Anantara Vilamoura Family Friendly

I was unsure what to expect after hearing the hotel had recently changed ownership, but my concerns turned out to be baseless. The whole property is in 5* condition, and I had a 10/10 stay. The staff welcomed us warmly and were kind and knowledgeable throughout. They really know how to look after guests, which can be hard to find across the service industry. Our rooms and suites were spacious, beautifully designed, and cleaned twice a day. The breakfast buffet was one of the best I’ve had, and the fresh juice is a must-try. The spa facilities were great too, with a full menu of treatments, massages, and procedures. I can’t recommend the Anantara enough. For me, it’s the ONLY hotel worth staying in when in villamoura, and I can’t wait to return.

We visited in December, during low season, and had a very good experience. It may be different in high season, but the service was helpful and very good while we were there. Breakfast was good, and the gym had decent equipment. There were also several good pools. The lobby and hallways felt rather bland, though the bedrooms were comfortable and well designed. We were upgraded, so I can only speak to the more expensive rooms. Overall, it’s a nice, comfortable, well-run hotel with good rooms.

The spacious, well-equipped room was a comfortable place to come back to after exploring, and the resort has good amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Breakfast was satisfactory, though I expected a wider choice from a five-star hotel. The spa charge was a problem. The advertised price was €15 per person per hour, but I was charged €25. Paying with prepaid travel cards made the difference awkward and brought possible currency conversion fees. I raised it at checkout; staff acknowledged the issue but couldn’t refund me. They offered complimentary spa access shortly before I left, but the timing made that impractical. They did apologize, though a more helpful gesture, like a free drink while I waited, would have been appreciated. Guest relations and clear service pricing need more attention. If you use a travel card, confirm the costs beforehand to avoid an unexpected charge.

Breakfast was a highlight, with good-quality food and fresh juices served in the outdoor area. I also loved that Anantara welcomes dogs. Traveling with our dog in Portugal can be difficult, but the staff made ours feel welcome and even gave the dog some treats. That was so lovely! The resort looks out over a golf course, which makes for great scenery and can be entertaining at times. There’s an outdoor heated pool, plus another pool and saunas in the spa area. You need to book ahead to use the spa pool and relax there. Our stay was very pleasant and comfortable. The room was spacious, immaculately clean, quiet thanks to good sound isolation, and had a really comfortable bed. Anantara is well maintained, and the staff are friendly, welcoming, and helpful.