If you want a destination that offers a wide array of wellness facilities, relaxation, sports, restaurants, and shops close at hand, all while serving a beach voted the best beach of 2024 on TripAdvisor, then continue reading because I have found it. With 15 restaurants, 8 swimming pools, a spa, a gym, a golf course, tennis courts, shops for anything you might need, and even a hairdresser or barber, nothing is amiss at Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve.
Day One at Pine Cliffs Resort
After a flight that ended up being speedier than we expected and with a new friend made, we found ourselves at Faro Airport in Portugal. I spotted a dapper gentleman holding a sign with my name on it – this was our Prestige driver, Antonio. He was professional, easy-going, and truly made us feel amazing. During the drive, we got a glimpse of the area, with white houses and greenery along the way. It only took about 30 minutes to reach Pine Cliffs from the airport, making it very convenient for the return flight. However, we weren’t heading home just yet, so let’s move on.
As we drove into the Pine Cliffs Resort, we started to realise just how large it actually was; it felt more like a small village. The resort includes apartments, studios, and a luxury hotel with 217 rooms, and that’s just the accommodation.
Upon arriving at the grand entrance, we were immediately impressed by the beautiful tiles and fountains surrounding it. At this early stage, we could already feel the serenity of the resort, which set the tone for our weekend.
Since we arrived fairly early and our room wasn’t ready, we started with lunch at Corda Café, located very close to reception and just a hop and a skip away from a pool. While there, we were served by Manuela, who quickly became a familiar face. She took such good care of us, being friendly and professional, all while making us feel at home.
Once our room was finally ready, we headed up to the second floor. Along the walls of the Pine Cliffs Resort, you’ll see tile art of different people, each holding a unique story and significance. The windows of the hallways have no glass, giving you a rustic indoor/outdoor feeling.
When we entered our room, we found two twin beds and plenty of space. The wardrobe was large enough for all the outfits two women might need—so that’s saying something! There was also a nice desk with a phone and all the necessary equipment for last-minute remote work. The balcony was roomy and featured a table, perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine after a day spent on the grounds. The bathroom was large, with both a shower and a bathtub, depending on your preference.
The Pine Cliffs Resort spans 72 hectares, and it’s easy to get lost while figuring out the best routes. Fortunately, we were given a map to guide us, and we were also treated to a private tour by the Marketing Manager, Sandra Redondo.
With some time to spare before dinner, we decided to go poolside and relax. We were happy to be far away from rainy London, and it was the perfect time to unwind.
For our first dinner, we had the pleasure of dining at Portofino by MIMO, a trattoria with gorgeous outdoor seating next to the lemon tree square. The staff were dressed in charming uniforms, giving off an authentic Italian vibe. The portions were generous, and the atmosphere was wonderful, with stunning music and a relaxed vibe—perfect for our first dinner. Don’t forget the dessert – it’s fantastic!
Day Two at Pine Cliffs Resort
In the morning, we had our first breakfast at Jardim Colonial. The selection was heavenly, with something for every type of breakfast enthusiast. There were fresh fruits, classic dishes, freshly made juices, and even an omelette station where you could request almost anything under the sun. Despite being a large space, it felt calm and relaxed. You could spot golfers and early tennis players in the mix, as well as couples enjoying a “home away from home” holiday.
It was a strong start to our wellness journey, beginning with a Bioimpedance assessment that provided us with detailed insights into our bodies. My best takeaway was that my visceral fat was beautifully low and that I had strong muscle mass—yay me! However, this did not help me much during my Pilates session at Active by Serenity.
Goodness me, it looked easy enough, but let me tell you, it wasn’t. I worked muscles I didn’t know I had, all while being inside a bright, airy studio overlooking the golf course and its early starters.
With such a health-focused start, it seemed only fitting to have lunch at Zest, which offers many healthy, fresh, and organic options. The natural foods and juices were excellent. I had the frango grelhado (grilled chicken), which was amazing—a large portion that left me feeling comfortably full. On the side, I opted for an immunity boost juice. You can never be too boosted!
My friend had to get some work done, so I ventured down to the Serenity Spa for my Marine Detox Bath and Lymphatic Drainage Massage while she stayed in the room. I swear I thought of her the entire time.
I was well taken care of by Diana, who calmly guided me to the first room and explained the treatments. Each room had its own purpose and design, but all of them had that same calming effect, allowing me to leave the outside world behind.
The Marine Detox Bath was very interesting. A large bathtub sat in the centre of the room, surrounded by beautiful mosaic tiles and dim lighting. This algae bath, combined with light therapy, supports detoxification by infusing minerals and vitamins into the body. The water also has air streams that provide a gentle massage, targeting cellulite and aiding in body fat reduction. After 20 minutes, I felt amazing.
