Overview
One of a rare breed of truly child-centric (yet still chic) hotels, where fabulous facilities for the whole family mean there is zero compromise on adult indulgences. Located on the western tip of Algarve, fronted by gorgeous golden sands, Martinhal Sagres is a hotel that prides itself on being as relaxing and fun for parents as it is for children. A masterclass in design-led babyproofing, parents are able to really relax in their surroundings, giving the resort a cool, chilled out vibe in a luxury setting. There are a variety of room choices from spacious ocean view hotel suites to large family villas up to 6 bedrooms with self catering amenities, as well as amazing family friendly restaurants with kids play areas and a delicious children menu that includes fresh purees for babies. With a total of 5 kids clubs, welcoming tiny travellers from 6 months to 17 years old, Martinhal is a great option for families with siblings of mixed ages. For the tiniest of travellers make use of the genius baby packing service, where everything from bottle sterilisers to baby baths can be provided
The activities? Unparalleled, whatever you’re looking for. From hot air balloon trips to stand up paddleboarding, horse riding, karting, surf schools, padel & tennis sessions, jeep safaris and tuk tuk tours – we’re barely touching the tip of the iceberg. And while Martinhal excel in making as many as possible available to all ages, parents needn’t miss out thanks to that comprehensive childcare
In a nutshell, the nursery looks after the tiniest tots (aged 6-12 months) and is open for 2 sessions each day, both 3 hours long (and actually, all of the kids clubs operate the same hours). The creche entertains toddling tots (aged 13 – 23 months), then there’s Raposinhos for ages 2 to 4, boasting a jampacked agenda of indoor and outdoor activities. Fox Club is where children aged 5 & 6 head (and will be reluctant to leave), with those 7+ are occupied by Explorer’s Nature Camp. The standard of childcare is absolutely top notch – from the highly trained staff, to the mega tailored activities. Not to mention, babysitting is available upon request around the clock and the ‘Blue Room’ is a recreational space full of different play zones for you to enjoy as a family
And then there’s the small details which might not be headline stuff, but really confirm, Martinhal Sagres ‘gets’ families. From the furniture with rounded edges so little ones won’t take their eye out, to the play areas in restaurants so you can eat your food while it’s hot – if you’re looking for ‘wow’ with none of the worry, Martinhal plays in a league of their own
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
3 hour flight from the Gatwick, Luton or Stansted to Faro airport
Transfer
Approximately a 1 hour 20 mins transfer from Faro
Best time to visit
The warmest weather is from June – September, but the Algarve has a mild climate all year around! Consider visiting during the winter and spring for pleasant temperatures, winter sun and lower rates
Favourite room
All hotel rooms enjoy private balconies or terraces, some can be interconnected for larger families
Houses, townhouses, villas and apartments offer the flexibility of self catering and separate sleeping spaces
Nearby
With everything you could possibly need for the ultimate family holiday on the resort, there’s little reason to leave. If you do fancy venturing outside, Sagres itself is a 5-10 minute drive away and features a supermarket, traditional square and handful of local restaurant, Famously beach blessed, there’s also an array of neighbouring sandy shores to visit outside of the hotel
Price
from £150 p/night during low season and £390 p/night during high season
Meet the family...
Naomi
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 3 months, 3 & 6
The accommodation set up delivers the best of both worlds; it’s self catered yet situated within a gorgeous complex. Every detail has been designed with children in mind, yet none detract from the sleek, contemporary style or laid back ambience. For us, being able to step out of the pool and walk straight across the beautifully soft sand right into the ocean was the ultimate luxury
Worth waking the baby for
01
Beaches
Famously beach blessed, some of the Algarve’s loveliest stretches of sand can be easily reached from Martinhal. Be sure to check out Praia do Mareta, the wild and secret Ponta Ruiva and Coordoama beaches
02
Dolphin watching
Marine biologists will accompany you on a brilliant boat ride to discover the amazing life of dolphins in their natural habitat. Depending on the season you might also witness a menagerie of sharks and sea turtles (suitable for tiny travellers aged 3+)
03
Sagres
With vistas overlooking the dramatic surrounding scenery with panoramic ocean views, the small village of Sagres is a relaxed traditional town home to local eateries, the remains of a 17th century fort and lighthouse
Reviews from other parents
What we really love about this hotel is that the family-friendly ethos is implicit in everything they offer. Just because it’s geared towards kids, doesn’t mean all the details that adults appreciate are missed: trendy interiors, delicious food, classy facilities. The idea is that every guest, whether 6 months or 60, has a really good time. It’s an ambitious aim but they comfortably nail it. The food was genuinely delicious – we often choose not to eat in hotels – but what we were most impressed with was the children’s menu. There’s a 6-12m weaning menu containing a wide selection of organic purees and a toddler menu with creative mini meals. Dinner is from 5pm if you need to eat early and there’s plenty of entertainment to ensure that everyone enjoys their meal; from boxes of toys and supervised play to a large courtyard with trampolines
Mama Beth, Tiny Traveller aged 6 months
I would tell anyone who would listen to go to Martinhal Sagres. We stayed in a beachfront villa and it was huge! I really recommend the extra space. We could put the baby to bed at her normal bedtime then order in room service and watch a movie without disturbing her. There was a bath and shower, as well as a non-slip bath mat, nappy bin and potty in the bathroom - which was a nice touch. This is a place for parents to wind down whilst tiny travellers of all ages from toddlers to teenagers are kept entertained. I really liked that you could hire a huge box of toys from the kids club to keep in your villa
Mama Chrisandrea, Tiny Traveller aged 1
