As the sunset over Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, I made my way through the lush Mediterranean-style gardens full of olive and palm trees and meandered down the stairs, letting the obscenely blue waters guide my way down to São Rafael Beach. The views, the bar's cocktails, and the hues of the sky restored me to factory settings. This hotel is a reset for anybody with a fried nervous system looking for a quick getaway.
Just a couple of hours on the plane from London and about 10 minutes away from Albufeira (a bustling hotspot known for its rustic old town, lively bars, and trendy restaurants) lies IHG Hotels & Resorts’ new 149-room luxury stay. The earthy-toned communal areas are adorned with drapes, sculptural artwork, and awe-inspiring vases. There are so many incredible massive vases in all shapes, sizes and shades. I often struggle with hotel chain interiors, but even though this is technically part of a larger global hotel family, it feels boutique with its mix of modern patterns and rustic woods. This grounding design at Kimpton Atlântico Algarve is intended to make you feel cosier, so you slow down, linger, and become part of a community.
It’s a successful strategy. During my stay, there were regular cocktail hours at their roof bar, Zenite, where the staff likely grew tired of hearing me say “Duas margaritas picantes, por favour!”
The incredible view from the terrace makes an excellent backdrop for small talk. Kimpton Atlântico Algarve has clearly been curated by someone who wants to spark connections, as there are some really interesting social gatherings at their restaurants, including a weekly pet brunch to encourage interactions between owners and their furry friends. You could either chill out with your loved ones or easily make new ones, which makes this place a great find for solo travellers.
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Continuing its ethos of connection, the hotel also invites guests to get more in tune with themselves because, as Ru Paul would say, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?" The wellness hub houses a fully kitted-out gym, two pools (one heated), a calming spa, and Turkish baths complete with a sauna. After my massage, I also familiarised myself with the chill-out room and its many pots filled with a range of herbal tea infusions next to the reclining seats.
And not only is the resort good for you, but it’s also good for the planet, too. The resort prides itself on being eco-conscious with glasses made from recycled bottles, EV chargers for electric vehicles, water saving policies, seasonal locally-sourced bites and a L’Occataine deal to refill empty toiletries on-site. For those who can’t drive or would prefer not to, there are loads of bikes ready for you to borrow to explore the surrounding areas.
The good thing about this hotel is that if you’re feeling too lazy to go out for dinner, the food on every level is amazing. Sombra is more of a fine-dining space with moody interiors and attention to detail in the food presentation – think octopus paella and steaks paired with gorgeous wines. Whereas the more relaxed Mares offers poolside bites and dinner well into the evening.
The garden-facing rooms are definitely serene, but I’d recommend splurging on the sea-view rooms. I loved how every room had a portable speaker so I could go for it, singing in the shower and setting the vibe while I got ready with a full view of the landscape. As mentioned previously, this is a pet-friendly space, and it's no extra cost for them to be your plus one and audience to the aforementioned vocal performance.
Overall, I’d say this hotel is great for relaxed travellers looking for luxury that doesn’t feel too uptight, keeping the comforts of home close if you need (your pet) but embodying the spirit of new adventures and kismet encounters.
“A rare, humbling experience that made me truly appreciate the wonders of the world.”
