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Portuguese adventures: Raj Gill enjoys a luxury break in the Algarve’s Quinta do Lago

By Raj Gill   |  

Palm Springs vibes in the Algarve? Yes you read correctly, and it is all thanks to the addition of the Algarve’s on trend, most instagrammable hotel, the Magnolia.

The Magnolia Hotel could easily be a direct descendant of the 1950’s motor-hotel aesthetic, however this property has the essential high speed Wi-Fi of course. The décor is a heady mix of neon signs and quirky hotel design aspects, all of which are hugely instagram-worthy.

Playing host to 74 rooms (each complete with private balcony), 3 suites and 7 individual self -catering cottages, guests also have access to a heated outdoor pool, an in-house restaurant, a cinema, a gymnasium and spa.

During the day there are scheduled poolside events or take the option just to chill on one of the many sun loungers dotted around the outdoor pool. Alternatively, head to the hotel’s private tennis court.

This unique design boutique hotel is a magnet for millennials hoping to increase their social media reach. And it won’t break the bank, it is not quite budget, it is however very reasonably priced, given that it is a stone’s throw from the Quinta do Lago resort, allowing you to take advantage of everything the resort has to offer without a massive pay-out.

Accommodation includes modern and luxurious self-catering cottages

The resort gives you access to world class golf, designer boutiques, a beach, fab restaurants, and the new elite sporting and performance centre, The Campus.

The ten million pound centre has a stadium quality football pitch, which is a huge draw for teams that wish to train outwith their own grounds. Many premier football teams have used these facilities as they come equipped with the same quality high performance machines that they utilise at their own stadiums.

There are also a few tennis courts and professional padel facilities are also available. At the Bike Shed, cyclists can hire out professional standard bikes, I wholeheartedly recommend the off-road tour, that takes in the Ria Formosa’s picturesque Natural Park Resort.

It is the close proximity to the Quinta do Lago (QDL) resort that gives the Magnolia a unique selling point. For the golf lovers there’s not one, not two but three amazing golf courses to choose from.

If you fancy a spot of shopping, there is a wealth of designer boutiques literally on your doorstep.  From Hugo Boss to an official Rolex dealer, and not a tacky tourist souvenir shop in sight, here you will find only the very best high end luxury boutiques.

The Quinta do Lago resort has three amazing golf courses to choose from

And then you have the piece de resistance, a whole host of fabulous restaurants, from casual to fine dining QDL has all the options covered. Head straight over to the Shack if you are looking for lively dining al fresco, and do not be surprised if you find yourself seated next to a celebrity.

QDL is a huge draw for UK celebrities and is frequented by the likes of television presenter, Holly Willoughby and also former premier league footballer turned television personality Jamie Rednapp. This lakeside hang-out has Chef Marcelo Tomas to thank for its fabulous menu of tapas style snacks and of course the famous “Shack burger”.

Do not let the name deceive you, this bar and grill is as far from a shack as one can imagine. It has a faux-rustic charm and mimics the authenticity of a fisherman’s shack that was once located in the same spot. It offers excellent views of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve.

Dano’s Sport Bar & Restaurant has a polished and elegant interior

The Dano’s Bar & Restaurant named after the owner’s father and a tribute to his athletic successes is the on-site offering at the Campus sports centre. To call it a sports bar is a massive understatement. It has the most elegant and polished interior I have ever experienced in a sports bar.

It pays homage to the Soho Farmhouse so you will not feel homesick; the advantage is in the Algarve you will have sunshine for the majority of the year. Dano’s offers an all-day dining menu, and is very family friendly. Head chef Nelio Valente has created a fabulous gastro pub style menu. It is the perfect place to hang out post work-out.

The Magnolia Hotel is a fifteen minute drive from Faro airport, a stay here will not break the bank and you will have access to the fabulous Quinta do Lago resort.

And a word from the top, CEO of Quinta Do Lago, Sean Moriarty, sums up this new property, “Quinta do Lago is a unique lifestyle resort and the latest addition to this, bringing a totally new energy is The Magnolia Hotel. This vibrant property will bring a new perspective to the area providing visitors with a completely different way to experience Quinta do Lago. We have always been committed to delivering high standards of hospitality and customer service, and this will continue to be reflected in The Magnolia Hotel”.

The Magnolia Hotel is only a fifteen minute drive from Faro airport

The Magnolia Hotel offers a Standard Double Room from €92/£80 on a B&B basis or €108/£94 on a half-board basis. Family cottages are available from €280/£244 per night on a B&B basis.

Address: Estrada da Quinta do Lago, 8135-106 Almancil, Algarve
Phone: +351) 289 390 705
Website: themagnoliahotelqdl.com