VILA VITA Parc Algarve, Portugal
Vila Vita Parc
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos,
8400-450 Porches, Algarve, Portugal
www.vilavitaparc.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
VILA VITA Hotels
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
1992
Hotel General Manager
Kurt M. Gillig is Managing Director at Vila Vita Parc since 2013, although he has been with the property since 2000, holding several positions such as Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Operations Director at the resort. Before joining Vila Vita Parc, he also worked in several restaurants and hotels in Austria, Germany, Italy and France.
Hotel Positioning
5-star luxury resort, member of The Leading Hotels of the World
Development Strategy
Vila Vita Parc constantly strives to deliver memorable guest experiences with extraordinary attention to detail and authentic Portuguese Hospitality.
VILA VITA PARC
History & Story
Vila Vita Parc is a part of the VILA VITA Hotels group and is the vision of a German family, who together with their two sons, used to visit regularly the Algarve on holiday, and saw an opportunity to acquire and develop a beautiful piece of land overlooking the ocean into a top class luxury resort. From the very beginning, the family took charge of the design and concept development for the different hotels in the VILA VITA Hotels group. It is thanks to its guidance that each hotel exudes its own personal ambience, is built in harmony with the surrounding countryside and decorated with careful attention to detail. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed and it is not a surprise to see a large amount of return customers booking VILA VITA Hotels on a regular basis.
Vila Vita Parc is a member of ’Leading Hotels of the World’ since its opening in 1992, and has been recognized as one of Europe´s most beautiful resorts.
Since 1997 the VILA VITA Portugal group includes a 780 hectare private vineyard ’Herdade dos Grous’ in the Alentejo region. In addition to producing award-winning wines, the estate breeds horses as well as cattle and produces excellent olive oils. Herdade dos Grous offers 24 rooms, a restaurant and excellent meeting facilities and is managed by Vila Vita Parc.
Here in the Algarve, other Vila Vita properties include the Vila Vita Collection of Luxury Villas & Residences, with three villas and two residences at the beach village Salema (about 90Km from Vila Vita Parc resort). Additionally, since beginning of 2019 (about 10Km from Vila Vita Parc resort) the beautiful new Villa Hibiscus Beach House, situated in a prime location at Galé beach, and since 2022 the charming Red Chalet, a sumptuous mansion from the Belle Epoque, in Armação de Pêra, only 5 minutes from the resort. The Vila Vita Collection of Luxury Villas & Residences will be expanding in the future to other locations on the Algarve.
Date Renewal
As part of the resort’s renovations which have taken place over four years, the major renovation was completed in April 2017 at the Clubhouse, where several of the restaurants are located, including an infinity adult-only pool. This brought new life to Vila Vita’s dining experience with the addition of Mizu Teppanyaki, a fine dining Japanese restaurant, offering sushi, robata grill and Teppanyaki experiences. Also at the Clubhouse, the Atlântico and Whale restaurants were redesigned, as well as Bela Vita Bar & Brasserie, situated in the main building.
The 17.250sq ft state-of-the-art spa is reopen since 2019. The new space comprises 14 elegant treatment rooms, all equipped with the latest Gharieni treatment beds, a bright and spacious fitness studio with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens offering both group and private sessions – including aerial yoga, power yoga, and chakra meditation- as well as the existing HYPOXI* Studio (an innovative body contouring method exclusive in Portugal). There are also three renovated spa suites – perfect for wellness seekers who are interested in booking several treatments and private fitness classes, as they can effortlessly glide between their suite and the spa in no time.
Date Added Extension
2023 – Redecoration of 60 Oasis Parc Suites – expected completion date S2023
2022 – Opening of NANA on the Beach, with a Greek-Mediterranean concept
2022 – Opening of Red Chalet at Vila Vita Collection
2021 – V-Club renovation completed & inaugurated S2022
2019 – Reopening of three renovated spa suites in Spring 2019.
2018 – Opening of the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris (after a complete renovation) at the end of December 2018.
2018 – Addition of a new shopping area, with the V-Life Shops, consisting of 9 luxury brand shops internationally renowned.
2017 – Reopening of Praia Dourada beach restaurant in Armação de Pêra.
2016 – Reopening of the Clubhouse, addition of Mizu Teppanyaki Japanese fine dining restaurant.
2015 – Renovation of Residence Building: 27 rooms and suites and the kitchen at Ocean restaurant.
