Quinta do Lago, tucked away in Portugal’s stunning Algarve, is a playground for those who love the finer things in life with a side of sun, sea and nature. This spot isn’t just any luxury resort—it’s nestled within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, offering an incredible fusion of untouched coastline, winding lagoons and lush pine forests. The vibe here is pure chill with a high-end twist. You have boardwalks over pristine beaches, where even the sand looks like it came straight out of a photoshoot.
For the golf fanatics, Quinta do Lago’s courses are legendary. The South Course, for example, hosts pros and has some of the Algarve’s best fairways. But it’s not all about golf—luxury villas, gourmet dining, beach lounging and scenic bike rides through protected landscapes, give everyone something to fall in love with here.
Aside from the golfing allure, families visit for similar experiences and the Magnolia Hotel is a great location to begin your holiday in Quinta do Lago. The hotel brings a stylish, retro-chic vibe to Portugal’s luxurious Algarve. Just minutes from the famous golf courses and beaches, the hotel combines an American motel style with a fun, boutique feel. Bright colours combined with vintage decor and an effortlessly cool aesthetic, makes the Magnolia Hotel a unique choice in the area for families.
The hotel also offers self-catering cottages on the grounds for larger groups/families. They can sleep up to 4-5 people and are very spacious. They have a similar vibe with outdoor seating where you can watch the sunset or the sunrise. This is a great option for families while also having access to the hotel amenities which includes a gym, small spa area, football/volleyball area (right beside the cottages) games room, movie room, free bikes, pool table and the pool. The Magnolia Hotel is also a popular choice for golfing stays and regularly hosts the Irish Rugby team which come over to use the state-of-the-art facilities at The Campus.
The Campus at Quinta do Lago is the Algarve’s answer to paradise for fitness and sun lovers. A mix of training facilities whether you want to have a good workout or not, there’s something here for every fitness level. From high-octane football pitches and slick tennis courts to yoga studios with sprawling views, it’s got every sport and wellness angle covered. While visiting, I experienced a private padel coaching class and a yoga class. The atmosphere here is infectious and will make you want to join in with the fitness and wellness enthusiasm. You can easily combine the holiday vibe of sun, relaxation with fitness and fun. They also offer seasonal football, tennis and dance camps for children so all family members can enjoy the facilities.
If you want to cycle on the Campus track or around the Quinta do Lago Resort, you can also hire bikes form the Bike Shed. After a workout you can chill out with cryotherapy or treat yourself to a sports massage. For the social butterflies, the Campus also hosts regular group classes and social events, blending fitness with the Algarve social scene.
The restaurants around the resort offer various styles and cater to all tastes, from Mediterranean and Portuguese specialties to international favourites. Here are some I visited:
Gigi’s: Known for fresh seafood and beachfront views, this iconic spot serves local fish, shellfish and Portuguese classics in a relaxed, scenic setting perfect for watching the stunning Algarve sunsets.
Casa do Lago: Overlooking the lake, Casa do Lago is famous for fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes, featuring locally sourced ingredients in an elegant, ambient setting.
Bovino Steakhouse: This stylish steakhouse offers prime cuts and creative cocktails in a sophisticated space, blending American steakhouse vibes with Portuguese hospitality.
Casa Velha: Set in a former farmhouse that holds deep historical roots for the resort, Casa Velha is situated on a serene hilltop. They serve dishes inspired by local Portuguese flavours, crafted with ingredients from the resort’s own organic Q Farm.
UMAMI: Quinta do Lago’s Asian-inspired restaurant, UMAMI, serves contemporary Japanese dishes with a twist, offering sushi, sashimi and fusion plates in a stylish environment.
Dano’s: A lively sports bar and family-friendly option, Dano’s serves comfort foods like burgers, salads and sandwiches, perfect for a relaxed meal or post-activity snack. They are located at The Campus and have themed events throughout the year (when I visited they had an Oktoberfest event with all the traditional beer fest embellishments)
PURE: A health-focused café, PURE specialises in fresh, organic offerings like smoothie bowls, salads and cold-pressed juices for lighter, nutritious meals.
The Shack: A lakeside bar with casual vibes, great for tapas, cocktails and live music, popular for sundowners and relaxed evenings (You can spend the day by the lake, relaxing in a private cabana, swimming at the manmade beach and observe the children enjoying the inflatable play area in the water)
The choice and appetising variety of restaurants will suit any palate. From Asian cuisine to authentic Portuguese dishes, there is plenty of luxurious restaurants in the resort.
Quinta do Lago isn’t just about keeping the kids entertained. With luxury spas, stunning nature walks and golf courses for all skill levels, there’s plenty for the grown-ups too. Imagine watching the sunset over the Ria Formosa while the kids wind down at the inflatable lake park at The Shack or at Gigi’s on the beach, pure bliss! From laid-back beach days to action-packed adventures, a family trip to Quinta do Lago mixes luxury and play that anyone can experience.
The Magnolia Hotel (themagnoliahotelqdl.com; +351 289 005 300) offers a Standard Double Room from €157 on a B&B basis. The Family Cottages (sleeps up to 5 people) are available from €309 per night on a B&B basis.
The Campus offer a range of classes, training camps and weekly holiday passes, for more information, visit https://www.thecampusqdl.com/en/ For information on all of the above restaurants, the Magnolia Hotel and The Campus, you can find everything you need to know here –Quinta do Lago Resort
My article on my stay at Quinta do Lago Resort was published in The Irish daily Mail on 30/11/2024
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- Inside hotel rooms/suites
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- The cottages at the Magnolia Hotel
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- The Campus
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- The Shack
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- Casa Velha and the GM Miguel
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- Dano’s restaurant at The Campus
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- Cinema at the Magnolia Hotel
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- Irish daily Mail 30/11/2024