Vila Vita Parc Resort, Portugal

This marvellous resort in the Algarve region of Portugal has it all; a staggering range of accommodations, 10 restaurants and six bars, a wine cellar – stocked with more than 11,000 bottles, 54 acres of subtropical gardens, a 20 meter long private yacht, a dedicated kids park, special family packages, its own golf course and the list goes on and on.

Not surprisingly, we all are quite impressed. Our fascination with this ‘grand old lady’, Vila Vita Parc Resort, which opened its doors in 1992 and is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World, starts as soon as we arrive. The transfer from Faro Airport is swift and friendly with our driver chatting about the upcoming weather and sights to be seen. So without hardly noticing, we enter the gates of the resort and are being driven up to the entrance. We are welcomed with big smiles and our luggage magically finds its way to our suite while the reception staff elaborately explain all the facilities. To get a grip on things, guest are supplied with a foldable map to navigate the way around. And we sure need it as indeed the grounds are huge.

This is also the reason we set off to our accommodation in a golf cart, something our girls never cease to enjoy. So giggling and joking we encourage the guest relations manager to speed it up just a little. In no time we arrive at our Oasis Family suite situated at the end of a row of two-story apartments done in mainly Portuguese and Moorish design. The suite encompasses an open plan sleeping and living area, a separate twin bedroom and a bath or shower room. As we are on the ground floor, we have a terrace and a small patch of garden, ideal for having a coffee in the morning sun and/or a sundowner. Upper-level units come with access to a 40-square-metre rooftop terrace featuring daybeds, a sitting area and a rain shower.

Not only is there a welcoming package, the girls also receive a nice gift pack on our departure with among other things a cool battery pack to charge the phone. But let’s start with our arrival. The weather is gorgeous, so after unpacking our luggage we go out to do some exploring. Although this jewel of a resort justifies a visit in any season, we are happy to be here this time in autumn. The temperature still hovers between 20-25 degrees with a mild breeze making it all perfectly ideal. Still warm enough to go out and swim in one of the three pools: two outdoor, one indoor, as well as several smaller kids’ pools.

One of these pools is reserved for adults. It has a infinity design and provides floating daybeds and sleek cabanas which are fully equipped with chill-out sounds - and even smartphone charging points. We almost feel sorry for our girls by just exposing them to such beauty and then denying them the opportunity to take a swim. Fortunately, we can take all this beauty in as we dine in the Whale restaurant overlooking the pool and lounge area. All areas are nicely lit, making a perfect combination with the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.

But when it comes to pools, we settle for the Oasis Parc’s, which also has loungers and cabanas and its own Rock pool for the little ones. No need to get out of the heated water for a drink, as the Palm Bar offers a ‘swim-in bar’ with submerged barstools. In the case of inclement weather, as said, there is still the indoor pool which also has an open-air-section. It also adjoins the Delfim Health Club with its top-of-the-range fitness facilities to challenge yourself with cardio and strength training sessions.

A resort like the Vila Vita fuels the challenge for us to find the perfect balance between total relaxation at the different pools and going out and about to explore both the resort and nearby sights and activities. One of the dillema’s is actually whether to visit a pool or the private beach. Just a short walk passed the Whale Pool and a small cliff, you can go down to a nice beach, perfectly settled between the big towering cliffs making it feel totally secluded. The waves aren’t that big but they do just fine for some body boarding. Watersport fans can also enjoy jet skiing, sailing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and pedal boating with slides into the water, all available for hire from the water sports area. The beach is also supervised by fully trained lifeguards during the warmer months. And after all the opportunities to get really exhausted, there are comfy sun loungers and parasols, perfect for sinking into for an afternoon snooze or reading a good book. To our surprise, drinks and dishes from all three restaurants can also be served directly on the beach so no need to leave for lunch.

And so, we drift from discovery to discovery at this grand resort. For example, it takes us three nights to discover a quirky midget golf course somewhat hidden away, which ensures a great family time. And there’s the amazing Annabella’s Kids park offering an array of fun and educational activities for children aged between four and eleven. Slides, swings and trampolines in this adventure playground provide opportunity to blow off the necessary steam. Painting and baking sessions, lego building contests, table football tournaments, face painting and mime games are on offer in the playroom. During high season, Annabella’s park opens late two nights a week, allowing parents to savour a little extra adults-only time.

Older kids can enrol in the VITAL Teen Wellness Programme which is designed for them to experience a full day’s session or a weekly programme filled with a variety of diverse activities. Workshops focus on supporting their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as equipping them with some essential life skills.

