Portugal’s Algarve is a sunny, slow-paced stretch of coastline known for its abundance of golf courses and villas for discreet family holidays. Most recently, however, is the opening of the new W Hotel from Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands.
Pioneering a new era for luxury travel in the region, with almost 60 properties globally, the W Hotel ‘born from the bold’ breaks away from the norms of traditional luxury. For each W property, this means dynamic and invigorating experiences that celebrate each traveller’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly ‘W’.
Hotel
Welcoming a new, affluent and fun-loving audience to the destination, since opening its doors atop Southern Portugal’s iconic cliffs, the hotel has introduced vibrant new energy to the coastal town. Shaking up the destination for a modern luxury experience that is unlike anything else seen in the Algarve, the W blends the region’s persona of seaside relaxation with an exuberant, social energy.
Inviting international jet setters and local tastemakers to discover a new side of the destination, whether it’s the conscious design touchpoints of the hotel, inspired by Portuguese history and culture, the brand’s signature programme of DJs or world-class dining, each element of the new hotel pioneers a new era of luxury travel in the Algarve.
Rooms
In addition to 83 W-branded Residences, with dramatic sunset views from private balconies are 134 west-facing rooms and suites. Mindfully fusing the local Portuguese culture and wildlife with the distinctive contemporary style of the W brand, each room or suite allows guests to personally engage with the destination: from curated artwork to custom-made furnishings. Notably, this includes local Algarve tiles, Portuguese-influenced lanterns which reflect the traditional chimneys, dramatic headboards taken from the architecture of ancient monasteries, and a celebration of the local sardine fish in the cushions.
Hidden behind bright candy-coloured doors, room categories reflect the fun ethos of the hotel (Wow, Wonderful and Spectacular to name a few). The ten premium Wow Suites each feature a private rooftop terrace, whilst described as the ‘ultimate seaside retreat’ is the E Wow Suite. Spanning 200 square metres, the hotel re-defines the classic presidential suite with this signature category.
This opulent offering spans two floors of breezy, oceanside living space with a vibrant, clever design reflective of the surrounding villages and scenic landscape. The spacious room features an ultra-modern sound system so guests can keep the party going, and a panoramic rooftop terrace over the gardens and coastal views beyond. Lastly, not forgetting the sleek 61 square metre entry-level rooms, (aka the Wonderful rooms) each of which feature a plush king bed and balcony with a resort view. This ensures every room offers a sense of place over the Algarve.
Food and drink
W Algarve’s collection of culinary options spans six dining destinations. Woven among the property, high and low, choose from cocktails and tacos poolside to contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a twist with one-of-a-kind masterpieces and surprising spirits. Making a special return to the Algarve after 13 years spent at some of London’s most iconic restaurants (Quaglino’s, Aqua Shard, Galvin La Chapelle and The Wolseley) is the W Algarve’s Portuguese chef Nuno Goncalves who is the mastermind for the hotel’s edible delights.
A culinary highlight high up on the top floor of the hotel is the fine-dining restaurant Paper Moon. Born back in Milan’s fashion district in 1977 by a husband-and-wife team, at W Algarve, this special restaurant is situated atop the hotel with a spectacular terrace for golden dinners kissed by the evening sun. With a vista that offers panoramic views of the grounds, Atlantic Ocean, and beyond – it is the Mediterranean sister of the original Milanese restaurant (Paper Moon Giardino) which serves award-winning, authentic Italian cuisine.
In the heart of the hotel is Market Kitchen where breakfast is served. Here local cuisine is creatively reinvented to create modern interpretations of globally inspired classics, fresh from the land and sea. Whilst over at the double-level infinity pool is the Wet Deck for daytime bites and cooling cocktails. Back behind the lobby at W Lounge, each evening the buzz of the hotel comes together to the beat of guest DJs. This is alongside an eclectic drink menu ranging from single-origin Portuguese coffee to wines from Portugal’s leading female winemakers.
Spa and wellness
Find a balance of relaxation with revitalisation at the AWAY Spa. Six treatment rooms including a couple’s room are supplemented with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and relaxation lounge overlooking the gardens. Tying into the hedonistic ethos of the hotel, get ready for a night out at the socially charged spa. With a cocktail in hand, enjoy a blow dry at the hair salon or a manicure at the beauty bar, before test-driving bespoke jet-set treatments such as the facial LED mask.
Meanwhile, (even for those who may not be a fitness fanatic), the gym is well worth a sneak peek. Situated proudly on the second floor with far-reaching views over the Algarve, the high-intensity workouts and boot camps offered at the FIT gym embody the W brand’s social and energetic take on wellness.
With 134 square metres of indoor space and more than 320 square metres of outdoor space, fully equipped with the latest TechnoGym® equipment and an Olympic Power Rack; the FIT gym caters to every type of guest, offering a touch of healthy hedonism to the party-pro guests. This is in addition to sunrise yoga and lengths of the pool at the WET Deck means to ensure guests feel rejuvenated.
In a nutshell
The W adds a new dynamic to the destination, meaning there is now more on the Algarve’s agenda than ever before. With international DJs, fine dining and world-class wellbeing, this bold hotel encased in its striking architecture is proud to have arrived in Portugal: respectfully honouring its destination, whilst playfully introducing a new era of hospitality.
Factbox
Address: Estrada da Galé Sesmarias – CX Postal 290, H, 8200-385 Albufeira, Portugal
Phone: +351 289 372 300
Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/faowh-w-algarve
