With soaring cliffs, gargantuan caves and scalloped bays all overlooking endless stretches of golden sandy beach, it’s no wonder the Algarve is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
The new five-star Domes Lake Algarve resort is one of the newest and most decadent additions to Portugual’s southernmost region. Situated within touching distance of Falésia beach, in the trendy town of Vilamoura, overlooking a serene private lake and boasting three pools and extensive spa, this is a perfect summer escape for families, couples, or solo travellers after an indulgent getaway.
Where is it?
Set on the southernmost tip of Portugal, the swanky marina resort town of Vilamoura, home to restaurants, trendy bars, superyachts, six golf courses, and a tennis and padel academy, is just under a mile away.
A wooden walkway takes you from the resort straight to the charming 6km sandy Falésia beach in a few minutes, home to a smattering of beach bars and clubs. Domes is also within easy reach of both Faro and Olhão (Faro Airport is just 12 miles away).
Style
If aesthetics are high on your list of priorities when it comes to a hotel, then you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere that fits the bill better than Domes Resorts & Reserves. Situated on a serene private saltwater lake that reflects the pale yellow exterior of the hotel, it is the perfect fusion of modern luxury with rustic elements.
The high-ceiling palatial reception area features stunning local art collected from around the Algarve (available to buy if you’re feeling flush). The hotel offers little extras that feature at all Domes resorts, with fresh snacks and drinks on offer 24 hours-a-day in the spacious and tranquil living room.
Food and drink
With three restaurants (and a fourth opening soon) and three bars, each offering its own distinct cuisine, gastronomy is where Domes completely sets itself apart.
In the mood for an aperitif to start off your evening? Head to Raw gastro bar, which pairs unique cocktails with innovative small plates, such as cured cod ceviche with Algarve citrus and coriander sprouts, or sea bass and scallop tartare with pea and wasabi puree. Apricus pool bar, on the other hand, is all about fresh, healthy plates with local ingredients — think superfood salad bowls with sweet citrus fruit.
For an award-winning fusion of neo-Greek and Portuguese, there’s Topos. The menu features rich dishes such as grilled octopus, lobster linguine with a creamy saffron and lemon sauce, and lamb loin souvlaki, washed down with some of the finest wines of the Aegean. The brand new SORA beach restaurant is your go-to for a Portuguese seafood fix. And if you’re looking for something with that extra wow factor for a special occasion, opening soon is Makris, anchored on a floating esplanade on the resort’s private lake, which will offer a Mediterranean-inspired menu paired with regional wines.
Facilities
For the few moments in which you’re not feasting, there are endless activities to enjoy during your stay. Of the three pools spread across the resort, the natural sand bottom pool is a one-of-a-kind experience. There is a kids’ club on site, as well as watersports activities on the lake, and go-karting nearby.
Domes’s vast wellness offering is where the resort really excels. The award-winning Soma Spa has an extensive list of treatments from CBD massages to LED therapy, combining ancient Greek and contemporary healing techniques. Alongside the spa is an adults-only wet room and a state-of-the-art gym overlooking the lake if you’re looking to get your sweat on. From lakeside yoga and pilates, to aqua aerobics, body conditioning, circuit training, and sunrise meditation sessions, there are complimentary classes on offer throughout each day.
And if you’re struggling to keep up with what’s happening when, the resort is littered with handy QR codes you can scan to pull up a list of the facilities.
Extracurricular
Head down to the beach, and you can spend the afternoon clam and oyster picking or sailing. There are complimentary bikes available to hire from the hotel, and Vilamoura is just a few minutes’ cycle away, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants along the marina.
The Algarve is famed for its golf, and for those who fancy a round, there are five courses alone in Vilamoura, just minutes away from the resort (which runs free shuttles to all of them), and more than 20 within a half-hour drive.
Drive for 40 minutes and you’ll be at the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a breathtaking coastal hike between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centianes beaches, replete with the Algarve’s famous coves.
If a tranquil day is what you’re after, join the resort’s guided tour through the protected wetlands of Ria Formosa Natural Park, home to a collection of rare birds, and finish the day with a wine tasting.
Which room?
Choose between the inland, tropical, sapphire or emerald retreats, all with quiet private balconies, walk-in showers and a large bath separated from the room by chic light-wood sliding doors.
For couples, the inland retreat is the perfect option and boasts island views from the balcony. The tropical retreat sleeps up to three people and comes with a garden view, great for a small group of friends, while the sapphire and emerald retreats feature lake views,
Best for…
A luxury wellness escape with top notch food and drink.
