Pine Cliffs – Algarve, Portugal
With its prime seafront location, acres and acres of space and exceptional facilities, Pine Cliffs consistently ranks as one of the finest resorts in Europe. And once you’re here, you’ll find few reasons to leave. Named after the dramatic orange sandstone cliffs, it sits in nearly 180 acres of landscaped gardens and pines, with its very own golf course right next to the Atlantic.
The design mixes traditional and contemporary Portuguese elements, with a pinch of Moorish influence, giving it a thoroughly upmarket Algarve feel. It’s a playground for all the family, with seven pools, water sports galore, an Annabel Croft tennis academy and a fabulous Spa. You’ll never be short of things to do.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
It’s a tough choice between the Golden Flag beach and the tennis academy!Style:
Portuguese meets Moorish.Location:
In 179 acres on the Algarve, close to Albufeira – 35 minutes from Faro, two hours from Seville and two and a half hours from Lisbon.Rooms:
217 rooms, suites, townhouses & residences.Swimming:
7 pools dotted around the resort – one with a swim up bar.Children:
There’s something for children of all ages.Accessibility:
There are specially adapted rooms for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
We love the sense of place with the design and décor of many of the rooms and suites – terracotta detail with painted tiles, surrounded by gardens and courtyards. Others have more of a contemporary feel, with panoramic views. In various locations across the resort, there’s something for every need and flexible family living – from suites with interconnecting rooms to one, two or three bedroom residences and townhouses.
food
We love the choice here – there’s a dizzying array of restaurants. From traditional Portuguese to a wide range of international options, you could eat somewhere different every evening. Seafood lovers will not be disappointed with O Pescador and Maré down on the beach– a table at sunset here doesn’t get much better. There’s Japanese at Yakuza; Mediterranean buffet at O Grill and delicious steaks at Piri Piri. For a health kick, head to Zest for salads and juices, and there’s even a cookery school at Mimo.
activities
With its vast range of facilities and beachfront location, Pine Cliffs is perfect for active families. From sailing to windsurfing, jet skiing to water skiing and the more sedate paddle boarding and kayaking, there’s a great choice of water sports. The resort has its own nine-hole golf course, and there are plenty more to choose from in the surrounding area. Book a lesson with a tennis pro at the Annabel Croft Academy, or sign up for yoga and fitness sessions.
The Spa has a very good range of treatments and therapies – perfect for a massage after an afternoon on the court. There’s a lot to explore outside of the resort too – the Algarve has many hidden secrets and a rich history. Head into the hills to a little village, or along the coast to a traditional fishing port. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails and some fabulous restaurants.
family
Pine Cliffs boasts one of the largest kid’s clubs around, with facilities for children from six months, all the way up to teenagers. Porto Pirata comes with a pirate ship, mini-golf course, two pools and a basketball court. Daily programmes are full of fun and creative activities and all run by a fully trained and experienced team. Guests can book in for a half or full day. The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy is a winner with older children, as are the water sports on the beach.
sustainability
The resort works very hard to reduce its ecological footprint, with a number of environmental practices. All waste is recycled or composted; year on year, energy consumption is reduced and water usage is strictly monitored. Cycling around the resort is encouraged, and all buggies are electric. Social responsibility is also taken very seriously, with a food donation programme in place.
Location
Algarve
In 179 acres on the Algarve, close to Albufeira – 35 minutes from Faro, two hours from Seville and two and a half hours from Lisbon.
