We stayed here for just two nights for our 30th anniversary (I know, I know....). Anyway, we were greeted warmly but I'm not sure the room was ready because they were very insistent on the welcome drink on the terrace. The grounds were beautiful with a lovely view of the sea and a pool in a garden like surrounding. The room was basic but they gave some really nice touches like rose petals in the shape of a heart on our bed to acknowledge our anniversary. We did opt for the gala dinner which was delicious but be prepared for a long evening and lots of food. The restaurant sits on an open terrace with a fantastic sea view. The hotel is obviously a favorite with the Germans. We saw one or two other couples from somewhere else but being or speaking German clearly makes you an insider. The spa was nice but there seemed to be some confusion about tipping. The hotel wants tips collected centrally but I'm not sure the staff are on board with this. The access to the beach was easy and fun. Some nice beaches and little tidal areas to explore. We were driving and I think we would have felt a bit trapped without the car. One night we drove in to Albufeira which was fun but basically a place for beer, jeans and English/Irish singers. All in all you pay a premium price to stay at this hotel and it largely lives up to the cost.

We fell in love with this place while staying there on a press trip a couple of years ago so decided to splash out and return for our honeymoon in August. I have to say, sadly, the experience was completely different the second time around. Throughout the stay we got the feeling we weren't actually welcome there and were treated as second rate to other guests, the majority of whom were German.
On the last day of our stay, one waiter made this absolutely clear when we sat at a table for breakfast that he had 'reserved' for some guests by putting the hotel brochure on it. Obviously unaware of this reservation system, we offered to move, but before we could the waiter snatched the brochure off our table and launched into a rant at us on how he would now have to set another table for his guests.
Upset and embarrassed we decided to skip breakfast, finish off packing and check out as quickly as possible. We did complain to reception, who sent the waiter up to our room, but rather than apologising he just tried to talk his way out of the situation.
All in all it was a disappointing stay from somewhere we had held in such high regard. Needless to say we won’t be returning again.

We stayed here for three nights after visiting Tavira wanting to see the landscape and coast in the Albuferia area. The hotel is beautifully situated on a terraced property leading down to the cliffs. Upon check in we were upgraded to a junior suite type room on main level next to the minimum rate rooms on main level. It was a very nice room and probably at least twice the size of the smaller rooms. That was very welcome and really enhanced our stay. Being on main level I will say not much privacy if you want to sit out on your terrace...the second level terraces were very private. It is a quiet place so really not a big deal...we never saw our neighbors and had dinner out on our terrace most nights. Breakfast and dinner are included and the food excellent as per their reputation but it is a bit formal for my taste...on Thursday nights it is the "gala" with 8 courses printed on the menu plus a number of surprises from the chef so try to be there for that if you can. Service was okay but again catering to those wishing to spend $1000 for a private boat to cruise along the coast..for three hours ...this was the brochure I was given by the "concierge" when I asked about such trips. When I asked if there was anything else I was simply told "this is what we recommend"....end of subject...same woman booked a private car for our departure when I had asked for a taxi. I understand that many of the clientele want champagne cruises and private cars but a good concierge will be able to gage your needs and offer accordingly. The rest of the staff was helpful. I had a massage and the spa was unique to say the least...not staffed at the reception desk and noone around...I waited quite a while for the massuse to finish her conversation with another staff person and she finally came out...the massage was okay...no offer of tea/water after or before...no special touches at all...it was very pretty in there but not 5-star service at all. In general it is a very beautiful hotel and they do their best to please you (David at front desk at night very nice) and we enjoyed our stay...I would however not pay more than the minimum rate we did given that we are not that excited about gourmet dining. I did notice the brochure indicates they accept and welcome families; however I can't see kids running around on the grounds or restaurant...it seems much more adult oriented...great for couples and honeymooners seeking a quiet and relaxing vacation...location worked for us as we were able to get out and do some walking both on the coast and streets.

- very very good hotel (service, employees, rooms, views,etc)
- excelent restaurant (2* michelin)
- good beach and soleil
it's a paradise! I recommended to romantic couples