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The setting
The Monchique Resort & Spa is nestled among the lush green hills of the Serra de Monchique, about 4 km from the city centre, and therefore—unlike the hustle and bustle of the seaside town—offers guests a peaceful and green atmosphere. The surrounding area has a rural character and is characterized by cork and eucalyptus trees, as well as extensive walking trails; moreover, the small town of Monchique is just a few minutes’ drive away. Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, this place is ideal for spending a relaxing morning or day at the spa.
What to expect
This 5-star resort is in a hilly area and features a pool, a spa, a gym, and other fitness facilities on site. The rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, and if you’re arriving by car, parking spaces are available.Since the resort also has a children’s playground and a kids’ club, it’s ideal for both couples looking to enjoy a peaceful getaway and parents who want their children to have a place to play. The hotel’s rating is based on 2,000 reviews and is 8.8 out of 10.
Things to do nearby
The Monchique hot springs are just a few minutes’ walk from the resort and are perfect for a short stroll before dinner or a leisurely morning walk. The town of Monchique is just a few minutes’ drive away. There, you’ll find numerous cafés and small shops, and the vast Serra Mountains are crisscrossed by hiking trails that wind through cork oak forests, as well as lookout points offering breathtaking views. On days when you’d like to spend time by the sea, the beaches of Portimão in the southern Algarve are easily accessible by car.
Best for
With its focus on wellness holidays, this hotel is ideal for couples who want to spend time by the pool and enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by rolling hills. In addition, thanks to its well-equipped kids’ club and playground, it’s also recommended for family holidays. It’s also a good choice for drivers exploring the Algarve who prefer accommodations surrounded by nature over resort towns.
How to get to the hotel
Faro Airport is the usual arrival point, roughly a 90-minute drive west through the Algarve; a private transfer can be arranged at booking, or hire a car if you plan to explore the Serra and the coast. Portimão is the nearest sizeable town, about 25 minutes down the hill. Travellers arriving by train reach Portimão station and continue by taxi or hire car, as there is no rail link up to Monchique itself.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionPatio Suite with balcony
Spacious suite with a balcony, a bedroom with a king-size bed, and a living room.
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+£110
+£185- Free Internet
- Transfer services
- Swimming pool
- Spa tub
- Kids club
- Gym
- Yoga
- Sauna
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Lovely family hotel
We stayed as a family for one week. We already knew the area of Monchique so knew that having a car would be essential to get anywhere unless you’re happy just to stay… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Incredible staff for a wonderful experience
We spent one week at Monchique Resort & Spa with the half-board formula, along with our two children (aged 3 and 5). The whole family truly enjoyed the stay, especially… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Need improvements
Firstly, this is not a 5* it is beautiful modern construction- clean and in a beautiful area. There are a few areas where it needs attention. The site consists of 3… Read full review on ZenHotels →
A week, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and settling into the hills
Pick up your rental car in Faro, head west toward the Serra de Monchique mountains, and follow the road leading up through the cork oak forest until the resort comes into view. Once you’ve checked in and unpacked your bags at your leisure, head to the pool and enjoy your first swim. Before sunset, take a stroll around the grounds to get your bearings, and have dinner at the resort’s restaurant so you won’t have to get behind the wheel again on your first day. If you go to bed early, you’ll be fully rested and ready for the next day.
Thermal springs and village wander
First, enjoy breakfast on the terrace, and then take a stroll to the Monchique hot springs, which are just a few minutes’ walk from the resort. Spend about an hour relaxing by the water and in the shade of the surrounding trees. Then you can stop by the village of Monchique for a cup of coffee, browse the stalls selling folk crafts, and have lunch at a small tavern. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to the resort, where you can take a dip in the pool or curl up with a book by the poolside.
Spa day, top to toe
Book a morning session at the spa—sauna, steam room, and massage—and then immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rolling countryside. For lunch, enjoy a light meal in a peaceful setting. In the afternoon, try a gentle yoga session or a relaxing workout in the gym, and if you feel like it, why not visit the sauna again? You can also enjoy dinner on the hotel grounds while watching twilight fall over the Serra mountain range. This day will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for you.
Down to the coast for a beach day
Drive south to Portimão and Praia da Rocha for a proper Atlantic beach day: sand, cliffs and warm August water. Rent a lounger, swim, walk the boardwalk under the sandstone cliffs. Stop for grilled fish at a beach restaurant and an afternoon coffee. Head back up the hill in time for a pool dip before dinner. The temperature drop as you climb is one of the small pleasures of staying up here.
Fóia peak and viewpoint drive
Drive up to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve, for wide views over the coast on a clear morning. Bring a light layer — it's breezier than the resort. Loop back through the mountain roads via small hamlets and a cork-oak stretch or two. Lunch of chicken piri-piri in Monchique village is the traditional move. Back at the resort, take an easy afternoon with a book by the pool.
Family day or slow-down day
If you're travelling with kids, this is the day to lean on the resort: the playground in the morning, kids club through the middle of the day, pool time after. Couples can swap this for a slow-down day — long breakfast, a hike from the resort into the surrounding woods, a second spa treatment in the afternoon. Eat early and take a walk once the heat drops off.
Silves and the Algarve back-country
You’ll head east toward Silves, the former capital of the Moorish, and spend the morning exploring the city’s red sandstone walls and its small cathedral. You’ll have lunch while strolling along the riverfront. In this city, seasonal grilled sardines are a real treat. On the way back, you’ll drive through orange groves—how about stopping at a local honey or medronho producer? After returning to the hotel and taking a dip in the sea, a cozy dinner awaits you in the evening.
Where you'll be
Algarve, Portugal
FAQ
Where is the Algarve?
The Algarve is a region at the southernmost tip of mainland Portugal, stretching along the Atlantic coast and bordered by Spanish to the east and Cape St Vincent. Vincent to the west. The region’s main city is Faro. The Monchique Resort & Spa is nestled among the green hills of the Serra de Monchique, a short distance inland from the coast.
Where is the Algarve located in Portugal?
The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal, bordered to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean, the Alentejo region to the north, and Spain to the east, from which it is separated by the Guadiana River. It is about a three-hour drive south of Lisbon, with Faro serving as both the region’s main airport and its administrative centre.
What are the best things to do in the Algarve?
Days out along the beaches and sea cliffs between Lagos and Albufeira, boat trips into the Benagil sea caves, walking in the Serra de Monchique, castle visits at Silves, and market wandering in the old towns. At the resort itself you can use the pool, spa, gym and fitness facilities, and families have a children's playground and kids club on site.
Is Faro in the Algarve?
Yes. Faro is the capital of the Algarve, and that’s where the international airport is. Most tourists arrive at this airport. From Faro Airport to the Monchique Resort & Spa, it takes about 90 minutes by car to drive west into the interior of the country and then up into the Monchique Thermal Springs.
Is Albufeira in the Algarve?
Yes, Albufeira is on the central Algarve coast, roughly 40 km west of Faro. It's known for its beaches, old town and nightlife. From Monchique Resort & Spa, Albufeira is around an hour's drive east along the A22, making it an easy day trip if you fancy a beach-and-town day away from the hills.
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