With the Portuguese travel corridor currently open I decided to squeeze in a dose of vitamin sea and take a few days out to unwind in the Algarve. Just a two-and-a-half-hour flight away and sunshine guaranteed right up until November, makes it the perfect place to escape and relax. Within 24 hours of Portugal going back on the ‘safe list’, my hotel pool was quickly filling up with families also looking to take advantage of not having to quarantine so I decided to escape all the chaos and booked myself into Purobeach, Vilamoura.
With eight beach clubs around the world, this global lifestyle brand is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ if you are looking for luxurious beachside socialising. These iconic beach clubs successfully combine al fresco dining, poolside partying and beach glamour. Set in the vibrant Vilamoura marina amongst the million-pound yachts, bustling restaurants and bars is their chic, super luxe Portuguese club.
Purobeach, Vilamoura offers two distinct areas, the garden and beachfront, both with a different vibe. The garden is an oasis of lush greenery, with the swimming pool taking centre stage. Crisp, white Balinese beds and loungers flank the azure pool, a DJ plays chilled tunes while the super friendly staff serve drinks and attend to your every need. I opted to spend the day on the beachfront which offers the same sophisticated ambiance as the garden but with a livelier atmosphere. The music is a notch louder and the DJ pumps out the kind of music that makes you want to get up off your lounger and dance. All the big comfy beds come with fluffy towels and face out to the Atlantic Ocean making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Staff flit across the beach serving drinks and checking in on the guests throughout the day.
Food is served in both areas. I chose to eat lunch on the beachfront. You can sit inside or out, both spots have amazing views of the sun kissed sand and cobalt ocean. The restaurant is light and airy with a buzzy vibe, small groups begin to gather around tables, sharing plates and chatting above the music. The menu successfully fuses international flavours alongside local Portuguese produce and influences. Fresh seafood, tasty salads and poke bowls sit alongside burgers, meat dishes and snacks, providing lots of culinary choice as well as vegan, vegeterian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. There’s an extensive drinks menu which also includes healthy juices and smoothies for those who don’t fancy a glass of the renowned Vinho Verde. I declined on the juice and tried a glass of famous crisp, lively Portuguese white which paired perfectly with my grilled sea bream. Served with baked new potatoes and a selection of vegetables and salad, the portion sizes are generous and you certainly leave the table satisfied. For those just wanting to visit the restaurant you can book a table direct. To celebrate the club’s 10th Anniversary they are currently offering a Seaside breakfast up until 12pm everyday until the end of August for 25 euros per person.
After a leisurely lunch I retreat back to my comfortable bed to read my book and people watch. By mid-afternoon the drinks are flowing, and people are socialising at the edge of the Ocean. As the afternoon crawls into the balmy evening the temperature is still in the mid-twenties. The beach is thinning out as people head back to their hotels, here at Puro things are still underway as the cool crowd carry on mingling and soaking up the last of the rays.
To book a bed or reserve a table at the restaurant visit purobeach.com/en/beach-club-vilamoura/
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