There is a certain natural ‘wow’ factor to the rambling Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve. As you drive into the property, an eye-catching water fountain sets the stage. Pine Cliffs has so much to offer guests, that they may never make it to the bars and restaurants in Albufeira. But as this is a quiet property meant for outdoors lovers, you will need to go to town or to Faro (only a half-hour drive east) for more excitement.
First and foremost, the property is vertiginously perched on red rock cliffs that fringe the public beach of Praia Da Falésia. An elevator takes guests directly to the sand from the lobby. The Mirador Champagne Bar is also perched on the cliffs with sublime views and is perfect for a special romantic evening. Though traditional in appearance the concept is modern. It has the typical Algarvian white stucco exterior, a citrus courtyard where you can pick your own lemons, plus traditionally Portuguese terracotta roofing. This is a hotel with elegant suites but also villas and town homes which are privately owned but can be rented on a nightly or weekly basis.
As you might expect from a luxury resort like Pine Cliffs, there is a golf course, tennis courts which include Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and a whole range of restaurants dotted about the property including the casual Corda Café and the outstanding golf club overlooking the ninth hole. The outside O Pescador Restaurant specialises in seafood and overlooks the ocean. For lovers of Japanese cuisine, Yakuza Algarve by Olivier is considered the best Japanese restaurant in the area. If you are in a villa with its own kitchen, the resort can organise a chef to prepare your evening meal or even cook for your entire stay.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | FAO | GMT +1 |
| While you’re Out There |
| If you fancy a hike with views out to sea, then venture out to the village of Burgau to hike the Fisherman’s Way. About a 40-minute drive from the resort, this historic path weaves its way through the village before taking hikers up a steep hillside. Once at the cliff tops, it is worth spending a few moments watching the surfers at the secret Praia dos Rebolos. Be sure to wear hiking boots as the way down is rocky and slightly treacherous. For a longer more challenging hike venture to the peninsula of Sagres to tackle the Rota Vicentina. |
The decor is all about subdued pale colours. Our room had soothing cream colours with a few splashes of blue tile decor, such as the headboard adorning the bed, in staying with local custom. We had an excellent balcony framed with pine trees and bathed in sunshine with views of the sea. There is a typical Algarvian square beyond the lobby with a fountain and open to the sky – nothing is overblown here.
There are a couple of nice venues that we particularly enjoyed. The Portulano Lobby Bar with local spirits such as Amarguinha, a liqueur made from sour almonds, or a glass of the renowned Port wines. The other is the outdoor Clubhouse which overlooks the ninth hole on the golf course and serves up fantastic pastel de nata.
But our favourite place in the resort by far is the Serenity Spa. This wellness paradise is enormous in size and offers weight management, a top-of-the-range gym plus yoga retreats. It is the treatments that are the piece de resistance. The pathway leading to the treatment rooms has crystals covering the walls and each room is luxurious.
Being up on the latest trends is important in a luxury resort, we decided a head-to-toe massage with CBD oil was worth having. We found it relaxing and the healing properties of the oil really do make one’s skin glow.
Photography courtesy of Marriott
