Having visited quite a few spas on my travels, Monchique Spa is extremely disappointing. At 25 Euros each, plus 3 for a bathing cap (compulsory), it resembles a neglected hotel pool rather than the 'spa' you are promised. The 3 changing cubicles are in the same tiny room as the toilets and showers, which made for a soggy experience, as the whole floor was one giant puddle on the day we visited. The 'swimming pool' is a medium sized pool with massage jets, but due to the layout swimming is not possible, and if you are brave enough to use the gym upstairs, be prepared for old, broken equipment. Towels are not provided unless you ask specifically, and mine smelled of rancid massage oil. At this price, the place must be resting on the laurels of former glory, one hopes, as it is just one big rip off from start to finish. Unpleasant experience overall.

We didn't stay at the hotel, but came to the Spa for the afternoon where four of us had booked massages. Two unsmiling receptionists informed us that no children under 12 were allowed, therefore our 9 year old couldn't use the facilities. No one had mentioned this over the phone. When we asked what he could do while we were at the spa, one of the receptionists thawed a bit and arranged for him to use the hotel pool, but with "one adult only". By this time the first massage appointment was 10 minutes overdue and on asking we were told to go upstairs. No robes or further information about what to do was offered to those having massages, so we trooped upstairs. On entering the treatment room, there were no robes and the masseuse didn't leave the room as I undressed. The treatments were good, however, although expensive for what they were. When one of us finished her massage, she came back to reception and just stood there, unsure of what to do. No one helped or greeted her, so eventually she had to ask about the facilities, robes, etc. and wasn't even given the correct footwear that everyone else was wearing. There are no towels for drying after the spa unless asked for. The facilities aren't that good - the indoor spa pool which is like a giant jacuzzi, a small steam room, two saunas and a so-called relaxation room consisting of four loungers and some orange juice, which was difficult to relax in wearing sodden robes! The spa building is hideous, a concrete block. The receptionists seemingly disliked the clients, their attitude was quite rude and they were more interested in talking to other members of staff than us. You also have to buy swimming hats at 3 euro each, which rip immediately you put them on! I wouldn't recommend this spa at all - four massages and swimming caps cost over €200! You are not made to feel welcome by the receptionists. The little village is quite pretty though.

We stayed there from 25 to 27th March for 2 night's and we just loved it!!
we did a program in the SPA wich was very calm and relaxing for us!
even is note very modern the staff was always helpefull in the SPA.
At the Hotel everyone was really nice and helpe us any time we need it!
The food is good very tracional and typical portuguese food and the deserts hummm, so good!!
we stayed in Estalagem Dom Lourenço wich was in the same bilding as the Restaurante!!
YOU HAVE TO GO THERE!!

The staff were more than helpful and patient. The food was marvellous - some of the best we had in Portugal. The room was very comfortable. The public rooms were very comfortably furnished. Paths lead down the valley through the tropical gardens to the spa, past two outside pools. The spa had all sorts of treatments and a warm pool. We enjoyed the village of Monchique (great casa do cha) and the mountains. We toured and visited Sagres and Lagos from there. This is a very well known place for very good reasons!