A 5-star luxury recharge and culinary heaven at Conrad Algarve Resort
The Algarve is well known for stylish luxury hotel resorts with a culinary angle. From hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants to exciting farm-to-table or in the case of the Algarve often sea-to-table restaurants there is no shortage of incredible culinary experiences – without the need to leave your hotel.
On my recent visit earlier this year, I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some of the regions fantastic foodie hotels, including one I’ve had on my bucket list for a while, the 5-star Conrad Algarve. Opened in 2012, it was the first property the Hilton luxury brand opened in Europe.
With over 150 rooms and the Conrad private residences also part of the whole complex, Conrad Algarve is no small, intimate hotel. If you follow my blog, you know that a large resort hotel is typically not my preferred choice. That is, unless it manages to tick the right boxes, nonetheless.
Conrad Algarve clearly makes the cut, and it is certainly a hotel I would return to while not without some minor downsides – more on that below.
With Faro airport just around 20 minutes away, the hotel is perfectly located for a short weekend trip if you arrive from a European destination, and likewise ideal for a longer stay to explore the wider Algarve coast thanks to its central location.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1982, Conrad Hotels & Resorts is one of the high-end luxury brands operated by Hilton Hotels. Today, the brand counts around 50 properties globally.
Conrad Hotels are built with a strong connection to the local community in mind. This starts with a design reflecting on the place, incorporation traditional local architecture and a sense of the local community.
Another common approach at all Conrad Hotels is the focus on outstanding dining experiences. Many of them are home to Michelin-starred restaurants, collaborating with such well-known chefs like Jose Pizarro, Ria Montes, and Heinz Beck among others.
Being part of the Hilton Hotels also means, you are eligible for Hilton Honors member points and benefits at all the Conrad Hotels.
How to get to Conrad Algarve
As mentioned before, Faro airport is just a short 20 minutes-drive away.
If you don’t have plans to explore the coast beyond the area of Almancil, you can simply book the hotel’s airport shuttle service. It will pick you up on your arrival and drop you off in time for check-in without you having to worry about your transfer.
The hotel will also arrange shuttle services to the nearby beach and golf courses, as well as organize excursions to nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park, so there is no need to have your own car.
If you plan to explore more of the Algarve, and have your rental car waiting at the airport, the 20-minutes-drive along N125 will take just around 20 minutes.
Parking at the hotel is complimentary, including the valet service.
What is it like staying at Conrad Algarve
Built in a palatial resort style typical for the Algarve, combining a hotel and private residences, Conrad Algarve is more than a hotel. The site incorporates the private Hilton Residences, and there is a large business centre and exhibition space attracting many events throughout the year, and the spa is open to outside guests as well.
Consequently, the hotel’s common areas can get busy with hotel guests, visitors staying at the residences dropping in and out, outside spa visitors, and groups attending events and exhibitions. Visiting early in the spring shoulder season, albeit over the Easter weekend, this was less of an issue during my stay but I can imagine the lobby and lounge areas can get pretty crowded during peak summer season.
If your happy place is the beach, then take into account Conrad Algarve is not directly at the beach. Thus, while from spring to autumn there is a free shuttle to the beach running every hour, beach visits require some coordination. On top of that, sun loungers on the beach are not only not free but at EUR 25 per day are expensive considering you already pay the price tag for a 5-star hotel!
The no-beach location notwithstanding, the beautifully curated outdoor area including two large outside pools exhales summer vacation vibes at any turn. For those content spending time poolside (without sand beneath your feet), Conrad Algarve will not disappoint. And for cooler days, the hotel also has a sizable inside pool and a small infinity pool in the spa area (the latter for adults only).
Both outside pools are spectacular. The infinity pool overlooking the stunning surroundings is definitely a highlight and the place to see and be seen, so to speak.
If you crave something more than the drinks and snacks served poolside, the outdoor dining area of Louro restaurant is just steps away.
