Unless you’ve been living under a rock for weeks, you’ll be booking a flight to Portugal – pronto. Shara gets a head start by booking a luxury stay at Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in the Algarve. She reports back on a stay at the hotel known for its wellness offering that has been programmed by celeb trainer Harry Jameson, Sisley Spa and restaurants that fuse traditional Portuguese fare with Michelin-starred dining…
Having spent the last few weeks working flat out in Lisbon (I know, I know, yes, it wasn’t that bad, and yes, it was 25 degrees…) I was in need of a break, and Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa seemed to fit the bill.
A member of Leading Hotels of the World for good reason, Vila Vita Parc is set across a vast 60 acre estate and offers serious luxury. It’s so sprawling, it never once feels crowded, even when at capacity. The gardens are lush and gorgeous and there are dazzling sea views from pretty much everywhere, making it feel impossibly holiday-ish.
Wellness at Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Nothing says holiday more than the Algarve, and there is truly something for everyone here. There are adult-only areas and restaurants, and a kids club to dump any children at in order to truly relax. There are seven pools, – indoor and out – a stunning private beach and the most cutting-edge fitness options, from Technogym equipment to aerial yoga classes.
The wellness offering has been programmed by the wonderful Harry Jameson, celeb PT and consultant – do try the meditation.
Sisley Spa at Vila Vita
We’re all in need of a spa treatment, aren’t we, and where better to head than Vila Vita Parc’s Sisley spa, the only one in Portugal. I opted for the Golden Quartz treatment after a stressful week and it was bliss – exactly what my body needed. 90 minutes is now my new minimum treatment time as it took me at least 30 minutes to wind down and relax, but when I did, it was oh-so-worth-it. A mixture of gong vibrations, hot stones, healing quartz crystals, hot oil and a full body massage was absolute heaven.
Sleep
The choice when it comes to accommodation at Villa Vita Parc is exceptional, perfect for families, romance and everything in between. Take your pick from penthouses, self catered apartments, gorgeous rooms and suites perched on a clifftop and private villas that come with full hotel service and amenities. Some areas, too, are adults only. Our bedroom had a beautiful sea view (of course) and had recently undergone a refurbishment giving a pared-back, luxe feel.
Traditional Portuguese meets Michelin-starred dining
Now, gastronomy. In case you haven’t noticed the trend, choice leads the way here at Vila Vita Parc. So, there are six bars and 10 restaurants to choose from. They vary in cuisine and smartness, with everything from the causal pool bar to traditional Portuguese fare and Michelin-starred dining on offer.
Adega, the traditional Portuguese restaurant, is perfect for al fresco dining – we ate the most delicious fresh fish paired with wine chosen by the sommelier, sitting outside overlooking a charming fountain. If it’s a chilly evening, you can still make the most of being outdoors and ask for a blanket which staff happily provide.
We took breakfast at the adults-only restaurant, where we were served a five-course feast. It began with fresh fruit served beautifully on an oversized cake stand and ended with cheese and ham, with pastries, eggs cooked to order and fresh smoothies in between. Then, it was onto the pool for a hard day of sunbathing.
Come here to unwind, relax, indulge or celebrate. We all deserve it, and Vila Vita Parc in Portugal awaits with the perfect luxury stay.
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By Shara
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Charlotte is a London girl through and through. She sweats through spin and puffs through Pilates to justify trying the latest restaurants and devouring copious amounts of sweet potato fries, burrata and bread – preferably on holiday. Her favourite destinations include Italy, the Maldives and anywhere where the sun’s shining and there’s a strong breakfast buffet. She’s obsessed with walking, visiting farmers’ markets and reading. She’s also learning to cook. Wish her (and her husband) luck.
- Charlotte Pashahttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/charlottepwhateveryourdose-com/
- Charlotte Pashahttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/charlottepwhateveryourdose-com/
- Charlotte Pashahttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/charlottepwhateveryourdose-com/
- Charlotte Pashahttps://whateveryourdose.com/author/charlottepwhateveryourdose-com/