THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL IN QUINTA DO LAGO

Paying homage to the iconic 1950s motor-hotel in Palm Springs, California, The Magnolia Hotel offers something you won’t find anywhere else in the Algarve. The property boasts 74 rooms, 3 suites and 7 one-of-a-kind cottages which, still feels like a boutique hotel as there is an incredible long list of break out areas for guests to enjoy; indoor cinema, gymnasium, spa, outdoor heated swimming pool, game room with Xbox consoles and ping pong tables, tennis court, yoga area, an in-house restaurant, and plenty of nooks and crannies for chilling.

As a family of 3, we wanted it to feel like home-away-from-home, so we opted for one of the pretty pastel cottages situated amongst the pine trees in the quieter area of the premises. The wood-cabin style cottage has two spacious bedrooms, lounge area, bathroom with a bathtub, kitchenette with equipment and utensils and private patio area. Upon entering the cottage for the first time, we were greeted with a welcome note and a freshly squeezed bottle of elderflower lemonade. As it was summer season, we were thankful for all the rooms to have their own air conditioners and floor-to-ceiling sized window panes. Upon our earlier request, our baby had her own movable cot that was easy to transport across different spaces of the cottage as well. If we needed to top up on any grocery items, there was a nearby luxury shopping center within 5 minutes from the hotel by bike.

Not only were we spoilt with convenience at every level, but we also kept ourselves active with the different leisure activities in the area. While exploring the resort, we visited the beautiful Ria Formosa natural reserve on our bikes from The Bike Shed. Also, a visit to Quinta do Lago is incomplete without attending a yoga class at The Campus, a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex hosting numerous professional athletes throughout the year. After a heart-pumping session at the gym, we enjoyed the spa for a well-deserved refresher before having lunch at Dano’s, a sports bar and restaurant with views of the tennis courts. All the dishes are made from fresh and local ingredients, sourced from the Quinta do Lago farms.

One evening, we enjoyed the summer party at The Shack. This bar & grill is all about live music, cocktails, and nature reserve views. The perfect spot for a sundowner, we had tacos and different appetisers before finishing with a dessert. A great addition to the resort’s line-up of places to eat was Bovino Steakhouse, the go-to place for the finest dry-aged beef, serving up the tenderest of steaks in a stunningly decorated environment by renowned international designer Lázaro Roza-Violán. The service here is impeccable, and our little one enjoyed the attention and big smiles from the team. Try their irresistible 2-person ‘Bovino Signature Cuts Experience´ for a meat feast par excellence!

Last but not least, we had a delicious pizza for our main dish at KOKO. This popular bistro is the go-to place for families, providing a relaxing atmosphere with a takeaway service if needed. Try their tiramisu for dessert, and head afterwards to play at the Mini-Golf Quinta Do Lago.

Back at the hotel, there is never a dull moment, with summer social events like Dive In Movies and Pool Party BBQs every week. The Magnolia Hotel is an experience that is ideal for a dreamy getaway.