This is certainly a real bonus as many resorts only target the age group up to 11 years old and do not really organize a lot in terms of fun for teens. This is certainly not the case at the Vila Vita resort. Besides the Wellness Programme they can ride waves during surfing lessons, pump up their adrenaline during a day trip to a water park or join an adventure-filled jeep excursion. A watersport station at the Armação Beach Club offers all kinds of water pursuits.

Very unusually, we forgot to take our oldest daughters suitcase, so we are in desperate need for some new clothes. Fortunately, the Vila Vita has several boutiques and shops bringing guests an eclectic blend of exclusive international and local brands, showcasing the very best in fashion, lifestyle, eyewear, jewellery, watches and wine. But most of it is intended for adults and we do need quite a lot of things, so we find the last items at the nearby shopping malls.

The culinary front delivers us even more ‘choice’ stress. We simply do not have enough time to try even a third of all the restaurant options even though some can be ruled out because they are not suitable for kids. For example, with two Michelin stars, The Ocean restaurant is really more a place for a romantic diner while the kids enjoy a movie under the watchful eye of a qualified babysitter. The same goes for the Aladin Grill, as you might have guessed fully embracing the Oriental design elements. But most of the restaurants very much welcome children and offer a great opportunity for a cheerful family diner.

Besides the Whale restaurant, we also have a splendid time at one of the three beach clubs, only a short shuttle ride away from the resort. The Praia Dourada lies right on the golden sand. The menu includes delicious balanced and healthy dishes such as fish tacos, veggie burgers, watermelon gazpacho and poké bowls. So, we dig into all this delicious food while the girls run in and out the restaurant showing us the shells they collect on the shoreline. The atmosphere is very laid back and a perfect place to just linger around and have a chat with one of the other families feasting on the riches of the sea.

To add to the plethora of choice, there is another beach club, Arte Náutica, just a few hundred meters further away, which is just a little more formal as far as formal goes for a beach restaurant. And in summer, there is even a third option on the beach in the form of the Só Verão which offers a tempting selection of Petiscos (Portuguese tapas). All beach clubs are connected to each other by a new 300-meter wooden promenade.

Located at Vila Vita Parc’s Clubhouse, one can find the equally recommended Atlântico restaurant, featuring an elegant and sophisticated interior design in shades of blue that make it seem like the Ocean extends itself into the restaurant. It also has one of the best views of the subtropical gardens and the infinity pool. In the main building the Bela Vista restaurant serves international cuisine with a modern twist as well as breakfast, served daily from 8am to 11am. It is based on a healthy wellbeing concept that offers a full buffet or à la carte selections. Every day we enjoy our yoghurts, fresh fruits, babycinos and cappuccinos on the huge outside terrace. What a way to start the day!

From all the dining and shopping options we particularly like the Piazetta, a cosy remodelling of a village square, hosting a café which serves great coffee, cakes and pastries, a sweet shop with delicious ice cream, freshly popped popcorn and a newsstand. But let’s not forget the Vila Vita shop stocked with the resort’s entire wine range and other gourmet culinary products such as the Porches Craft Beers, the resort’s own artisan beer label, along with a stylish selection of home decoration designs, regional pottery and national handcrafted items. The Piazetta is also home to the Adega restaurant which has an extraordinary selection of attractive and tasty tapas and regional specialities from all over the country. And lets not forget we really like the interior of the resort with several nicely decorated parts to settle.

There is no real need to leave the resort. Everything you could possibly need is on hand. But if you decide to stay for a bit longer, you should try some other highly recommendable activities. For example, a visit to the Zoo de Lagos, the huge kart circuit at Portimão or a visit to the Zoomarine. We spent a day at the latter as the greatest wish of our youngest was to interact and swim with dolphins. The Zoomarine offers this in a special area, away from the rest of the park where it is quiet and peaceful. We experienced a wonderful session with some of the dolphins supervised and guided by the amazing staff.

WOW

# An outstanding resort with fantastic grounds and well-appointed rooms. The staff are amazing, very friendly and efficient.

# Although it is huge, it is so well laid out and it never feels crowded. The perfect place for total relaxation.

# Or get yourself ready for an adrenaline pumping activity. The Annabella’s Kids park is there for younger kids, just as the Vital Teen Welness Programme is for 11yr olds and up.

This destination can be booked through The Leading Hotels of the World.