Some properties have a unique atmosphere that can only be understood by visiting them. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is one of them. Located in Portimão in the beautiful Algarve region in Portugal, this small boutique hotel ticks all the boxes. Top gastronomy, luxurious rooms in a historical building, a great spa, a premium beachfront location and a beautiful pool overlooking the beach and the ocean: yes indeed, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa covers them all.

From most areas in the hotel, guests enjoy a stunning view of the famous Praia da Rocha. Within walking distance, one will discover the Algarve Golf Clubs, the Marina of Portimão, and of course the beautiful coastline. Faro International Airport is about a 50 minutes drive from the hotel. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa focuses mainly on adults but children are of course welcome.

The mansion-like building where Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is housed was originally built in 1918. Lots of the material (like the Brazilian wood and many of the beautiful tiles) are still original. In 1974, the property was transformed into a hotel. Nestled on the cliffs of Praia da Rocha, it is said that this was the first hotel in the Algarve! The Bela Vista Hotel & Spa as we know it today was born in 2011. After two years of renovation, the hotel was extended with a Spa by L’Occitane and two new buildings. The property was promptly awarded with five stars and joined the famous Relais & Chateaux chain. Since the reopening, Gonçalo Narciso Dos Santos is the proud manager of the hotel.

Today Bela Vista Hotel & Spa boasts 38 rooms divided over three buildings: eleven in the ‘main palace’ (the original building), 20 in the ‘garden house’, and seven in the ‘pool house’. Guests can choose between six different room types, among which different character rooms and suites. Graça Viterbo, one of the most famous interior designers in Portugal, is responsible for the design. She created a charming environment where she kept much of the original design but completed it with modern, colourful accents. In the rooms, light colours prevail and the sea is never far away – inside and outside the room. Almost all of the rooms have a beautiful view on the ocean.

At Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, guests enjoy a luxurious breakfast (sea view included) in the dining room in the main palace; opt for a light lunch on the terrace or poolside; and/or dine in style at Vista Restaurante. Here, the young and highly talented chef João Oliveira prepares creative and sophisticated dishes where he combines the best of the national cuisine with Mediterranean touches. You can discover more about this great restaurant by clicking here. The two bars (a beautifully designed one in the main palace and one at the pool) make sure you will not get thirsty during your stay. Bar and Restaurant director Tiago Pereira is in charge here and does a tremendous job offering his guests an excellent experience or a beautiful wine paring in the restaurant. The staff of Bela Vista Hotel & Spa consists out of 70 persons and all of them are extremely friendly and capable of delivering an excellent hospitality experience.

To burn those calories, you can choose between a beautiful walk in the sand, a dive in the pool, or a treatment in the L’Occitane Spa. This 400m2 Spa is the only one in Portugal carrying the L’Occitane name and offers a relaxing indoor pool, five treatment rooms, including two rooms for couples, a sauna & hammam, a wet relaxation area and a fitness lounge.

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is a great place to relax and unwind in the Algarve region in Portugal. Gastronomy, a cosy boutique atmosphere, a stunning service and a beautiful spa are just a few reasons why this place is definitely worth a visit.

Written by Sven