I arranged and escorted a party of 12 novice golfers here, advised by Vilamourra Villas because of the 9 hole academy course and that since Pestana had bought the hotel they were encouraging golf professionals like my self to bring parties of newer golfers and they would be welcomed on the course unlike most courses in the Algarve that only want experienced golfers.
This proved more than true, the hotel and particularly Vanda the group organiser and the golf director Tony were first class in their help and organisation. They made everything run smoothly for my group even though the hotel and the golf courses were really busy.
The hotel was perfect, we had the garden rooms, have stayed in the hotel block before and would always prefer the garden now, food was excellent, but we were there for me to teach my group golf on the driving range and the golf course and all the facilities were perfect for that and although some of the golfers in my group were really new, they all got round the academy course on all 4 days and the feedback from them is they loved it and we are arranging a return visit in Feb

Flight outgoing spot on via Ryanair Liverpool, as was the pre-booked taxi transfer to the hotel, very slick and well organised.
The hotel is very nice, but not 5*, possibly a 4 or 3+, the place needs money spending on it to spruce it up, lots of stains on the restaurant furniture and some of it was falling apart, other than that, the hotel is very clean and all the staff we encountered, wonderful in every way, our room was excellent and always kept clean and tidy.
The hotel is situated out on a limb, the nearest shops or bar are a good 20 minutes’ walk, a taxi to Vilamoura (15 minutes duration) is 10 Euros from the hotel and 6 or 7 Euros back to the hotel (not too sure why?) The golf courses are fantastic at the complex (but very pricy to play 18 holes even with the hotel discount and on top of that even for hotel guests golf trolleys are extra for every round at 5 Euros) but anyone who just wants golf or a good rest, this is the place, it is very professionally run and lots of quality space in or out of the hotel to rest and unwind.
Bar drinks and lunchtime snack costs are what we expected to pay and the food in general was very acceptable, the big issue was, if the hotel had large group/guest booking (which happened 6 times within our 10 nights) the evening meal was reduced to buffet style and not silver service as we expected for half board, the buffet was not in the same league for quality/standard, we also noticed that staff levels were a little on the low side when coping with the large influx of additional guests, maybe a sign of the times and time of year.
We were on half board and based on taxi costs to Vilamoura to dine out this is a good option to consider.
We booked a couple of trips whilst not golfing and the "Historic Algarve" was very good, the other trip to visit the gipsy markets at Loule was a waste of money and time, we wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they are into car boot sales.
The trip back home was not as good, but this was due to severe storm damage to the airport building and the knock on effects with flight cancellations and late arrivals, the taxi transfer to the airport was again spot on, very well organised.
We hired the golf clubs direct from a company at the airport, this proved to be great and again their operation was very slick and easy to deal with, I would recommend this if sports baggage costs are high from the airline companies being used.

To conclude, quite enjoyable but pricy, golfers with lots of disposable income will find it heaven, but a great place to stay and relax.

We have been visiting Vilamoura every year for the last 6 years and this has been without doubt the best experience we have had. There were 16 of us golfing this year and all our needs and requirements were met. The staff are friendly and helpful and if like us your there for the golf it couldn't get any better! The Garden suites are large and airy, tastefully decorated, and the small patio offers a nice area to sunbath in privacy.

Stayed here for 2 nights as part of a Trafalgar Tour. The beds are big and comfortable. The bathrooms are very good. The breakfasts have everything. While there was a minibar in the unit, it was really just a heat exchanger and so small as to be virtually useless

The main downside is that it's a fair way out of town with the nearest supermarket about 2 kilometres away.