Pine Cliffs Resort
A system in a class of its own
08/02/2024 Reading time: 2 Minutes
The Pine Cliffs Hotel sits high above one of the most beautiful and most photographed beaches in the Algarve with its spectacular red cliffs and views of the blue Atlantic. The location of the multi-award-winning resort is simply unique. Directly adjacent to the hotel is its own 9-hole golf course with its famous 9th tee over a ravine.
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Since our last visit more than ten years ago, the resort has expanded dramatically. Completely renovated in 2016 and expanded with 148 new Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites and a state-of-the-art spa, the resort, surrounded by pine trees and extensive gardens, now extends over 70 hectares. You have to be really good on foot here - or have patience when waiting for the shuttle service. Families in particular love the vastness and the wide range of leisure and sports activities on offer.
Hugo, our butler, takes us to our Ocean Suite. Too bad we didn't see him for the rest of our stay. The ambience of the 40 m2 suite with balcony and terracotta floor is bright, light and airy, the bathroom is stylish and only separated from the rest of the room by a glass wall - a look that appeals.
There are nine restaurants to choose from. Our lunch favorite is the trendy Zest with healthy cuisine in a picturesque courtyard with a water basin - the fresh juices and the rice bowl with marinated tuna, fresh mango and pomegranate seeds are delicious. In the evening, we tried O Pescador with its cozy terrace and were impressed by both the selection and the quality. The tuna tartare was excellent and the sole versus langostinos was also a winner.
The service was by no means up to 5-star standard, however. The staff seemed rushed and overwhelmed. The breakfast is particularly negative, where you have to wait more than 15 minutes in a long queue to get a table.
Absolutely top is the glamorous, award-winning Serenity Spa with regionally inspired holistic treatments at the highest level.
Hugo, our butler, takes us to our Ocean Suite. Too bad we didn't see him for the rest of our stay. The ambience of the 40 m2 suite with balcony and terracotta floor is bright, light and airy, the bathroom is stylish and only separated from the rest of the room by a glass wall - a look that appeals.
There are nine restaurants to choose from. Our lunch favorite is the trendy Zest with healthy cuisine in a picturesque courtyard with a water basin - the fresh juices and the rice bowl with marinated tuna, fresh mango and pomegranate seeds are delicious. In the evening, we tried O Pescador with its cozy terrace and were impressed by both the selection and the quality. The tuna tartare was excellent and the sole versus langostinos was also a winner.
The service was by no means up to 5-star standard, however. The staff seemed rushed and overwhelmed. The breakfast is particularly negative, where you have to wait more than 15 minutes in a long queue to get a table.
Absolutely top is the glamorous, award-winning Serenity Spa with regionally inspired holistic treatments at the highest level.
