When you finally take your eyes off the beach, and start to make your way into the lobby, the long and typically crowded stretch of parking will most likely catch your eye. But there aren’t any cars in this parking lot, just strollers of every shape and color. It’s just one of a long list of kid-centric differences at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort.
Located in Portugal’s Algarve region, the coastal property stretches just shy of 100 acres in size; a bit more than half of which is developed. Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort offers more than 200 accommodations ranging from multiple bedroom homes, to villas, townhouses, and a few dozen traditional hotel rooms.
Hotel rooms boast partial and full seaview rooms, and are located closest to the coast. Spread throughout eight, two-story wooden houses, rooms are located on either the top or bottom level. All rooms have a similar design and color scheme, featuring wood floors, white walls, and beds topped with white linens. A blue and sea green throw blanket, along with accent pillows add a fun pop of color.
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Furnishings such as the bedside tables, desk, wall mirror, and coffee table in the sitting area feature kid-friendly rounded edges as opposed to the more typical sharp corners. Even the chairs and floor lamp feature a curvy design.
A squishy bean bag chair, Nespresso machine, electric tea kettle, small refrigerator, (dedicated mostly to a minibar) and safe, are standard in every room. Bathrooms have a vanity with single sink, bathtub, and shower. All rooms have either a patio or balcony with views of the coast.
Long before guests arrive, they work with the resort’s Baby Concierge to reserve baby and kid-friendly equipment. The list of complimentary items includes everything from cribs, door protectors, and stools, to baby baths, monitors, bottle sterilizers and bottle warmers. All requested items are put in rooms before guests arrive.
The resort has five pools, including one with a beach view, and another with a swim-through indoor and outdoor option. Private swim lessons, and water baby classes are held regularly. For families who would rather play in the waves, the Beach Club rents an assorted collection of water toys including kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. Playgrounds also have a knack for popping up throughout the property. Whether it’s poolside, outside restaurants, behind bars, or overlooking the beach, there always seems to be a colorful play space nearby.
The Finisterra Spa offers a wide range of treatments for both parents and kids. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. Classes including yoga, Pilates, and H.I.I.T. are available for an additional fee. Tennis courts, a soccer field, and kids BMX bike track, round out the opportunities to break a sweat.
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort has a plethora of choices when it comes to onsite dining. O Terraço serves a breakfast buffet and dinner nightly. As Dunas serves lunch, dinner, and an assortment of snacks throughout the day. MBAR serves coffee, cocktails, mocktails, and gelato. During high season, neighboring Os Gambozinos serves an Italian themed dinner menu. A buffet just for kids offers pizza, pasta, and veggies, so they can eat without delay. When finished, kids can head outside to a large outdoor play area that can be viewed from pretty much every table.
All restaurants are family-friendly, and feature a staff supervised Kids Corner. They provide a spot for children who eat quickly to play, while allowing parents time to finish their meal. The property also has a convenience store, or Mercado, where guests can grab an assortment of items including toys, basic groceries, coffee, and morning pastries.
Guests can walk along the beach to reach the small downtown stretch of Sagres. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the handful of restaurants, shops, and small grocery store. The resort also runs a shuttle, but there is a per person fee.
Rates for a full seaview room with a king bed for two adults, and a baby up to two years old, ranges from $213 to $667. Breakfast is included. Wi-Fi and parking are complimentary. Make your reservation at the hotel website, Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
