Our opinion
A luxury resort perched on gently sloping cliffs above the spectacular Martinhal beach.
Hotel description
Set in a protected National Park a kilometre from Sagres, the Algarve’s most westerly harbour, the Martinhal Beach Resort and Hotel blends modern luxury with nature in a village-like atmosphere. This part of the Algarvian coastline is relatively unknown and the land slopes away gently into the sea until you reach the mainland’s most westerly point at the Cabo São Vicente. Here the dramatic cliffs fall away into the Atlantic and the views out to sea are truly breathtaking.
The resort offers accommodation in different styles, from the small but beautifully designed Martinhal Hotel to large luxury villas and smaller more intimate town houses. Spread out across the rural landscape of the nature reserve, there is plenty of room for all guests and the focal point is the village square where the children’s club, the gymnasium and two of the resort’s five swimming pools and reception are situated.
Club 98 is the magnificent sports club, with two indoor tennis courts and ‘padel’ courts, a multi-purpose outdoor playing field and its own swimming pool. Numerous activities can be booked here, including windsurfing, kayaking and skimming. Equipment for all the watersports can be hired from the Beach Club, which is set just above Martinhal beach. There are numerous world class golf courses within a stone’s throw of the resort.
There are three restaurants from the fine-dining O Terraço situated in the Hotel to the lively bistro-style O Gambozinhos in the village square and the As Dunas family restaurant, with a spectacular position over looking the beach.
The Finisterra Spa is situated in its own secluded grounds, the Spa offers a wide selection of treatments and massages using the exclusive Terraké brand and Voya range which is 100% organic. The emphasis is on relaxation and well being and the muted décor and luxury comfort blend in seamlessly with the natural surrounding environment.
The Raposinhos Club, which caters for babies from 6 – 23 months has a wide range of books, toys and games for the children to enjoy throughout the day and older children from 2-8 years old are entertained in two different clubs which organise both indoor and outdoor activities.
In the summer months evening entertainment is organized for children in the Village Square while the parents enjoy their supper at the bistro restaurant.
Annual opening
Open 02 February 2012 – 01 November 2012
Distance from airport
1 hour 15 minutes
Closest airport
Faro Airport
Room types
38 luxury rooms of which the Terrace rooms are situated in the main hotel building, have their own terrace and lawn area for relaxing outdoors and the Beach rooms are in clusters of four, overlooking the beach, just a short walk from the hotel.
Beach Suites there are only 2 beach suites, which have an impressive mezzanine lay out, with a living room downstairs opening to a private terrace and a large open-plan bedroom upstairs with a large private terrace. The Beach Suites can interconnect with a beach room, which is perfect for older children.
All rooms feature tea making facilities, a Nespresso coffee machine, mini bar, telephone, a safe, Wi-fi, Satellite TV and a bose ipod docking station.
Martinhal Village
Ocean Houses
Carefully arranged in small terraced groups just behind the Hotel Martinhal, there are 49 Grand Deluxe 2 bedroom houses and 6 Master Deluxe 3 bedroom houses.
The houses either have 2 or 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living and dining room, 2 bathrooms, one with bath and one with shower, hairdryer, safe and balcony or terrace with full or partial sea views.
Bay Houses
The Bay Houses (16 Grand Deluxe 2 bedroom and 12 Master Deluxe 3 bedroom) are located on the eastern side of the resort and are the most spacious and secluded properties. Each house has a garden area, which is perfect for children.
All houses have either 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one with bath and one with shower, hairdryer and safe and living/dining area and kitchen.
Garden Houses
The 39 Garden Houses are the ideal choice for parents with younger children and offer 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. Arranged around an attractive parkland area, the houses are substantial semi-detached villas set within a walled, private garden. The children’s Oasis pool is situated at the centre of the parkland.
All houses feature a living/dining area, fully fitted kitchen and either one or two bathrooms with bath or shower.
Pinewoods Houses
Positioned along the edge of a pine forest, each house has its own private swimming pool (4m x 8 m), and a garden. There are two or three bedroom houses available.
Facilities All villas in the Martinhal Resort have Voya amenities (75ml bath gel + shampoo + body milk + soap), 32” satellite television with multi-channel selection and video on demand, wireless internet access and telephone. Fully equipped kitchens and daily maid service.
Independently owned villas on request
Villas Mimosa
These are independently owned townhouses on the edge of the resort and are either two or three bedroomed houses, with a parking bay at the front of the house. Use of the resort’s facilities is complimentary when staying in one of the townhouses.
Luxury Private Villas
There are also 3 and 4 bedroomed luxury private villas for rent, which are also privately owned, so vary in décor and layout, but all have a private swimming pool. Guests in the luxury villas have full use of the resort’s facilities.
Hotel facilities and services
3 restaurants, 2 snack bars, 5 swimming pools, tennis, sports club and gym, spa, beach, watersports.
1 outdoor swimming pool at the Sports Club, popular with teenagers 1 indoor/outdoor pool in the Village Square and a separate toddler pool, the Beach Club pool over looking the beach and the Oasis pool, which has a ‘beach entry’ slope, popular with youngsters.
Water sports
Chargable watersports available.
Land sports
Chargeable sports include Tennis, ‘Padel’ courts, bike hire and gym are available.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Championship Penina Golf course, near Lagos (20 mins drive away), the Parque de Floresta Golf Club (about 10 minutes drive away), jeep safaris into the Monchique Mountains, Birdwatching and photography. Shopping in Lagos. Cabo Sao Vicente lighthouse and the town of Sagres, with Henry the Navigator’s Maritime school and fortress.
Highlights for families are Aqualand near Lagoa, about 45 minutes drive away, numerous beaches on the Algarve coast and the Atlantic coast.
Children
Children under 16 may not use the Spa. Children require supervision at all times when swimming or near the pools and on the beach. Children over 10 years old may use the watersports facilities.