Nestled in the garden area and shaded by some large palm trees, there is a second pool surrounded by day beds. This is the area you want to stay if you plan a full pool day, and the small pool bar is serving both drinks and snacks the whole day. It’s also the chosen area for families, offering a kids splash pool and a nearby play area.
The huge spa area (nearly 2,000 sqm) offers more secluded indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, relaxation areas with heated mosaic loungers, and even small private balconies outside of the treatment rooms to wind down and relax for a while. The spa also welcomes outside visitors too, so advance reservation is recommended if you want to make the most of the wide range of treatments offered.
The 134 rooms and 20 suits designed by Miguel Cancio Martins breath contemporary chic and offer all the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel.
We opted for a King Deluxe room with pool view, which was not only spacious and had a gorgeous view over the garden pool area. It came with a lot of great perks such as a little hallway with closets offering plenty of room to store all our luggage, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a huge flatscreen, and coffee maker.
The spacious marble bathroom had a separate shower and bathtub (the latter with a build-in flatscreen) and was stuffed with toiletries from luxury brand Aromatherapy.
Each of the rooms have a private equipped with an outdoor sofa, chairs and a small table which is a fantastic place to relax after a day at the beach, pool or perhaps out and about exploring the Algarve coast.
Dining at Conrad Algarve
Those who know me will be aware, one of my make-or-break criteria booking a hotel is food and the dining options at Conrad Algarve were the reason I’ve chosen to include it on my itinerary.
There are three restaurants at the hotel, the all-day Louro offering a Portuguese-style menu, Lago Lounge including a sushi bar, and the Michelin-starred Gusto by Heinz Beck.
Breakfast is served at Louro as well and the large buffet and additional choice of eggs any style served at the table is absolutely top-notch. Only downside, when visitor numbers are on the higher side, Louro will be packed, and it can feel a bit awkward with too many people passing by your table, too much noise, and staff getting a bit overwhelmed (though still doing a good job).
We had dinner at Louro twice and each time it was simply perfect. The menu is seasonal inspired and features mostly local produce. The fried prawns with chili and garlic served with potato gnocchi, orange gel, and salted granola tasted heavenly (and I nearly had them twice if not for the ravioli sounding – and tasting – delicious as well). As for the mains, both the sea bass on the first evening and the lamb chops on the second were made to perfection.
With the weather not collaborating as desired, we headed a couple of time to Lago Lounge to enjoy some snacks and drinks. It’s the perfect location for pre-dinner cocktails with an excellent cocktail menu, and if you grave some snacks during the day (or a light lunch or dinner) you can chose between small plates to share, pizza, sandwiches and burgers, or the sushi bar.
The highlight for any culinary enthusiast however is without doubt Gusto by Heinz Beck. The famous chef has a long history with Hilton Hotels. His flagship restaurant, and the first he ever opened, La Pergola at Cavalieri Hilton in Rome holds three Michelin stars since 2005. For me, this restaurant holds a particular place in my heart, as it was there at La Pergola many many moons ago, that I enjoyed my first Michelin-star dining experience. Nearly 20 years later, Heinz Beck is still kicking it.
With our stay falling into the Easter week, we had the opportunity to book the Easter special menu at Gusto. On ‘normal’ days, the restaurant will offer a tasting menu or an a-la-card choice.
Either way, the menu is inspired by Mediterranean flavours and while it features certain international ingredients there is a great attention on locally sourced products.
Final thoughts
Visiting the Algarve is always a highlight, from the stunning beaches to whitewashed coastal towns, Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine and of course the fantastic local cuisine.
If you are looking for a luxury retreat on the Algarve with various pool (and beach) options, a great gastronomic offer, and proximity to some of the areas most stunning beaches, golf courses, and nature parks, the Conrad Algarve is the perfect choice.
I’ve been very impressed with the effortless service and the ability of the staff to make our stay a quite personal experience despite the size of the place, and the high number of guests arriving and departing every day.
Of course, for me Gusto by Heinz Beck was the highlight, and the restaurant alone is worth returning which I am planning to do.
Carrots and Tigers 