This Chic Hotel Brings a Dose of Luxury to Portugal’s Laid-Back Algarve

Fostering a sense of hospitality that puts guests at ease is one way the hotel promises a refined stay while matching the laid-back spirit of the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region. Shortly after my feet touched the hotel’s cobblestone driveway — a nod to the country’s historical streets — I was offered a glass of bubbly to enjoy during the check-in process while admiring the lobby’s design, which represents the shells and waves of the surrounding ocean.

By the time I was shown to my room, where I received a thoughtful rundown of its features and essential notes about the hotel, my eagerness to explore the rest of the property was through the proverbial ceiling.

Photo: W Algarve

In true W fashion — combining comfort, culture, and flair — the rooms at the W Algarve maintain a sense of luxury while offering an element of fun. With 134 guest rooms and 83 residences, the hotel provides a variety of accommodation options. On the hotel side, there are one- to two-bedroom suites, a luxury penthouse, king bedrooms, and rooms featuring two twin beds. For larger groups needing more space, the residences offer one- to four-bedroom apartment-style lodgings that include full kitchens.

Through a hallway of colorful doors, I entered my king room, where I had direct views of the setting sun. My balcony overlooked the pool — known as the Wet Deck — and I could hear music playing throughout the property, gradually increasing in tempo as the day progressed. Rooms also come equipped with mini speakers, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on music-filled experiences.

Photo: W Algarve

The room itself was impressively spacious and design-forward. My suitcases were set up in the walk-in closet (yes, you read that correctly) where I kept everything neatly put away and completely out of sight during my trip. It was a luxury I didn’t know I needed, which became a theme of my stay once I discovered the button next to my bed that allowed me to open and close the drapes without even having to get up (a challenge every morning given the bed’s incredible comfort). The nightly turndown service included replenishing my water and laying down a fluffy bath mat, which made coming back to the room equally restful every evening.

Another standout feature was the vanity in the bathroom, complete with a stool and separate counter space for getting ready. As someone who does not pack lightly in the beauty department, I found this to be such an underrated room amenity. I used it every morning while wearing my bathrobe and slippers and sipping on coffee from my in-room espresso machine.

Photo: W Algarve

Of its many amenities, the two-level infinity pool is the W Algarve’s main attraction. However, what really sets the hotel apart is its proximity to the sea. At the edge of the property, beyond AIR — where nightly bubbly is served from the bar during the warmer months, accompanied by sunset views and a DJ — is a cliffside oasis designed to make you instantly exhale. Carved-out paths provide opportunities for a closer view of the waves crashing along the rugged coastline or for venturing down to secluded beaches. Guided walks will soon be offered by the hotel’s fitness instructors, who also lead group exercise classes such as spin, yoga, and mat pilates, as well as private sessions in the ultra-modern gym, FIT.

Photo: W Algarve

Neighboring FIT is the hotel’s AWAY spa, which is immediately calming and whose outdoor area is like a wellness playground. With options including a sauna, steam room, sensory shower, plunge pool, and jacuzzi, I found it difficult to even decide where to begin while I awaited my Express Facial. I spent a good portion of the morning moving from one amenity to another until it was time for my treatment.

As someone with very sensitive skin, I appreciated the esthetician’s reassurance that the products used — Comfort Zone, a sustainably made Italian beauty brand — would be suitable for my needs. She was right. The 30-minute facial passed quickly, during which my skin was cleansed, treated with a hydrating mask, and given a scalp massage. I left with glowing skin and wondered how I could fit in another treatment.

Executive Chef Julio Ferradas helms the W Algarve’s impeccable on-site dining scene. Drawing influence from his home in Lima, Peru, and leveraging over 15 years of experience in luxury dining, Ferradas fosters an environment where innovation and creativity take center stage. There are three main restaurants on the property: Market Kitchen, Paper Moon, and Vino by Paper Moon, each serving its own distinctive menu.

Market Kitchen

Photo: W Algarve

The intention behind Market Kitchen — the only spot where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner — is to create an atmosphere reminiscent of an international market, where flavors from all over the world inspire the menu. The breakfast buffet is robust, with offerings including freshly made pastries, including Portugal’s signature pastel de nata (egg custard tart) with its perfectly flaky crust; an egg station where chefs prepare eggs to order, any style, with any toppings; fruit such as kiwis, figs, and melons; and a mimosa station made with freshly squeezed orange juice. With or without the Champagne, the orange juice was the most delicious I’d ever tasted.

The lunch and dinner menus are just as impressive, starting with local seafood dishes like grilled octopus, ceviche, and cataplana (Portuguese seafood stew). One highlight for me was a heavenly orange cheesecake, which came in the shape and color of an actual orange, paired with chocolate crumble and dark chocolate ice cream.

Paper Moon

Photo: W Algarve

Originating from Milan, Paper Moon is an upscale Italian restaurant offering a range of dishes with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Located on the top floor of the hotel, it comes with immaculate views and can be enjoyed inside or outside for alfresco dining. For an appetizer, try the burrata served with a rosemary tomato confit, basil olive oil, and toasted bread crumble — it tastes even better than it sounds. The gnocchetti — homemade ricotta gnocchi with truffle cream sauce, seasonal black truffle, and toasted hazelnuts — was also a crowd favorite.

Vino by Paper Moon

Photo: W Algarve

Vino by Paper Moon is a more intimate venue that caters to wine lovers by expertly curating pairings with its dishes. Starters like the beef carpaccio and salmon tartare are must-tries, and the seafood risotto was packed with flavor in every bite.

When you’re not eating a full meal, there are plenty of other places around the hotel to unwind with a drink in hand. You can order a beverage and snacks while lounging in the sun at the Wet Deck or hop on over to the poolside bar, SIP. The W lounge bar in the lobby is another place to grab a pre- or post-dinner cocktail, and on most nights, you’ll find a DJ spinning tunes.

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The entire Algarve region is known for its surf and sand, which makes catching some waves or rays at local beaches like São Rafael or Falésia a must. You can also appreciate the coastal scenery from the comfort of a boat. One nearby attraction that’s not to be missed if you do is the Benagil Sea Cave, which you can explore by either boat or kayak.

For a cultural outing during my stay, the hotel arranged a visit to a local winery and brewery, Quinta Dos Santos. There, I learned about the vineyard’s history and processes and sampled a few different wines. During the harvest season, the vineyard invites wine enthusiasts to participate in hand-picking the grapes followed by grape-treading — an experience that involves stomping barefoot on the grapes to produce the juices for the wine. When my tour ended, I enjoyed a three-course dinner on site, indulging in sea bass, grilled octopus, an artisanal charcuterie board with local cheeses, and cheesecake with berry compote.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Mato a Vista, a laid-back restaurant serving traditional Portuguese fare. When I entered, I passed by a cooler filled with various seafood options that were ready to be cooked to order. The cocktails from the bar were some of the most unique and visually stunning I’ve encountered — often garnished with fresh herbs and fruit and served in fun vessels like flower pots or pineapple-shaped glasses.

Photo: W Algarve

The closest airport to the W Algarve is in Faro, the regional capital, which is about 45 minutes from Albufeira. Once you land in Faro, you can take a taxi, bus, or ask the hotel to set you up with a private transfer. You’re welcome to rent a car if you want the freedom to roam during your stay, but it’s not necessary as there are plenty of taxis available to help you get around locally.

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