The arrival of W Algarve in June 2022, Portugal’s first W brand, marked a step change for the southern Portuguese region, bringing a stylish disruptor to the Algarve’s usual reputation for family-friendly waterparks, bucket and spade holidays and golfing greens. Instead, the W Algarve introduces the brand’s trademarks of innovation, luxury and quirky design, successfully mixing Portuguese style with a laid-back escape and the W’s core spirit of energetic, music-filled drama.
Where?
The hotel is on a clifftop above Evaristo beach, bang in the middle of the Algarve. It’s 35 minutes from Faro airport, three miles west of the bright lights of Albufeira, the Algarve’s party town, and around 60-70 minutes-drive from both the windy surfing beaches around Sagres to the west and the Spanish border to the east. A wide path leads down to the beach and there’s a cluster of gorgeous coves nearby, Galé, Praia de Arrifes and Praia de Castelo among the best.
Style
Fresh, interesting and instantly welcoming. When the first W Hotel opened in New York 26 years ago, it set the tone with moody, dark interiors and a see-and-be-seen style but the new gen W Hotels (see also W Costa Navarino in Greece) introduces an alluring light and breezy resort-style stamp. It’s thoroughly Portuguese, from the 631 ceramic plates that line the entrance lobby to the mosaic floor tiles and fabulous overlap of Moorish chandeliers hung over the bar. The colours of the Algarve are on show, gentle red and green detailing echoing the cliffs and pine trees, matched with a blisteringly white exterior and superb pale iridescent ‘fish scales’ on the balconies.
Facilities
‘Whatever/whenever’ is the W brand ‘s motto and that means doing what you want, when you want. Work out with a personal trainer on the latest Technogym equipment in the top-floor gym or join a yoga or Pilates class. The AWAY Spa has six treatment rooms with a nail and hair salon, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas and a hammam, sauna and ice bath. The WET Deck centres on a large pool with a lower family area. There are meeting rooms and space for private parties and a good choice of chill-out areas for a sundowner or to listen to late night Fado singers. W Algarve holds a summer season of DJ-hosted parties. Spot the three DJ booths around the hotel including at Air, a champagne lounge above the beach.
Extracurricular
The Algarve has no shortage of long beaches and intimate coves, golf courses and water parks but there’s also wine tasting at local vineyards, ceramics factories in Porches and plenty of hiking and biking trails in the green and natural interior. Take a boat tour to spot dolphins, marvel at the Benagil caves or try scuba diving or surfing.
Food & drink
The quality and choice is excellent. Market Kitchen on the ground floor, with its cheery yellow chairs and hanging baskets, serves a good buffet breakfast with a day-long menu of Portuguese and international dishes that include sushi, ceviche, grilled octopus and traditional Algarve cataplana, fish stew. Take in a cocktail at SIP @ WET, the pool bar, Sea and Sky Bar or at W Lounge along with tapas and all day snacks.
Best of all, head up to Paper Moon on the top floor for a superb Italian menu and wine list. This is a sister restaurant to Paper Moon in Milan and quite rightly pulls in diners from across the Algarve.
Which room?
There are 134 rooms and suites divided into five categories from ‘Wonderful’ to ‘E-WOW’ and 83 larger Residences in an adjoining building. Every room has a deep and well-furnished balcony or garden access facing the sea and the standard “Wonderful” rooms, none with baths but all with good sized showers, are indeed wonderful as well as the largest in the Algarve. Push the boat out with the E WOW Penthouse which has long views along the coast to Monchique and its own 6 metre rooftop pool. Beds throughout are super-sized and kitted out with fine linens and there are Nespresso machines, kettles and well-stocked minibars.
Best for...
The hotel encourages guests out into the local area but for many guests on short breaks – the typical stay is 3-4 nights - crashing on a sun lounger by the pool after a few hours in the gym and spa will be the order of the day. Interconnecting rooms cater for families and there’s a dedicated family pool and Kids Play area, couples of all ages come to chill and single guests include well-heeled digital nomads who have checked into the Residences for three months stays.
Anecdotally, service has not always been as smooth as you might expect from a five-star hotel but during my (off-season) stay, the staff were excellent, friendly and efficient. Two years after opening, W Algarve is hitting its stride with panache.
Details
Room rates start from €290 a night with breakfast €35. The hotel is open year-round. marriott.com
