Rose visits the luxury resorts of Martinhal in Southern Portugal

I have recently spent a few days in the Algarve during early November and arrived to lovely weather and blue skies! I enjoyed a fabulous stay at Martinhal Quinta, and a day visit to Martinhal Sagres. Martinhal are family friendly hotels where children are especially welcome, therefore parents can enjoy a relaxing holiday and precious memories can be made for the whole family.

On arrival, I was greeted at Martinhal Quinta with a warm welcome and detailed information on the Resort and the facilities on offer. I stayed in a two-bedroom townhouse, which was certainly more spacious than I had expected. Our townhouse had a double and twin bedroom – both with ample wardrobe space, a well equipped kitchen with a welcome hamper ready on arrival and a comfortable living area and indoor dining table. Outside was a private pool, a BBQ and a well maintained garden, which was beautifully furnished. We were situated within a short walk of the Mercado Deli & Bake, which is open daily and offers freshly baked bread and pastries, and a variety of take away coffees. This store is well stocked with fresh produce, baby food and treats for children. During our first day, we headed to the Pool Hangout. This very much feels like a social meeting place, where children and parents alike were enjoying quality time together and getting to know other families. There is an outdoor pool which has two slides for children, as well as water jets, a sand pit, a games table and trampoline. The Blue Room is a games room, which is a great space for children of all ages to interact with one another – the younger children can enjoy the toys on offer in the play corners and in addition there are games tables, Playstations and an Xbox for the older ones. There is also a warm indoor pool, as well as an excellent gym and sauna. I’d recommend the parents to try out a spa treatment!

For lunch this day, we sat by the pool and dined at M Bar, where I had a Tuna Nicoise  - very tasty! There is a varied children’s menu including options such as penne with tomato sauce, fish fingers, beef or vegetarian burgers and spaghetti Bolognese, as well as fresh purees for babies. The main menu includes fresh salads, soups, fish, foccacias and sandwiches, curries and pizzas, among many more. And not forgetting the great range of the tastiest cocktails, wines and sangrias! Should you prefer to have a night in and dine in your villa, you can order takeaway straight to your door. Children will love the ice cream selection from Gelataria, also.

Breakfast here is a real treat!

We tried options such as pancakes with fresh fruit and honey, poached egg, avocado and salmon and French toast.

At the resort, there is a creche for babies aged between 6 and 23 months, Raposinhos for children aged between 2 and 5 years old and the Fox Club for children aged 6 and 8 years old. Activities for the youngest ones include hand and foot painting and sensory activities and for the older ones story times, puppet shows, arts and crafts, football and the outdoor playground.

There is a range of accommodation options, including 2 and 3 bed townhouses and 3, 4 and 5 bedroom villas. Reception is open 24 hours, and there is wifi throughout the resort.

I would highly recommend exploring the exclusive area of Quinta do Lago. You are spoilt for choice for activities, including horse riding, golf, bike hire, watersports, tennis and boat trips, all of which our team here will be delighted to advise you on and make recommendations.

Now for my visit at Martinhal Sagres.

It has been quite some time since my last visit here, and from the second I first arrived I did have to ask myself why it had been so long, because wow – this area is and hotel is truly stunning! If you are looking for a five star family friendly resort, or even your baby’s first holiday, then look no further! Sagres is a beautiful and peaceful area, situated 1 hour 20 minutes from Faro airport. It is very popular with surfers and also visitors to the lighthouse at sunset.

Choice of accommodation here is vast. These include 1 and 2 bedroom garden houses, 2 and 3 bedroom bay houses, 2 and 3 bed pinewood houses with private pools, 2 and 3 bed ocean houses, 2 and 3 bed mimosa villas and 3, 4 and 5 bedroom luxury villas all with their own private pools. Our team here will happily assist you with your choice and offer advice where required.

There are a number of communal pools available for your use on the resort – the choice is yours! During my time here, I felt the guest focus was on the Pool Hangout, a shallow infant pool and larger pool which overlooks the sea, from where you can enjoy delicious drinks, snacks and meals. Activities include 2 floodlit tennis courts, padel tennis courts, a gym, a spa, a bike station, a watersports centre, mini golf and football – this is very popular, and Martinhal have daily football sessions with experienced coaches for children from 4 to 12 years old. Here at Sagres, you have a wonderful nursery for babies from 6 to 12 months, a creche from 13 to 23 months, Raposinhos from 2 to 3 years, Fox Club from 4 to 6 years and Explorers Nature Club from 7 to 13 years. Activities for the older ones include a number of different sports such as basketball, football, handball and archery. Your younger children will love exploring the outdoors here in the small forest, perfect for little imaginations! The love for children and activities on offer for them here are second to none.

There is a Village Square, which really feels like the central hub on the resort. Here, families can socialize and eat together, all while the children can make new friends. This is where the Blue Room is located (a huge games room, which also hosts small movie nights) and a playground. There is a restaurant here; Os Gambozinos, which overlooks the children’s play area – perfect! As well as The Josper Grill, a take-away which is great for some casual food whilst enjoying a relaxing evening.

The quality of the cuisine here is exceptional, and I was lucky enough to be invited to dine in Dunas. This restaurant offers fresh seafood, with a true Algarvian feel. This was the best food I had here in the Algarve! We enjoyed clams, as well as fresh Sagres fish and a cold glass of rose – it was amazing! The high quality surroundings were beautiful, with views of the sea. Don’t worry about not being able to relax and enjoy the food – the experienced Martinhal team will be on hand to entertain your children whilst you enjoy your meal and relax. If the children are worn out after a long day of having fun, you can order take away to your accommodation, or shop for fresh produce at Mercado in the Village Square.

At both Martinhal Sagres and Martinhal Quinta, the baby concierge offers equipment to pre-book including door protectors, potties, baby baths, cots, highchairs and bottle sterilizers and warmers.  

Don’t forget to explore the area – whether that be by way of a tuk-tuk tour around Sagres, a boat trip or on a jeep safari! Here, you have it all!