With all the outstanding reviews of Vila Vita singing the praises of its grounds, food and service, our expectations were set very high, and quite remarkably they were met in virtually every way.

A few, hopefully useful, hints / observations:

Garden View room : Be aware that some garden view rooms have a somewhat limited view compared to the other views this site has to offer. We were initially allocated room 304, a deluxe garden room in the main building (through a BA booking), however on viewing, due to the view mainly being of tall palm trees and ornate high bushes (see attached image) we chose to pay for an upgrade to a ground floor ocean view room in the “Residence” building, as this offered a direct panoramic view of the ocean (see attached images).

Although expensive at roughly 100 euros a night extra, the view and additional outside space (including sun loungers) we would highly recommend this option.

The restaurants : A minor note of caution, each restaurant will very naturally offer an aperitif, and then a basket of bread will appear, which is presented as though here is your bread, but with a slight questioning tone… both are optional extras even on half board and you will be charged.

The Adega Restaurant : One of the restaurants included in the half board option. Traditional Portuguese food. The maitre d seemed hassled, and seemed to resent any questions regarding the menu, which being our first night wasn’t the best start, and probably impacted our overall impression. The food was simple and simply presented. We chose not to return.

The Aladin Grill Restaurant : Not one of the half board restaurants… but tell them when requesting to sign the bill and 43 euro per person will be deducted.

This is how it should be done. Excellent service and food in a very ornate and stylish setting… cannot fault it. We ate here twice, highly recommended. We chose to keep the price down by accepting the bread and accompaniments as a starter and then having mains only.

Praia Dourada Restaurant : This is on the beach front a 10 minute shuttle bus ride away, and is one of the half board restaurants.

It was dark, so we couldn’t see the view…. which we assume would be one of the attractions. Much better priced drinks …. as I assume they have to compete with others on the sea front. A perfectly pleasant restaurant. The shuttle bus is well organised.

The Cave de Vinhos - meet the chef : An expensive option. Interesting environment in a wine cellar. The price includes a glass of wine with each course. Delicious tapas type starters, and deserts.

The main course was a choice of Traditional Portuguese Octopus stew or Veal. We had one of each. Neither was to our taste.

It was enjoyable to be provided with wine selected to complement the food… but it is not clear why it is called “meet the chef”, as you pre order the food on booking and it is prepared beforehand. There is no chef to meet.

Unless you are very keen on Traditional Portuguese food and a wine enthusiast I’m afraid that I would not recommend.

The Bela Vita Restaurant : Another one of the half board restaurants, and in our view by far the best. Excellent food and service in a very stylish environment. We ate here twice. Would definitely recommended,

Breakfast : If you don’t have children with you use the Atlantico Restaurant as you choose specials from the menu, and then help yourself from the buffet. With a lovely view across the ocean you can’t ask for a better start to the day.

Coastal walk : You can walk to the nearby village/town along a cliff edge path, which is narrow and steep and right on the edge in places. However you can skip the more tricky part of the walk by using a small exit gate positioned in the far corner of the grounds on the edge of the 9 hole pitch and putt course …this exits directly onto the coastal path. There’s a push button to exit and you swipe your room card to re-enter. We took this route a couple of times as there are a number of supermarkets there… and bars etc.