There is nothing subtle about Conrad Algarve. The Hilton-owned, six-story whopper of a hotel in Almancil is as full throttle as you might expect. But with all that resort-y-ness comes the space for youngsters to wheel around and let off steam and for parents to enjoy candlelit dinners, the brilliant spa (try the Intraceuticals oxygen infusion facial and look 10 years younger) and the excellent golf courses right on the doorstep. Best of all, there is always someone in just the right place to arrange it. The Young Guest Concierge will take children to water polo in the indoor pool, mocktail workshops with Wilson Pires—Portugal’s Barman of the Year—dance classes, or the Little C Palace kids’ club where they’ll learn to make marzipan golf balls. There are princess tea parties, treasure hunts, films for the tweens, and blindfolded ice-cream tastings for everyone. Budding cooks can take sushi-rolling classes with cool Aussie chef Andrew McGie, whose prawn popcorn is a hit at Louro restaurant. Kids can do as much of the organized activity as they want, fine-tuning it day by day.
For a blast of sun, head down past the playground to the largest swimming pool and install the whole brood on the huge day-beds. The poolside Dado restaurant serves giant grilled langoustines, meaty beef burgers, moreish cod-fish fritters, and non-alcoholic drinks such as Something is Missing (lime juice, mint, brown sugar, and apple juice). The food is excellent everywhere, from the tasting menu at Gusto by Heinz Beck (you will want to eat the fagottelli carbonara every day) to afternoon tea in the bar. Those in search of peace and quiet should go to the heated infinity pool that looks out over the countryside. There might not be a sea view, but the Atlantic is just moments away over the sun-bathed, terracotta-tiled roofs of Vale do Lobo.
