Wine & Books by the Sea, Algarve Resort

We had an amazing time and would love to come back. The outdoor area is incredible, the pool is huge, and the beach is very close. The hotel is beautiful inside and out, so I don't understand the bad reviews. The food might be mediocre and overpriced, though I noticed that's common almost everywhere in this area.

I originally booked for 60 days at Wine & Books by the Sea, but the stay was so good that I extended it to 100. The hotel is in beautiful Herdade dos Salgados, with a fantastic location and breathtaking ocean views. I'm in Suite 444, and the cleanliness is perfect down to every detail. The breakfast has plenty of fresh, high-quality choices. Primadonna restaurant was a highlight too, and the Chef deserves special praise for the excellent food. From the splendid SPA to the pools, every part of the hotel is well attended. Staff are always around without being intrusive, so you feel looked after rather than forgotten. The whole team is motivated and professional, and greets you with a genuine smile. Guest satisfaction clearly comes first. The managers, Maria and Dolores, are always available, and gave me incredible help with holiday planning and restaurant bookings. Impeccable hospitality throughout, a top-tier experience I recommend without hesitation.

I've stayed at Vidamar Algarve a few times before its rebranding, and Wine & Books Algarve feels like a step up. The former property was fine, but the service and attention to detail have reached a new level. Wine, books, sun, and sea are already a good combination, and there's also a beautiful coastal links-style golf course next door. For walks, a boardwalk runs for miles between the resort and galé beach, crossing the dunes and protected Salgados area, which is home to many birds and other wildlife. It continues all the way to the heart of Armação de Pera, where there are several restaurants and bars. I'll be back!

We were a couple travelling with our two baby children and had expected a relaxing luxury stay at Books & Wine by the Sea, especially given the high price. Instead, the hotel showed very little concern when we needed help. A huge cockroach appeared in our room, so we called reception straight away. It took more than 30 minutes for someone to come. They didn't move us to another room or properly clean afterward, and no one even offered a simple apology. At checkout, there was no note about the incident on our file. We complained again, but got no gesture, refund, or attempt to make things right. The cockroach itself was unacceptable at a hotel of this level, but the lack of care made it much worse, especially with two babies travelling with us. This wasn't the luxury experience advertised, and I wouldn't recommend the hotel.