The stylish resort town of Vilamoura lies in the heart of the Algarve, so it’s fitting that Domes Resorts has made this location the home of its first international hotel.
Formerly The Lake Spa Resort, the property has rebranded after a €7 million makeover and opened its doors in April as the new 192-key Domes Lake Algarve, aiming to be a year-round option for clients looking to bask in the region’s warm and sunny climate whatever the season.
The resort is set within 30 acres of protected landscape and, uniquely, it can lay claim to its own exclusive saltwater lake. The wonderfully verdant setting made for a relaxing, peaceful ambience that extended within and throughout the property, enhanced by a calming fragrance diffused indoors.
I stayed in the aptly named Emerald Retreat, a super-cosy haven of neutral greys, cool blues and black marble in the bathroom complete with Damana toiletries, with a good-sized balcony overlooking the lake and Vilamoura marina. Domes Resorts is renowned for interiors evoking earthy palettes utilising natural materials, so repeat clients shouldn’t be surprised that polished terracotta floor tiles, woven furnishings and natural wood feature highly in this Portuguese resort.
What they may also be familiar with is Haute Living Selection, Domes Resorts’ exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel concept that provides guests added benefits should they choose to stay in premium or ultra-luxe accommodation. It includes upgraded welcome and room amenities as well as access to the Haute Living Room, a bright, high-ceiling space with invitingly cosy sofas and armchairs. Here HLS guests can help themselves to unlimited wine, soft drinks, teas, coffees and hot and cold snacks. My favourite part? It’s open 24/7.
Other dining options include Gustatio, where daily themed buffets, which are more like grand banquets, take place; award-winning Topos that channels the brand’s Greek heritage in the menu with executive chef Dionysios Pliatsikas at the helm (I really enjoyed the citrusy spanakoryzo risotto); Makris for romantic lakeside Mediterranean dining; and the new Sora Beach Restaurant, which really is a must for guests.
Around a 10-minute walk from the resort, Sora is designed like a casual yet uber-stylish beach shack with a mouthwatering seafood-inspired menu to match. I was recommended to try the traditional Algarvian cataplana, a type of tomato seafood stew, to which I obliged and very much enjoyed. With views out to sea, it’s a really charming spot to enjoy lunch almost al fresco.
Domes Resorts is also famed for its family-friendly product, and here in the Algarve it’s no different. Kiepos is its eco-themed kids’ club, nurturing their interest in sustainable living through activities like planting their own herbs and flowers. Babysitting services are available for an extra charge. Beyond Kiepos, there are suitably spacious play areas and a handy list of pre-bookable nursery kit.
When it comes to spending time as a family, there is also junior golf in one of the five nearby courses, horse riding, water sports on the lake, go-karting nearby and the resort’s three pools, one of which is heated and another is a natural sand-bottom version next to the lake.
For parents who want their own time out, the adults-only Soma Spa is a fabulous place to unwind. Here guests will find an extensive treatment list that is “inspired by the fertile land of Portugal”. My 30-minute massage by therapist Nidia was a wonderful taster of the award-winning team’s talents, which left me feeling totally revitalised. I finished off my pamper session by heading to the spa itself and luxuriated in the two hot tubs (one oxygenated, one saltwater), sauna, steam room and pool.
For those keen to stay active, the state-of-the-art gym next door should do the trick. Otherwise there are a plethora of outdoor activities including cycling (bikes are complimentary), sailing, oyster and clam picking and walking available in the beautiful park.
Domes Lake Algarve will be undergoing another phase of refurbishment over the winter and, come spring 2023, it will be ready to welcome guests once more.
How to book it
An Inland Retreat room starts from €286 per night, with breakfast, domesresorts.com
