Overview
This one is tailor made for the tired parents of slightly bigger, bouncier kids who ricochet off the walls sunrise to sunset. Bringing a sunny slice of kitsch Palm Springs style to the Algarve, The Magnolia Hotel is part of the utopian Quinta do Lago resort – think pristine golf courses, private golden sand beaches and stunning restaurants catering to all tastes. Whether your mini me has their sights set on being the next McIlroy, can bend it like Beckham, or make some serious shapes on the dance floor, a spoiling selection of summer camps await (though one off classes are an option too), starting from either age 4 or 6 depending on the sport. But how to fill all of that child-free me time? We’d recommend cutting edge The Campus sports & wellness hub (which you could easily mistake for Soho Farmhouse) where you’ll find tennis and padel courts, a gorgeous outdoor pool, tonnes of fitness classes and a swish sports bar for a post-workout refresher. Usually this kind of luxury comes with a (very hefty) price tag, but The Magnolia Hotel is your key to unlocking the resort on a budget
Away from the sports and courts, there’s plenty of whole family fun to be had as well, thanks to buzzing Picnics in the Park (think live music & bouncy castles, hosted throughout the summer), rounds of mini golf, and then there’s The Lake – a gorgeous swimming spot with sandy shores, offering supervised watersports spanning pedalos, SUPs and plenty in between. The heated outdoor pool back at The Magnolia Hotel is the perfect spot for an evening unwind, before you head out for dinner at one of the resort’s 14 restaurants. Whether you’re a fine dining gal or have a steakhouse soft spot, all preferences and price points are catered for
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
It is a 2 hours 50 minute flight from Gatwick or Stansted to Faro International Airport
Transfer
The Magnolia Hotel is located just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport, and transfers (with age appropriate car seats) can be arranged upon request
Best time to visit
To make the most of the warm weather, plus a bumper agenda of activities that would tire even the Duracell bunny, book a break between April and October – when there’s everything from football & dance camps to golf tournaments for tiny travellers (though you will need to organise these in advance)
Keen to spend some time teeing off? October through to February is great for golf enthusiasts
Favourite room
We’d recommend hot footing it to a Family Cottage; there are 7 nestled amongst pine trees, next to a sand volleyball court the kids can enjoy. Each features two bedrooms, a separate living area, kitchenette and private patio for post bedtime sundowners in peace. They can sleep up to 6, as there’s a sofa bed in the living room, too
Nearby
Located within the luxury lifestyle resort Quinta do Lago, The Magnolia Hotel enjoys easy access to all of its incredible 14 restaurants, plus the cutting edge Campus sports hub, renowned golf courses (including the mini variety for tiny travellers), The Lake watersports spot, Ria Formosa Natural Park and some of the Algarve’s best beaches
Price
From £105 p/night in low season and £260 p/night in high season
Meet the family...
Carly
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 2
With its Palm Springs-inspired decor, The Magnolia is the perfect escape from the dreary UK. Think bohemian wicker chairs, colourful tufted berber rugs, and neon signage. We stayed in one of the cottages, located in a peaceful area of the hotel’s grounds. In a very instagrammable shade of pink, it was the perfect home-from-home with a toddler. The Magnolia has the benefit of being on the edge of Quinta do Lago, with access to the resort’s many facilities, including award-winning golf courses and world-class restaurants
Worth waking the baby for
01
Picnic in the Park
The Magnolia Hotel’s biggest selling point? It’s seriously enviable position within the Quinta do Lago resort. So, make the most of your surroundings and soak up the buzz at one of their vibrant ‘picnics in the park’, where bouncy castles, trampolines, live music and children’s entertainment await throughout the summer months
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Watersports at The Lake
Learn to sail or paddle board with trained team members at Quinta do Lago lake, or jump in a pedalo if you’re looking for a more leisurely time on the water. Then, retire to brilliant waterside spot The Shack for well deserved drinks and gorgeously fresh food, whilst the kids play a few steps away on the sand (did some say lunch in peace?!)
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Mini golf
Swing by Quinta do Lago’s mini golf course for some wholesome family fun, where dad will be delighted to take on some miniature replicas of the world’s most iconic holes – from Augusta to Belfry and Sawgrass. And top tip – there’s a very well located ice cream parlour just across the road too, with more flavours than you can shake your club at!
Reviews from other parents
If I had to sum up the Quinta do Lago resort in one word, it would be 'pristine' (in a way, it kind of reminded me of Dubai with immaculate beaches and facilities, and amazing dining options). The Magnolia Hotel itself was a brilliantly located base to explore the whole area, with clean and contemporary accommodation, a fab breakfast buffet that kept us going all day, and a really lovely heated outdoor pool to flop by with a drink from the bar. Our fave spot in the resort was definitely The Lake, with gorgeous sandy shores, shallow waters and loads of fun options - we picked a pedalo. And the mini golf was a big hit too - as was the dreamy ice cream parlour just over the road!
Mama Becky, Tiny Traveller aged 3
