If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that a family holiday with little ones is far from the blissful escape it once was. Gone are the days of lounging by the pool with a book and a cocktail. Now it’s all about keeping the kids entertained while grabbing any moment you can to recharge! Thankfully, the Algarve is packed with family-friendly luxury hotels that make travelling with tots an absolute dream. Here are my top picks, with all the details you need, including driving time from Faro airport and some handy pricing info for late October 2024.
Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort & Hotel
Driving time from Faro: 1 hour 15 mins
From £220 per night
Martinhal Sagres is basically the holy grail for families. It’s been designed with parents and kids in mind, so you can relax knowing your little ones will be entertained. With several heated pools (including a toddler-friendly one), a kids’ club, and a baby concierge service (they’ll organise essentials like cots, highchairs, and bottle warmers), you really don’t need to worry about a thing. The accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to self-catering houses, and there’s plenty of space for everyone. Plus, the beach is just a short walk away. Honestly, it’s heaven for families who want a mix of luxury and relaxation without the faff.
Domes Lake Algarve
Driving time from Faro: 20 mins
From £190 per night
A new addition to the family-friendly hotel scene, Domes Lake Algarve is perfect if you’re looking for something close to Faro. The hotel overlooks a private lake, and the views are stunning. It’s a short walk to Vilamoura beach, and there’s an incredible kids’ club with tons of activities for all ages – think treasure hunts, cooking workshops, and mini-Olympics. The outdoor pools are brilliant, especially the heated ones for when the October weather cools slightly. The family rooms are spacious and modern, and the hotel offers babysitting services if you want to sneak away for a quiet dinner in one of the onsite restaurants.
Martinhal Quinta Family Resort
Driving time from Faro: 25 mins
From £250 per night
Martinhal Quinta, the sister property of the Sagres resort, is a boutique family-friendly haven in Quinta do Lago. This one’s all about self-catering luxury with the added bonus of top-notch hotel facilities. The villas and townhouses are ideal for larger families or those who prefer a bit more independence. There’s a lovely pool with a water slide for kids, and a baby pool for the tiniest family members. The kids’ club here is also fantastic, and they’ve got a daily schedule packed with fun activities. Quinta do Lago itself is gorgeous, with lovely restaurants, nature trails, and easy beach access. It’s the perfect balance of luxury and family-fun vibes.
Pine Cliffs Resort
Driving time from Faro: 30 mins
From £275 per night
Pine Cliffs is one of the Algarve’s most iconic luxury resorts, and it’s perfect for families looking to mix luxury with adventure. The resort is enormous, set on a clifftop with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has direct access to Praia da Falésia, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. There’s a huge range of family-friendly accommodation, from hotel rooms to self-catering apartments and villas. My little ones loved the Pirate Adventure Park (yes, an actual pirate ship play area) and the dedicated children’s village. Meanwhile, the multiple pools and extensive spa give adults the chance to unwind while the kids are entertained by the excellent kids’ club.
Vila Monte Farmhouse
Driving time from Faro: 25 mins
From £230 per night
Vila Monte Farmhouse is a bit of a hidden gem – it’s not as ‘out there’ as the others, but if you’re after a tranquil, luxurious escape, this is the place. The vibe here is rustic-chic, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a luxury retreat in the middle of the Algarve’s countryside. There’s a lovely heated outdoor pool and a dedicated children’s area with activities like nature walks and treasure hunts. The suites are spacious and beautifully designed, perfect for families who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. It’s close to the coast, so you can easily pop out to the beach for a day trip, but the resort itself is so serene that you might never want to leave!
Book Through Baby Friendly Boltholes
A truckload of Google reviews have users raving about the Baby-Friendly Boltholes personalised booking service and having expert advice makes all the difference, especially when travelling with kids. Simply click on the ‘Matchmaker’ tab on the Baby Friendly Boltholes website, complete a tiny form and one of team, usually Tori, will reply super quick with a host of recommendations, tips and exclusive rates.
So, whether you’re after a beachside paradise or a countryside retreat, the Algarve is packed with family-friendly luxury options. Just remember to pack plenty of snacks for the flight (trust me on that one) and let Baby Friendly Boltholes handle the rest. Happy holiday planning!