2014 – Renovation of the Main Building: 72 rooms and suites, as well as of 2 Masterpiece luxury Villas Trevo & Praia with private pool.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Vila Vita Parc is Portugal’s most exclusive resort, heralded for its timeless elegance and style, unsurpassed range of services and amenities, ultra-luxurious facilities, and sensual and lush seaside setting in the charming Algarve region. The Five Star resort, member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, celebrates the best of Portugal, immersing each guest in pampered, personalized pleasures imbued with Portuguese culture and hospitality.
USPs
• Location: Ocean view, cliff top location, lush subtropical park, accessibility, almost private beach on doorstep, sense of place and space, low density resort
• Portuguese Style: Algarvian-Moorish architecture and design offering the best of Portugal, diverse accommodation attracting different segments from couples to families
• Culinary Experiences: Authentic Portuguese food and service, choice of cuisine in 11 restaurants including 2 Michelin-star Ocean restaurant, Portugal’s best wine cellar and top beach seafood restaurant Arte Náutica, Herdade dos Grous organic wine farm with award winning wines, own butcher preparing quality meats and cuts.
• All-in-one resort with excellent sporting and leisure facilities: golf, tennis, volleyball, spa with wellness and rejuvenating programs, (Pilates, Yoga), state-of-the-art fitness equipment, private yacht.
• Top Class Service: Portuguese hospitality, butler service, high attention to detail, joyous staff, elegant, informal and personalized service.
Location
Set on 54 spectacular acres perched above the Atlantic Ocean with lush, blooming sub-tropical gardens, distinctive Moorish-influenced Algarvean architecture, a dramatic rocky coastline and one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal boasting an arc of finely grained sand on a small romantic bay with aquamarine water protected by cliffs on both sides
Key sites/activities in the area
THE ALGARVE
Vila Vita Parc is passionate about the Algarve. At the seashore in Portugal’s southernmost province and most popular tourist destination, the Algarve is the country’s vacation paradise offering everything from stunning natural beauty, gourmet cuisine and fine wines to year-round climate and world-class beaches and golf.
Among the Algarve attractions adjacent to Vila Vita Parc are the medieval castles at Silves and Sagres, the school of Prince Henry the Navigator where Columbus studied, and the far western point of Europe.
An array of off-property options from tee times on nearby championship courses to horseback riding, deep-sea fishing to visits to Sevilla and Lisbon, typical Portuguese bullfights to paragliding or excursions by typical fishing boat to explore the coastal rock formations and grottos.
Fun Facts
Vila Vita’s own vineyard and organic farm – Herdade dos Grous (Alentejo)
The Herdade dos Grous (Country Estate of the Cranes) is composed of 1,803 acres of vineyards, olive and orange groves where guests can learn about horse breeding, organic farming and the cultivation of award-winning wines. Among the awards garnered by the wine, estate is the 2004 best red wine of the Alentejo region, known for its robust vintages. Many of the foods served at the resort are produced at the wine estate, and guests often visit Herdade dos Grous for a tour, to relax in the country ambience and enjoy a gourmet meal.
The tranquil Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris is a sanctuary of wellness and features a contemporary design inspired by the region’s enchanting sea caves, more specifically in the beautifully exquisite Benagil cave, located not far from Vila Vita Parc, including natural stone and restful tones of blue and green to reflect the many hues of the Atlantic Ocean.
Children’s Corner
Vila Vita Parc is a family-friendly resort and offers children’s programs at Natalie’s Crèche (for 6 months to 3 years) and at Annabella’s Kids Parc (4 to 11-year-olds) and teenager summer activities for 12 and older.
• Playground 4-12-year-olds
• Mini-football pitch
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
All 203 accommodations are exquisitely appointed with every amenity and feature terraces, balconies and panoramic views of the flower-filled gardens some featuring sea views.
Rooms & Suites
Guests may choose from a wide choice of distinguished accommodations including:
• 61 Deluxe rooms and 12 Suites in the main building, including 4 Junior Suites, 6 Grand Suites and 2 Penthouse Suites.
• 27 Rooms and Suites in the exclusive manor house style Residence, including 24 Deluxe Rooms, 2 Townhouse Suites and 1 Residence Grand Suite, most of them with stunning ocean views.
• 61 Suites, 30 of them with Rooftop Terraces, including 13 Oasis Suites Premium, 13 Oasis Suites Premium Rooftop and 35 Oasis Family Suites.
• 3 Suites at the adjoining Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris.
Restaurants & Bars
Onsite Dining:
• Ocean: the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, 2 Stars Michelin with ocean panoramas. The Chef is Hans Neuner. Set menu.
• Bela Vita Bar & Brasserie: à-la-carte restaurant offering international cuisine. Half board restaurant & à la carte.
