Quinta do Lago: The Algarve resort that claims to be Europe's best

Quinta do Lago translates from Portuguese to English as “Country House of the Lake”, which is certainly grand but simply does not do justice to this absolutely magnificent five-star resort.

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, it styles itself as Europe’s “finest golf, leisure and lifestyle resort”, and when visitors first lay their eyes on it, that’s hard to disagree with. Expect a scrupulous “Clean & Safe” (certified by Turismo de Portugal) destination nestled in the Formosa Natural Park, a wetland of international importance with a maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands, stretching 38 miles along the Algarve coast.

Guests can also anticipate world-class golf – including the €7million upgraded South Course – amid exquisite restaurants, a premier sports hub, boutique hotel and a glorious sandy beach. Plus protecting the environment has been a key policy for Quinta do Lago, including nurturing existing nature trails and building on just 9% of its site, leaving the remaining as vast untouched green spaces. Fancy a tour?

The four-star Magnolia Hotel is a boutique property with 74 rooms and seven cottages on the doorstep of the resort. Inspired by Palm Springs, it pays homage to the mid-century motor-hotel era with relaxed accommodation and amenities including a heated outdoor “Miami-retro” palm-fringed pool area, colourful restaurant, cinema, gymnasium, and spa.

Guests can enjoy poolside events, access the numerous facilities, and head to Atlantic Ocean beaches. Sporty guests can play tennis, golf and padel, try cycling and kayaking and join in football camps, with much of the focus at the state-of-the-art The Campus multi-sports hub.

For something different, you can join tours of the resort’s own Q Farm, gaining an insight into sustainable agricultural practices to grow organic produce and helping to plant herbs. There are also themed foodie, game and movie nights plus live music in the restaurants and barbecues.

Your Algarve sanctuary has plenty of options for accommodation with grades featuring blissfully comfortable beds with crisp cotton sheets, rainfall showers, a TV with international channels and superfast wi-fi. Standard rooms are available as a twin or double, with an en-suite bathroom and private balcony.

Move a level up and there is extra space in the Standard + room, and a SleepHub device which uses the power of sound technology to help guests to drift off into a peaceful slumber. Upgrade further to a Suite and you’ll also benefit from a separate living area.

The hotel’s showstopper accommodation is the two-bedroom cottage, set in the grounds among pine trees. Each has a double room and a twin room, plus a living room with sofa bed, kitchenette and private patio. The kitchenette is equipped with a double hob, kitchenware and Smeg appliances, while the master room features sliding doors to a private patio.

Guests may wish to arrive a little hungry due to the fabulous, top-quality venues to savour at this resort, ranging from relaxed or formal but all utilising local produce such as fresh seafood from the markets, alongside wood-fired pizzas, healthy salads and homemade desserts.

For the Algarve’s most refined Asian dining experience, head to Umami which is inspired by the fishermen of the northern coastal waters of Japan who grill fish on their boats over hot coals. Diners can enjoy the sun setting over the waters of the Ria Formosa as they savour delights from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Bovino steakhouse places the best cuts of dry-aged beef at the heart of its philosophy and gastronomy along with award-winning cocktails all served amid a striking contemporary decor. At Casa Velha, traditional Portuguese flavours and characterful wines awaits, while lakeside Casa Do Lago offers a nautical design to accompany its seafood and outdoor terrace.

More relaxed venues include Dano’s, a family-friendly sports bar and restaurant with live action on the big screens and craft beers, and Pavilion, like Dano’s, located in the The Campus premier multi-sports hub and a coffee shop with social space.

Serving breakfast and lunch on the terrace overlooking the golf course, Pure is renowned for its homemade desserts and healthy salads. For a perfect sundowner, try lakeside The Shack and add some tapas-style snacks. Koko also serves great breakfasts, plus wood-fired pizza and daily bistro specials, with Limoni taking diners on a journey of Italian flavours and traditions.

The rich memories of vivacious dining here will certainly linger. In contrast, the laid-back vibe next to the pool of The Magnolia Hotel’s Restaurante serves up a variety of local dishes and international favourites plus a full breakfast menu.

Summers days beckon at Q Beach, perched on Quinta do Lago’s two-mile stretch of golden sand and serving up fresh sandwiches, juices or cocktails and a side helping of sunshine. To get to Gigi’s, you cross a bridge overlooking the tidal lagoon and head to a wooden house sat on a stretch of white sand dunes offering idyllic views of the Natural Park. Also here is the Quinta do Lago Beach Bar at Gigi’s for ‘’wildly inventive’’ cocktails. And to finish off, the golfers’ North & South and Laranjal clubhouses have food for all tastes and a “19th Hole” atmosphere only found after a round.

Book the holiday

• Flights to Faro, Algarve, are available from multiple airports across the UK with carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and Wizz Air.
• Rooms at The Magnolia Hotel at the Quinta do Lago resort, Algarve, start at around £139 a night on B&B; Family Cottages around £273 a night on B&B. themagnoliahotelqdl.com
• More info at quintadolago.com visitalgarve.pt