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There are perhaps two things that spring to mind for anyone who knows the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa: it’s family-friendly, and it’s perfect for golfers. But while there may be plenty of room for families and the golf course is undeniably impressive, I’d make a case for this stylish hotel being an ideal base for a glamorous escape with a partner or the ultimate girls’ trip: complete with sushi masterclasses, wine tasting, a vibey pool bar, yacht trips and luxurious spa treatments inspired by nature.
Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor, is located on Portugal’s Algarve golden coast, near Villamoura marina, which caters to tourists, and the historic town of Loulé, which offers a more traditional taste of Portuguese life and its famous Mercado Municipal, a red Gothic-style domed market hall that comes alive during Loulé Saturday Market. It’s well situated for exploring the Algarve’s stunning sandy beaches, scenic countryside and distinctive villages.
Back at the hotel, Le Palms, with its loud striped orange loungers, mellow beats and a great cocktail menu, has a beach club feel without the entrance fee, with huge round beds perfect for lounging an afternoon away on, accompanied by a chilled bottle of bubbly if desired. There’s also the nearby Ria restaurant serving flavour-packed poke bowls, fresh sushi, seafood and pretty desserts for a long, relaxed lunch that continues into the golden hour. Before the evening is over, head up to the roof at Botonic’s pop-up summer bar, with high-brow concoctions inspired by local flowers and herbs.
The hotel has a personalised take on activities, earning its stripes as a haven for golfers but now offering a wealth of excursions for foodies or wellness seekers, with a varied programme both inside and outside the hotel. The hotel’s concierge can help adapt itineraries to suit guests’ interests, and while the golf course may make an attractive backdrop to the hotel, it certainly isn’t the only thing on offer. I spent 48 hours at Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor, to find out why it’s a great option for an activity-led stay in the Algarve – even if you don’t play golf.
A haven for foodies
For starters, the restaurant scene is strong here, featuring three options and a seasonal rooftop cocktail bar. Sensai Restaurant is open during the summer months, offering beautiful views alongside an Asian-fusion menu shaped by Chef Rui Viegas, which pairs local produce with Portuguese cooking techniques. Dishes include scallop with sweet potato, shrimp Thai red curry with coconut milk and lemongrass, bao filled with slow-cooked sweet and sour pork, and punchy KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) with BBQ sauce and sesame seeds. Guests shouldn’t miss the Omakase experience led by Brazilian-Japanese Sushi Chef Fábio Terada, who will prepare 18- and 36-piece selections that change according to seasonality and whatever the freshest ingredients are.
RIA is a charming seafood restaurant with tables overlooking the main pool, designed in a style reminiscent of traditional Portuguese restaurants. Head Chef Anabela Francisco is at the helm, bringing a creative approach to the food’s appearance as well as cooking, with extra touches like edible flowers adorning dishes and theatrical presentation. Enjoy fresh and zingy dishes like croaker ceviche with ginger, lime, chilli peppers, sweet potato and crispy corn, and Lula Braseada; braised squid served with passion fruit butter, caviar, chilli flakes, lime and jasmine rice. The Victoria serves more casual dining, serving local comfort food and buffet-style dining that’s more family-friendly.
But the hotel’s food offering doesn’t stop with its restaurants. Explore one of the Algarve’s signature olive oil producers, Monterosa, who showcases the process from grove to mill. Or visit the family-owned Cabrita Wines (Vinhos Cabrita) winery located in Silves to try some local wine tasting and learn more about the budding growing scene in the Algarve. The hotel can help devise an itinerary based around foodie excursions, including market trips, cooking classes, olive oil touring and wine tastings.
Nearby the hotel is the historic town of Loulé, home to the famous Loulé Market, where visitors can explore an expanse of indoor stalls offering everything from fresh fish and seafood, cured meats, breads and pastries to regional sweets, wines, liqueurs, spices, textiles and handmade souvenirs. Visit on a Saturday, and you’ll see the market expand outdoors.
A wellness escape in Vilamoura
While there’s plenty to discover when it comes to the food scene in the Algarve, there’s a strong case for a wellness break at Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor. Rooms are dressed in muted tones with soft fabrics, and there’s ample bathroom space (suites have two bathrooms, in fact) and sizable tubs, so there’s not even the need to leave your room for a full spa break. You’ll find lemon-infused Banho toiletries in the rooms, with a heady scent of citrus notes and bergamot to amp up the home-spa experience.
Then there’s the spa with its large hydrotherapy pool that becomes almost otherworldly in the late-evening glow of the sun. Book an afternoon session for complete relaxation, watching steam rise into the twilight. There’s also a sauna, steam room, and an extensive treatment menu using natural Algarve products and drawing on Mediterranean, Arabic, and Moorish wellness traditions for a holistic experience.
Of course, for those who prefer to balance relaxation with a little activity, there are plenty of ways to get moving beyond the golf course. There are also tennis courts on site, stunning cycling routes, and hiking trails along the Algarve’s cliffs, as well as a 24-hour gym, meaning it’s easy to stay active during a break here. Bruno Simões, a personal trainer and wellness specialist and the hotel’s on-site Pilates instructor, hosts weekly classes and can offer 1-2-1 sessions – with the bonus of having the patience of a saint for those who are less flexible.
What else?
For something a little more indulgent, like a yacht trip with the girls, or a special couples experience, the concierge can arrange private excursions. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure in the Algarve, a foodie escape, a wellness break, or a little bit of all three, the Victoria makes a great base for a sun-kissed break. In fact, after just a few days there, I felt like I’d had multiple holidays rolled into one.
I’ve never been much of a golfer, but if all golf hotels are like the Victoria, I’m a firm fan of the lifestyle. Though after spending 48 hours exploring their extensive facilities and restaurants, it’s safe to say they’re perhaps an exceptional case.
Need to know
The resort features 260 guestrooms, two restaurants, two bars, four pools, and a full-service spa with six treatment rooms. Guestrooms and suites are set across two wings, each with a private balcony offering views of the golf course, gardens, or countryside.
Rates from 310 euros (£265); booking available here.
The hotel also has an Endless Summer Memories with savings as follows:
- Stay 2 nights: Save 10%
- Stay 3–4 nights: Save 15%
- Stay 5+ nights: Save 20%
The full details can be found here: https://www.victoriaresortvilamoura.com/offers/endless-summer-memories/
