Site Inspection at W Algarve on Portugal's Southern Coast

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Advisor - Amanda Tsai
Curated By

Amanda Tsai

  • Algarve

  • Portugal

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Spa

  • Relaxation

  • Hotel Guide

Site Inspection at W Algarve on Portugal's Southern Coast
Curator’s statement

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a month living in Portugal, where I fully immersed myself in the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. As part of this experience, I took a short weekend trip to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and vibrant local culture. The Algarve is a place where history, particularly the legacy of Moorish rule, blends seamlessly with modern Portuguese life, offering visitors a unique mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. During my stay, I visited the W Algarve, a resort that perfectly encapsulates the region’s dynamic energy and historical richness. This property stands out for its cutting-edge design that thoughtfully incorporates both contemporary luxury and traditional Portuguese elements, such as ceramics and Moorish-inspired patterns. The W Algarve offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can explore the culture and beauty of the Algarve by day — whether that’s relaxing on the beach, exploring the nearby towns or savoring local dishes — and returning to a stylish and luxurious setting each evening. This resort is ideal for travelers who appreciate modern design, cultural immersion and a lively vibe, and I’m excited to share more about it.

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Where to stay

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A hotel lobby with multiple green and blue glass lights hanging from the ceiling

Location

W Algarve is situated on the picturesque Algarve coast, just 45 minutes from Faro Airport. The resort’s prime location offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and easy access to some of the Algarve’s best beaches and one of the star attractions of the region, the iconic Benagil Caves. It’s also a short drive to Albufeira, known for its charming old town and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Room categories:

W Algarve offers 134 west-facing luxury guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary style with elements of Portuguese culture. Hotel guests can choose from a range of room options and suites, ensuring a stay that meets their needs, whether they're seeking a romantic getaway or a family-friendly retreat. For larger families and groups, the W Residences offers one, two, three and four-bedroom options.

Rooms

These chic and comfortable rooms offer views of the resort, gardens and ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. These rooms are designed to enhance the luxury experience with sleek, contemporary decor and culturally significant accents, such as Portuguese tiles and sardine pillows. Guests can relax on their private balcony or terrace, soaking in the serene surroundings.

A hotel bedroom with a white bed pushed against a back wall in the center of the room

Suites

These expansive one and two-bedroom suites offer a heightened level of luxury, featuring separate living areas and large terraces with either garden or ocean views. Each suite is adorned with W Algarve’s signature design elements that blend modern sophistication with cultural richness. The suites’ private rooftop terraces, some equipped with plunge pools, provide an ideal setting for sunbathing or al-fresco dining in style.

The EWOW Penthouse suite has attracted celebrities such as Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and Nicki Minaj, making it the premier choice for guests seeking an unforgettable stay.

A hotel room at the W Hotel with white bedding and patterened yellow and gray wallpaper behind.

Residences

Ideal for families or groups, W Algarve’s residences offer spacious living with one, two, three and four-bedroom options. These residences combine the luxury and style of the hotel with the comfort and convenience of a private home. Each residence features separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and large balconies or terraces with views of the resort, garden or ocean. The residences are perfect for extended stays or family vacations. The larger residences, with three or four bedrooms, provide ample space for everyone to unwind in privacy, making them an excellent choice for a luxurious, family-friendly retreat.

A living room area with a round table in front of a grey L-shaped sofa

Amenities:

W Algarve offers a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay, whether you're looking to relax, stay active or explore the Algarve’s stunning surroundings.

Pool

The resort’s main pool is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring ample sun loungers, stylish cabanas and poolside service to ensure you’re always refreshed. With its expansive layout and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to socialize or simply soak up the sun.

A narrow pool with two grey sunloungers either side.

AWAY Spa

The AWAY Spa at W Algarve offers a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. With a range of treatments inspired by local ingredients and traditions, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. The spa includes treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room and a relaxation lounge, all designed to soothe the body and mind.

FIT Gym

The FIT Gym at W Algarve is fully equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, offering everything you need for a comprehensive workout. Beyond the standard facilities, the gym offers a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). These classes are designed to cater to different fitness levels and provide guests with an engaging way to stay active during their stay. The gym’s modern facilities and inspiring views make it easy to maintain your fitness routine or try something new in a vibrant and energizing environment.

Dining

W Algarve boasts several dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. From gourmet restaurants showcasing the best of Portuguese cuisine to casual poolside dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The rooftop bar and restaurant are particularly popular, offering innovative cocktails and tapas with panoramic views of the Atlantic.

Beach Access

Just a short walk from the resort, the beach offers soft sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming or lounging. W Algarve provides a dedicated beach area with loungers, umbrellas and beachside service, ensuring that your time by the ocean is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Kids Club

W Algarve is also family-friendly, with a dedicated Kids Club designed to keep younger guests entertained. The Kids Club offers a range of supervised activities and games, ensuring that children have as much fun as the adults. From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, the Kids Club provides a safe and engaging environment where kids can make new friends and create lasting memories. This allows parents to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time, knowing their children are in good hands.

Ideal clients:

Trendsetters and young professionals

Those who appreciate cutting-edge design, vibrant nightlife and a lively social scene will find W Algarve to be the perfect match. The resort’s modern aesthetic, combined with its dynamic atmosphere, offers an exciting experience for those who enjoy staying at the forefront of luxury trends. The addition of DJ spaces at both the bar and the pool further enhances the resort’s appeal to this group, ensuring a vibrant and engaging environment throughout the day and night.

Couples

With its romantic setting, stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities, W Algarve is a fantastic choice for couples seeking a getaway. The resort’s suites with private pool access, serene AWAY Spa and intimate dining options create an ideal environment for a romantic retreat.

Families

W Algarve is also well-suited for families, thanks to its spacious residences, Kids Club and family-friendly amenities. The range of accommodations, including one to four-bedroom residences, provides plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy their vacation together.

Groups and celebrations

Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a group vacation or a destination wedding, W Algarve offers ample facilities and services to accommodate group events.

Small corporate businesses

W Algarve is also an excellent choice for small corporate businesses looking for a unique and inspiring location for meetings, retreats, or team-building events. The resort’s versatile spaces, including meeting rooms and private terraces, combined with its vibrant atmosphere and luxurious amenities, make it an ideal venue for corporate gatherings that blend business with leisure.

Need to know

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Portugal. In need of further inspiration? Check out ’s guide, Portugal: Where Culture, Food and Beauty Intersect.

Advisor - Amanda Tsai

Travel Advisor

Amanda Tsai

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