• Adega: traditional, rustic Portuguese cuisine, served by the lake. Half board restaurant & à la carte.
• Atlântico: Mediterranean fine cuisine, featuring organic dishes. Large terrace with vast ocean views. À la carte restaurant.
• Aladin Grill: fine dining grillroom with an open kitchen and distinctive Moorish décor. À la carte restaurant.
• Whale: casual restaurant for all tastes and ages, terrace with pool and sea views. Half board restaurant & à la carte.
• Mizu Teppanyaki: Contemporary Japanese cuisine with sushi and Teppanyaki. À la carte fine dining restaurant.
• Oasis Bar: an elegant bar in the main building with a terrace overlooking the gardens serving cocktails or afternoon tea.
• Palm Bar: at the Oasis Parc pool, serving refreshing beverages and snacks, with a top terrace overlooking the pool.
• Aladin Bar: Ideal for a pre-dinner drink at the Clubhouse.
• Pool Lounge & Bar, Delfim Bar, Garden Bar: at different spots, serving refreshing beverages, snacks and light meals.
• Café Bica: serves coffee, teas and homemade pastries all day, with a terrace on the lake.
• Cave de Vinhos: an impressive arched wine cellar with more than 11,000 bottles and 1,200 different wine references.
• Manzar Terrace: 360º panoramic terrace, with great views over the ocean, with bar service for events on request.
• V-Club Disco: available for private events, opens on weekend in Summer.
Offsite Dining: located a few minutes from the resort, complimentary transfers are offered to guests:
• Arte Náutica – On the Armação de Pêra beach, offers grilled fresh seafood and meats served on a waterfront terrace. À la carte restaurant.
• Praia Dourada – On the Armação de Pêra beach, offers a fresh style with a chillout lounge area on the sand. All day dining menu with light snacks.
• Vila Vita Biergarten & Butcher – at the nearby village of Porches, an authentic Bavarian beer garden offering traditional German specialties and beer. Half board restaurant & à la carte.
All meats originate from the Herdade dos Grous and are prepared in Vila Vita Parc’s own butchery.
Wellness
SPA
After an extensive renovation in 2018, the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris, a state-of-the-art, 17,250sq ft spa, is a sanctuary of wellness, featuring a contemporary design inspired by the region’s enchanting sea caves, including natural stone and restful tones of blue and green to reflect the many hues of the Atlantic Ocean.
The space comprises 14 elegant treatment rooms, all equipped with the latest Gharieni treatment beds, a bright and spacious fitness studio with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens offering both group and private sessions – including aerial yoga, power yoga, and chakra meditation- as well as the existing HYPOXI* Studio (an innovative body contouring method exclusive in Portugal).
Aside from Sisley treatments, guests will also be able to enjoy stylish manicures and pedicures from the prestigious British brand Margaret Dabbs. Vila Vita Parc has launched also a number of spa and wellness programmes themed around ‘Detox’, ‘Fitness’, ‘Relaxation’ and ‘Beauty’.
Health Club
The Health Club is quite central, with the indoor/outdoor main pool, relaxing area with sauna, whirlpool, Turkish bath, ice grotto and plunge pool, as well as the EnerGym with most advanced exercise equipment. Classes and instruction range from Yoga, Pilates, aquarobics and stretching to personal training.
Corporate & Celebration Events
The resort has everything the meeting planner is looking for, from unique venues for exciting and memorable events to the latest technical capabilities. The seven event rooms and the Vila Vita Events Pavilion, with world-class furnishings and appointment can accommodate up to 450 persons for conferences, seminars and banquets. Lisboa Ballroom can be transformed into a special themed ambiance for a company celebration. One-of-a-kind excursions, banquets and team-building activities can be planned at the resort’s country wine estate.
Extra Notable Features
From staying in a completely private and ultra-luxurious suite at the water’s edge with breath-taking views, to enjoying an intimate dinner for two in the atmospheric wine cellar, couples will discover romance everywhere they turn at Vila Vita Parc. At the same time, with its extensive range of accommodations, dining options, sports, recreational activities, leisure facilities and special program for guests of all ages, Vila Vita Parc is the perfect getaway for the entire family with something for everyone.
Guests enjoy every popular sport and recreational activity imaginable:
• 7 swimming pools (1 for adults only and 3 outdoor for children)
• Secluded beach with direct access from the resort
• Children’s programs: Natalie’s Crèche, for 6 months to 3 years, Annabella’s Kids Parc, 4 to 11-year-olds, and teenager summer activities for 12 and older.
