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For 5-star luxury and everything you'll want in one place, try the Vale do Lobo resortNearly three quarters of a million people who come to the Algarve, visit it each year, myself included on many occasions. I was lucky to have family who, until recently, lived on the resort, allowing me plenty of opportunities to sample its delights. Vale do Lobo resort is very self-contained and has all the facilities you would ever need for an Algarve holiday. In fact if you come here for a golfing or tennis break, you could keep yourself entertained for the whole duration of your stay (and many people do), without leaving the resort. I think this is a bit of a shame because there is so much to see and do in the rest of the Algarve.
That said, it really is a great place to come and stay, particularly if you like sports, want to pamper yourself, or simply relax away the stresses of life. Getting around the Vale do Lobo resort is easy. Most things are within easy reach, even on foot. So if the sun’s not too hot, why not have a gentle walk along the umbrella pine flanked roads and take time to admire and smell the Bougainvillea cascading over villa walls. If you’ve got a car then you won’t be more than a few minutes away from anywhere in the resort. However, just as easy is the circuit bus, which runs regularly around the resort, and is free to resort or welcome cardholders. Vale do Lobo Golf courses
Vale do Lobo Tennis AcademyThe tennis academy is one of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal. It has 14 courts, which are all floodlit, so you can play tennis as darkness falls, when it’s a little cooler.Tennis is not the only thing they have to offer. It also has a fully equipped gym, a boutique and a restaurant/bar for that well deserved drink or meal after a gruelling 5 sets of serve and volley. Click on the link or more information on
Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy.
Eating and drinking in Vale do LoboYou’ll find a number of places to dine out in the Vale do Lobo resort. The restaurants are generally to be found near the beach front at the Praça (plaza) or at the shopping complex at the Parque do Golfe. There are also a number of cafes and beach bars to choose from.If you’re after traditional Portuguese cuisine, then the Vale Do Lobo resort is probably not the best place to eat. Not that you can’t get the best in fresh fish, but the bias is definitely on quality international cuisine, from Chinese to Italian to French. If you’re looking for something a bit more ‘native’ then you are best leaving the resort and finding one of the many local restaurants nearby on in Almancil. Royal Spa at Vale do LoboOpened October 2006 and located at the Parque do Glofe complex, the Royal Spa is a modern health and wellness facility. A wide range of treatments using both western and oriental techniques. Nutritional advice and minor cosmetic surgery are also available.It has ten indoor specialised treatment rooms run by a team of therapists. Relaxation facilities include saunas, a hammam, Turkish steam bath, Vichy shower and calendarium, an outdoor poolside jacuzzi and loungers. There is also an indoor relaxation area with waterfalls and quiet music. The Royal Spa also has a beauty centre and restaurant serving healthy and nutritious food. Royal Spa contact details Vale do Lobo Fitness CentreNext door to the Royal Spa is the Fitness Centre. This is equipped with top of the range equipment and an exercise area. Qualified staff are always available and exercise classes are scheduled.Telephone: +351 289 353 480 Apart from Vale do Lobo resort's own fitness centre and Spa, there is also
Barringtons Golf and Health Spa,
on the road towards the tennis centre. This has a health club and spa and also a golf academy and accommodation. Barringtons has been here for as long as I remember. Shopping and other facilitiesVale do Lobo Shopping, is located at the central Parque do Golfe complex and has a range of boutiques, newsagent and bank. If you want a supermarket then there is one just outside the entrance to the resort. Bigger and better supermarkets are to be found a few miles away in Almancil.Also at the entrance to the resort is the medical centre, should you be unfortunate enough to need it. Vale do Lobo AccommodationOnly about 20% of owners live in Vale do Lobo permanently, meaning that there is plenty of accommodation available for rent.Vale do Lobo resort accommodation is mainly in apartments, villas and town houses. Click on the links to view a selection of properties available.
There is only one hotel within the resort complex itself,
Le Meridien Dona Filipa Hotel.
There are 3 other hotels nearby which are classed as Vale Do Lobo hotels. These are the Ria Park Spa Hotel, the Ria Park Garden Hotel and the Formosa Park Hotel. BeachesThere is a superb white sandy beach, 2km in length, flanked by dramatic red sandstone cliffs. It stretches out in both directions from the Praca. There are a variety of water sports which take place along the beach, so you can try your hand at sailing, wind-surfing or water-skiing or whatever takes your fancy.For familiesWhile Val Do Lobo resort is a safe and relaxing place for families, there really isn’t a huge amount for children to do. There’s obviously the beach and also the children’s pool at the Rotunda. There is also a kids club, part of the Penguin village, run from La Meridien Dona Filipa hotel, catering for children from 6 months to 12 years old.Return from Vale do Lobo Resort page to Central Algarve page
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It has over 1300 properties, from town houses and apartments to luxury villas, and has plans to build over 1000 more (and another 5 star hotel). It has been building and expanding since it opened in 1962, and there is the danger that it may one day become overdeveloped.
If, like me, you are a keen golfer, then you will be spoilt with the
