Almancil
Portugal


The Experience

Hotel Quinta do Lago is to Portugal's Algarve what the San Roque Club is to the Costa del Sol: a prestigious golf resort within a very ritzy enclave. Thanks to its prime location on the beautiful Ria Formosa estuary and nature reserve, however, the Quinta do Lago offers more than just one of Europe's top 27-hole courses. Whereas much of the Algarve has been overdeveloped, the Quinta do Lago's almost 2,000 acres have remained relatively pristine. Whether or not you're a fan of the hotel's ‘80s-style Mediterranean architecture (the hotel is a somewhat sprawling stucco and concrete building), the natural beauty of its private beach and surrounding bird sanctuary are covetable summer surroundings. Still, one caveat: While Quinta do Lago is considered a five-star resort in Portugal, in the U.S. it would most likely be judged a four-star property.

The Rooms

The hotel has gone through several owners -- first Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, then the Orient-Express and now a private Portuguese businessman -- but the decor of the rooms has stayed pretty much the same. That means most of the bedrooms, which start at a respectable 475 square feet, are a little bit outdated and haphazard: fussy curtains, worn-out wall-to-wall carpeting, bright modern art prints and green potted plants. Many of the rooms have sliding glass doors that lead to small terraces, which overlook the water, but if a full view of the ocean is important, be sure to request it; some of the Deluxe Suites offer only partial ocean views.

The Service

In the last few years the current owner has cut back on the staff, which, not surprisingly, has noticeably affected the service. And not everyone on the staff speaks fluent English, which can cause occasional misunderstandings and confusion.

The Highlights

It doesn't rain so much on the Algarve; the area boasts more than 300 days of sun a year. So if your goal is to soak up the sun on the property's gorgeous stretch of private beach or swing golf clubs on the surrounding well-maintained courses (and thus not spend so much time in your room), you'll be pleased. And there are plenty of other distractions as well. In 2004 the hotel added a spacious new spa complete with two hammams, two saunas, an outdoor Jacuzzi and six treatment rooms. Meals, too, are best taken outdoors. The Lugana Bar, an outdoor casual dining area overlooking the pool, is an idyllic place at sunset, and the Brisa do Mar serves gourmet Portuguese fare on a terrace overlooking the sea.

-- Gisella Williams

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