• Playground
• Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris
• Health Club
• EnerGym, with the most advanced exercise equipment
• HYPOXI®-Studio, to redesign your body
• 18-Hole Mini-golf
• 2 artificial clay tennis courts and 1 multisports court, all with floodlights
• Volleyball
• 9-hole pitch & putt practice course, 18-hole putting green
RESORT & Restaurants Awards
2022
Luxe Global Awards 2022 – VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa: National Win in Best Luxury Spa Hotel, Regional Win in Best Luxury 5 Star Hotel, Continent Win in Best Luxury Beach Hotel
Luxe Global Awards 2022 – VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris: National Win in Best Spa Design Theme, Regional Win in Best Spa Team, Continent Win in Best Luxury Beach Resort Spa
Luxe Global Awards 2022 – Ocean Restaurant: Regional Win in Best Fine Dining Cuisine, Regional Win in Best Luxury Resort Restaurant, Continent Win in Best Portuguese Cuisine, Continent Win in Best Luxury Hotel Restaurant
Luxury Lifestyle Awards – Best Luxury Resort in Portugal 2022
Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards – no. 36 Spa in the World
World Spa Awards – Portugal’s Best Resort Spa 2022: VILA VITA Spa by Sisley
The Best Chef Awards – Hans Neuner #62 in ranking of Top 100 – first position in Portugal
Haute Grandeur Global Awards 2022 – Excellence Award for Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris: Best Luxury Spa in Portugal
European Travel Awards 2022 by EU Business News – Most Elegant Seaside Hotel – Southern Portugal
Portugal Trade Awards 2022 by Publituris @BTL – Best Luxury Hotel
LUXlife Magazine Global Luxury Hotel & Spa Awards – 2022’s Most Elegant Hotel & Spa – Portugal
LUXLife – Resort and Retreat Awards 2022: Best Exclusive Luxury Resort – Southern Portugal
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Key for the Resort
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Fork for restaurant Ocean
Xénios 2022 – Ambitur ADHP Hospitality Excellence Prizes – VILA VITA Parc with the Best Housing Director
2 Michelin stars since 2011 – Ocean restaurant
2021
British Airways Holidays Excellence Award – score 9.4 out of 10 / ranked within the top 4%
LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2021: Most Elegant Hotel & Spa
2021 KAYAK Travel Award
World Travel Awards: Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel & Villas 2021
World Spa Awards:
– World’s Best Spa Signature Treatment: Golden Quartz Treatment at VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris
– Portugal’s Best Resort Spa: VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris at VILA VITA Parc
World Luxury Awards:
– VILA VITA Parc as Luxury Serviced Villas – Southern Europe
– VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris as Best Theme Design Spa – Southern Europe
– Ocean Restaurant – Global Restaurant of the Year
– Ocean Restaurant – Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu
Condé Nast Traveller Reader Choice Awards – Top 30 Destination Spa Resorts in the World: #19
Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards: Best Leisure Hotel in Portugal
British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award
HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence Award
Booking.com – Traveller Review Awards: 9.5 out of 10
Traveller Made – Certified 1st Grand Hotel Champion Gold
Hotels.com by Expedia – Hotel “Loved by Guests”
TripAdvisor:
-Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021, part of the 1% of best hotels in the world
-Travellers’ Choice Award, part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide
-EcoLíders Gold Level 2021
-Travellers’ Choice 2021 Ocean Restaurant
The Best Chef Awards – Hans Neuner #50 in ranking of Top 100
Wine Spectator – Best Award of Excellence for restaurant Ocean’s Wine List
Les Grandes Tables du Monde 2021 – Ocean restaurant
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Key for the Resort
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Fork for restaurant Ocean
2020
Mesa Marcada:
– Hans Neuner as Third Top Chef in Portugal
– Restaurant Ocean as Third Top Restaurant in Portugal
– Special Prize Quinta dos Carvalhais for the Best Service of the Year to Ocean restaurant
British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award
Condé Nast Traveller – World Destination Spa Resort #14
The Best Chef Awards – Hans Neuner #69 in ranking of Top 100
La Liste 2020 – # 25 for Ocean restaurant (98% or #4 in ranking)
Traveller Made – Certified 1st Grand Hotel Champion Gold 2020
TripAdvisor – Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2020, part of the 1% of best hotels in the world
TripAdvisor – Green Leader 2020
TripAdvisor – Travellers’ Choice 2020 Ocean Restaurant
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Key for the Resort
Boa Cama Boa Mesa – Platinum Fork for restaurant Ocean
Number of employees
400 in low season until 700 in high season.