I like to think I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to the Algarve, visiting more than once a year. However this is my first stay at Pine Cliffs Resort, close to the seaside town of Albufeira. Spread over 168 acres on the dramatic ochre tinted Algarvian cliffs of Falésia, the resort’s iconic location offers a unique setting with breath-taking views over the ocean. I’ve heard rapturous reports from others but decided to take the family along to check out all aspects of the resort. 
What struck us on first arrival as we drive through the impressive gateway is the tasteful design elements mixing traditional Portuguese tiles with five star architecture. The sculptures decorating the lavish foyers of both the hotels and Ocean Suites show tasteful, clever design sympathetic to traditional elements I’ve come to expect in the Algarve.
We are staying in a well kitted out two-bedroom-suite with two bathrooms and a spacious living room/kitchen area that leads on to a massive balcony from all rooms. Everything we need from coffee machine to ironing board is included in the suite and already I can see the appeal for guests with younger children. The family award winning resort caters well for little ones including the Porto Pirata Kid’s Club with life size pirate ships. The football Academy will keep any young boys and girls happy and if you’re feeling active, you can join a yoga class or Pilates at the health club and the extensive gym.
There are eight swimming pools in the resort and facilities to hire bikes with lush green surroundings to cycle through. I like nothing more than a walk on the beach and with 5 km to choose from it’s a wonderful way to start the morning. You can be as busy or as lazy as you like at Pine Cliffs. My daughter Nicole and I headed for the spa while our other halves hit the golf course. The nine-hole Pine Cliffs Golf Course is surrounded by magnificent pines and requires a precise game – especially the famous “Devil’s Parlour”, a challenging, ravine-traversing par-3 with breath-taking views of the Atlantic coastline. Terry and Dylan put their skills to the test and didn’t lose too many balls in the process. Both found the course enjoyably challenging and took about 90 minutes to complete.
Meanwhile at the Serenity Spa Nicole and I were pampered from head to toe. One of the nice additions to treatments at the resort is the emphasis on holistic health care. My therapist was keen to share her skills in relaxation and massage in the facial which left my skin super soft. Guests have free use of the special thermal suite after booking a treatment for the rest of the day. With a wide range of rooms including salt chambers and hamman this spa has everything you need to treat health issues as well as beauty rituals.
The resort’s exclusive tennis school, led by the former British No1 player and TV sports presenter and commentator Annabel Croft, provides guests of all ages with the chance to improve their skills. Pine Cliffs’ state-of-the-art tennis facilities include five floodlit courts, two clay courts, three hard courts and a padel tennis court, which can be booked by the hour or as a block for the week.
For those looking to improve their skills over the course of a holiday, tennis camps over five days with 10 hours of coaching focusing on different skills each day, or weekend courses can be booked. Junior Tennis Camp (4-13 yrs) and Teenage Tennis Camp (13-17 yrs) from €295 per child. Adult holidays for up to four people start from €365 per person. Private lessons can also be booked for €75 /hour per person or shared lessons from €45 /hour per person, with a member of the coaching team. We opted to play a casual game of mixed doubles so went for Private court hire that starts from €28 per hour. Beyond tennis, the Basketball court is something the whole family can play together as well as the crazy golf.
This year Pine Cilff’s have introduced two new pop up restaurants – Rohini adds flavour and spice with the Little Miss India Menu. We dined in Portofino the Italian themed trattoria enjoying pastas risottos and one of the most delicious and largest calzones outside of Italy. With eleven restaurants in total we were spoiled for choice. Mare at Pine Cliffs is located right on the beach and the perfect spot for lunch. Offering plenty of seafood options our pallets were spoiled and the cocktail list was extensive. Zest is the healthy option and excellent value for a light lunch but we were spoiled at Corda Café where the flavours of the Mediterranean mix with Mexican and there we found something for everyone. It’s located beside one of the eight swimming pools and overlooks the swim up bar.
On our final evening we dined at the Piri Piri Steakhouse and here we were blown away by possibly the best steaks we’ve had the pleasure of eating in the Algarve. The extensive menus crowned our dining experiences at the resort with mouthwatering sides and delicious cocktails.
The summer at Pine Cliffs is filled with events everyday but one of the highlights coming up in August is the concert with Welsh legend Tom Jones singing at the resort. It may be a cliché but Pine Cliffs Resort really has it all as the perfect family holiday for all ages.
Factbox
A family of four can stay in a two-bedroom Pine Cliffs Village from €630 per night for July 2024 stay and €370 per night for October 2024 stay.
To book, visit www.pinecliffs.com or call +351 289 500 100.
Golf at Pine Cliffs: Families can enjoy one day unlimited golf pass at €35 per person for up to four people as part of the Golf Family Pack. For kids and beginners the Golf Academy’s driving range is great value from €6 per person card that includes 50 balls, and rental of 3 clubs starts at €7 per person.
