When I saw Anantara Vilamoura amongst the retreat listings in Algarve on Dutch Puur & Kuur site, it caught my attention. I already read about this resort which is only 20 minutes by car from my Algarvian home and replaces the old Tivoli hotel. Time for a wellness staycation.
The Anantara hotel in Vilamoura
After a stylish, minimalistic refurbishment the former Tivoli Victoria Hotel became
Anantara Vilamoura. The debut for Anantara Resorts in Europe. This
iconic luxury resort brand from Thailand is renowned for its wellness and healing traditions.
Located in the Vilamoura area. I kinda find this part of Algarve a bit artificial, but once inside the mid-century style hotel it's a secluded world on its own. Perfect premises for a wellness retreat.
The resort faces the green landscape of
Victoria Championship golf course and has 280 rooms. The amount of rooms surprises me. Due to the set-up it feels (and looks) much more intimate. Nice.
The (bath) room at Anantara
My deluxe room - no. 141 - is facing the golf course and has a subdued interior. White marble floors, wooden vertical slate walls with both closets and bathroom hidden behind it. The bathroom is equipped with
Elemis amenities and has a - separate - large shower and bath.
The small terrace has a soft lounge bed and is big enough for two. It overlooks the garden, palms and golf courses. My favorite hang-out to try a digital detox, read a book and watch the sun set behind the palms.
Despite it being early February at my time of visit, the temperature is around 16 C. When sheltered from the wind you can really feel Spring is around the corner. These days the soft bathing robe is what I wear most.
Three nights wellness package
The 3 night Puur en Kuur Wellness package consists of the following benefits:
- Stay including breakfast
- wellness consultation
- full body massage (60 minutes)
- foot or head massage (30 minutes)
- private yoga or personal training session (60 minutes)
- welcome massage (30 minutes)
Also unlimited daily access to
Anantara Spa (worth € 20 per person per day) and unlimited participation on weekly holistic and fitness activities (such as Yoga and Pilates) are included.
I opted for a private yoga lesson. The
satyananda yoga lesson by private teacher Carine Gago was a very special one. Obrigada & namasté.
Let's Spa at Anantara Vilamoura
The Spa is set in dark colors and has 6 treatment rooms apart from the indoor vitality pool with view, sauna, Turkish bath and a special Vichy Shower room.
Authentic healing traditions are deeply rooted in Algarve’s past and are incorporated within Anantara's Asian approach of
holistic wellness and natural beauty.
The Anantara Signature massage is a mix of different techniques, a massage tasting menu. The pressure is medium with long strokes altered with stretching movements known from the traditional Thai massage. I felt both relaxed and energized after this treatment.
I booked an additional facial, the
Elemis Pro Collagen Age Defy. A targeted lymphatic drainage massage treatments with an age-defying mask to improve firmness and elasticity. Who can say not to that?
Healthy food is the best food
During these low season months, not all restaurants within the resort are open. So, that gives me good reason to come back during Summer time and experience EMO, the fine dining restaurant.
For now I can only share my review of Victoria Restaurant. Located on the ground floor with large glass doors that open to terrace, pool and garden.
The breakfast is amazing with fresh,
local delicacies from Algarve. Stress of choice to start the day, too many healthy options! My wellness days start with an elaborate breakfast, healthy grilled organic vegetables for lunch and only fruit at night.
Golf clinic at Victoria Course
The golf course is an inherent part of the resort and vice versa. It takes an easy underground hallway from lobby to clubhouse and practice facilities. The
Victoria course - an Arnold Palmer design - is a championship course which annually hosts the Portugal Masters.
Tomás Carlota is the golf guru on site and the designated person to perfect your swing or improve your putting skills during a golf clinic. We played the first 9 holes - on course lesson - together, and I am very thankful for all very welcome tips. Now I have to practice what he preaches, which is a total different challenge.
The sense of serene elegance, the genuine friendly staff - obrigada! - and the luxurious, minimalistic environment makes this resort a solo friendly retreat. A nice place to be on your own I valued the tranquility which allows me to turn my attention inwardly and reflect. Anantara is derived from ancient Sanskrit and means 'without end'. Let's leave it at that.
disclaimer
My stay at Anantara hotel was by invitation on behalf of Portugal Love. We only accept invites that answer positive to the question: “does it match our Portugal Love lifestyle?” Authenticity is key. Words, photos and opinions are my own.