Following the bath, I was guided into the next room for my Lymphatic Drainage Massage. This isn’t a deep tissue massage; it uses light pressure along the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and excess fluids. It felt so soothing that I may have dozed off for a moment. I left the spa feeling like a new person. Given all the awards Serenity Spa has won – 20 in total – it’s no surprise that I had such an exceptional experience.
Once my friend was done with her work, she joined me at our new favourite spot, the Thermal Oasis. This place felt like heaven on earth. We spent as much time as possible there, which is a great perk of staying at Pine Cliffs Resort – it’s included in the stay.
It’s hard to explain, but the Thermal Oasis exudes a serene atmosphere. You walk through a dimly lit hallway adorned with healing crystals and natural elements. Once you enter the Oasis, everyone instinctively keeps their voices low and movements gentle, so everyone can relax. The hydrotherapy pool with bubble bath beds and a waterfall, along with the outdoor jacuzzi, herbal sauna, Himalayan salt sauna, ice fountain, sensory showers, and my personal favourite, the Kneipp Therapy Pool, all contribute to the calming experience. We left feeling like years of stress had been lifted.
After our refreshing visit, we enjoyed dinner at O Pescador, where we had a subtle view of the ocean. We could sit outside under floral-adorned beams or inside if we preferred. The menu featured fresh fish from the sea, and we even had the chance to pick our fish and watch it being prepared. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful, providing blankets and heaters when the evening chill crept in.
Day Three at Pine Cliffs Resort
After breakfast, our Prestige driver took us to Albufeira Marina, where we met Hugo and Vitor, our guides for the day. They are part of X-ride Tours, a company which offers various cruises. We chose a tour of the Benagil Caves and the impressive cliffs of Albufeira, but it was also a Dolphin Cruise! Hugo and Vitor were such fun guides, making us feel comfortable and providing many laughs. We learned a lot about the cliffs and sights along the way and even got to explore the caves. However, the highlight for me was seeing dolphins.
We had to go fairly far out to find them, but we did! All the boats in the area work together to help passengers spot dolphins, which I thought was lovely. We watched as the dolphins played around the boat, leaping out of the water. It was a dream come true for me.
Once we returned from the cruise, we walked down to the beach and had lunch at Mare. This might be one of my favourite spots. We got a table by the window, so as the tide came in, we were almost sitting on the water. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows provided an incredible view. The restaurant was bright and airy, making it the perfect place to refuel after a day on the beach or to recharge before relaxing on a sunbed.
After lunch, we decided to try one of the pools with a bar in it—how could we resist? It was a great spot to sit in the water and enjoy a freshly made, super-tasty piña colada. After chatting with an older couple and enjoying some ’90s music, we headed back to the room to get ready for the evening.
Before dinner, we stopped at Mirador Champagne Bar for a lovely drink and a view of the most magnificent sunset. It might just be the world’s best spot for such a moment. The endless horizon, combined with the cliffs and trees, created a beautiful backdrop for the setting sun. It was one of those rare moments where words weren’t needed, and no photo could truly capture it. We’ll treasure it as a precious memory.
After that unforgettable moment, we were ready for dinner at Piri Piri Steakhouse. To get there, we could walk, but we opted for a shuttle bus arranged by reception. Piri Piri Steakhouse is located near the entrance of the resort, in a beautiful venue featuring wooden beams and a dimly lit, intimate atmosphere. It also boasts a large outdoor seating area.
Our waiter, Thiago, took excellent care of us, and we had some great conversations about the wine we wanted to pair with our meal. I decided to really treat myself and went all out with a delicious steak, perfectly sized side dishes of mashed potatoes and tomato salad. It was incredibly tasty, one of those meals you just want to savour.
That was our last evening at Pine Cliffs Resort, and we could have stayed much longer if we had the chance. We were so wonderfully well taken care of throughout our stay, by such kind staff and fellow guests. It truly was a relaxing, wellness-boosting resort. I feel incredibly lucky to have been invited, and I am so grateful for this trip.
Not only was I made to feel like a VIP guest throughout, but I also felt that this resort was the perfect place to find peace and focus on my wellness. Being able to wander down to the beach on the wooden walkway that leads to the sandy shoreline was a special experience. Each step allowed me to take in the grandeur of the cliffs rising towards the sky and the seemingly endless horizon. Feeling the sand between my toes, knowing there was no stress, and realising that whatever your heart desires is available at Pine Cliffs Resort, made the entire experience unforgettable.
Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve
Praia da Falésia
8200-912 Albufeira
Portugal
