In the hushed off-season of the Algarve, Vila Vita Parc proves that winter sun can be every bit as indulgent as summer — if not more so. From Michelin-starred dining to candlelit wine tastings eight metres underground, Katie Monk discovers why this coastal hideaway is the perfect place to hunker down in style…
If you’re a British winter-dodger, like myself, you’ll likely be familiar with southern Europe in a way very few are. Most people fly south for their summer holidays, sometimes half term too. But winter is a different prospect altogether. For example, The Algarve works year-round, if you know where to stay. Not everywhere is open, and those places that are might not be set up for the winter climate.
Vila Vita Parc makes a compelling case for a winter sun escape because it has underfloor heating to keep you toasty on those chilly winter nights, a fabulous Sisley Paris spa to hunker down in, its own beach club, and enough restaurants and bars to keep even the most restless traveller entertained for a couple of weeks. It’s essentially a small village. And it’s quiet – you don’t get that kind of peace the other three seasons of the year, believe me. And if you get lucky with the weather, you can still swim in the sea, snooze on the sand and dine al fresco, even in January.
Opened in 1992, Vila Vita sits right on the coast, with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic from all its rooms. A clifftop footpath runs directly past the property so you can get your steps in before breakfast and soak up the vistas along the way. The accommodation is spread across 54 acres of gardens, and spans rooms, suites, apartments and villas, all with a coastal calm décor. Little details such as the local Porches pottery add an Algarvian touch. It never feels busy, even in peak season due to the sheer amount of space they have.
If you’re bringing family or friends and wish to stay locally rather than at the resort, the Vila Vita Collection has eight individually styled villas, including the Red Chalet in Armação de Pêra and the Villa Hibiscus Beach House, both a short drive from the main hotel.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Vila Vita has kept evolving over the years, but ensures it doesn’t lose its family feel and classic style. It’s also won countless accolades, and most recently been awarded three Michelin Keys in 2025 (the highest distinction). Their signature ‘Ocean’ restaurant boasts two Michelin stars. It’s the gastronomy that I came here to focus on, having heard nothing but good things about it for a while now.
I started my food tour at Allegra, their Mediterranean spot that operates on a farm-to-fork philosophy. When I visited, it was showcasing a seasonal Portuguese menu – think pica-pica (sharing plates), soups, game, fresh fish and grilled meats. Very fitting for this time of year. I went for the grilled Atlantic fish fillet (dourada), which came with roasted vegetables and potatoes. Everything arrived piping hot and was delicious – the sort of Portuguese cooking that maximises the abundance of ingredients found on these shores.
The following evening I dined at Mizu, a contemporary Japanese restaurant located in the Clubhouse, with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, and a teppanyaki bar. I tried out the teppanyaki tasting menu, which ran the gamut from miso soup to Madagascan prawns to egg fried rice, and the chef’s performance was incredibly fun and impressive. The wine was also fabulous (thanks to Maddi for the recommendations), and the plum sake dessert wine a great ending to my meal. Michelin Guide recognition is well deserved here.
As I was blessed with sunshine, I opted for lunch at the resort’s beach club restaurant, Praia Dourada – a short shuttle ride away near Armação de Pêra. Even in winter, the sunbeds and swing chairs were out and I could have joined everyone outside but I decided to dine in their glass-fronted restaurant instead. The menu has a strong Japanese and Hawaiian angle, with sushi, sashimi and poke bowls – but you can still order the usual burgers and beach bar fare too. I went for the salmon poke bowl and a glass of chilled vinho verde as I felt like something light. You can book sunbeds in peak season, which I highly recommend if you do decide to head down here as it’s a popular spot.
The highlight of my stay was the wine cellar experience. Located in a hidden corner of the resort, eight metres underground, the Cave de Vinhos holds Portugal’s largest private wine collection – more than 11,000 bottles are here, representing 1,200 labels from Portugal and around the world. Built in 1998, it’s like a cosy hobbit hole with vaulted ceilings, flickering candles and stone shelves lined with vintage ports, madeiras and rare labels. To say I was in my element would be an understatement.
I opted for the Vila Vita tasting, which showcased five wines from their own terroirs, including the famous Herdade dos Grous in the Alentejo. Their ‘Concrete’ white was a standout. The sommelier walked me through each one, paired with traditional Portuguese petiscos, warm carob bread, Azores cheese, and olive oil, also from Herdade dos Grous.
It was exactly my kind of evening – excellent wine and food in atmospheric surroundings. I highly recommend trying it out, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The tastings start at €70 per person. Definitely utilise the golf buggies while you’re here too, and don’t do what I did which is underestimate the distances between the various facilities. It’s all too easy to get lost.
After all that eating and drinking, a visit to the spa by Sisley Paris was in order. Inspired by the region’s sea caves, it has 14 treatment rooms, and a circular relaxation room with day beds. I opted for a Swedish massage with eucalyptus oil, which I found calming and really helped with my painful shoulder. For me, just being able to swim in the sea, doze on the sand in a sheltered cove, and have a peaceful and cosy break at this time of year was heaven enough.
Rooms at Vila Vita Parc start from €315 per night. For more information, and for bookings, please visit www.vilavitaparc.com.
