me, the one negative is the direct area. When driving up, it feels a little misplaced and it does not give the feel of a 5-star hotel. Now, I will also say that I’ve never felt unsafe in the area when walking outside the hotel grounds. There is a convenient grocery store across the street, as well as restaurants and plenty of houses nearby, so it’s certainly not a dead area. While the immediate neighborhood is less luxurious, the bigger picture location is magical.

Service = 5

The service here is my personal ideal type of service. They are all extremely kind, welcoming and available to help with anything BUT they also don’t hover or bombard you. Across the board, from check-in to waitors to maids, everyone deserves a 5!

Rooms = 5

The rooms are gorgeous and fairly spacious. And I love that they come with the option for both daytime cleaning and nighttime turn-down service — which is made clear via buttons in the room that then showcase whether you’d like service on the outside of your room. The bathroom is pretty big and features a separate room with the toilet, bidet and large walk-in shower (with multiple shower heads, including a rain shower). The guest rooms also always come with a local welcome treat waiting for you on the table.

Food = 4

There are 5 on-site locations to eat, including a restaurant by “one of Europe’s most esteemed Michelin-starred chefs”. The options are genuinely very good and I like that there is variety. The breakfast buffet is grand and definitely a highlight. It’s not quite a 5 because some of my favorite meals in the Algarve have actually happened outside the hotel property. There are some delicious spots if you’re willing to venture out and around the town. But overall, the food is definitely

Amenities = 4

Spa - It is a wonderfully, luxurious experience with saunas, hot and cold tubs, an indoor/outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, and an expansive list of treatments and add-ons.

Pools - There are multiple, including an infinity adult’s one, a kids/family one and the separate one inside the spa mentioned above. They will definitely satisfy whatever vibe you’re looking for. The adults pool is smaller and sometimes it can be hard to secure a spot if the hotel is close to capacity. Also, important to note that the kids’ pool is closed November - February and the adults’ one is open at the discretion of weather during that same time period.

Kids’ Club + Children’s Playground - Can’t say I’ve used this, but I guarantee it’s a plus for families.

Golf - There are no courses on the property, but the on-site golf concierge can arrange tee times and transportation to various courses in the area, including the famous Quinta do Lago.

Beach - Catch a short shuttle ride to a spot along Vale do Lobo Beach in an area exclusive to Conrad Algarve guests. While you’re there, enjoy a meal at Maria’s (If you know, you know!). If the hotel was located directly on the beach, it would make this whole category a 5 in my book.