Overview
The newest addition to the Algarve, Viceroy at Ombria showcases a different, and deliciously dreamy, destination in the cultural heart of the region. In reality a tantrum-free 30 minute transfer from Faro airport, this rural resort feels a million miles away
More than somewhere to land-and-laze, a stay here means a total immersion in the surrounding culture, cuisine and countryside. Set across 150 acres of rooms, restaurants, play opportunities and pools, a deep respect is paid to the area with Moorish details threaded throughout. But contemporary and oh-so-convenient touches are layered on top of this – we’re talking Nespresso machines in-rooms, a tension-alleviating spa and award-winning 18-hole course golf
If you fancy some adults alone time, the brilliant V Team Kids Club welcomes children from 4 – 11 years old, but handily the entertainment-rich space is available for parents to stay and play too. A real highlight of a holiday here is the agenda of artisan-oriented activities that families can enjoy together; from taking on the role of a shepherd for the day or basket weaving through to marvelling at the night sky from the astronomical observatory. Not stopping there, mini guests are also treated to a Junior SPA programme, little-leg golf academy and the quadrant of pools includes one dedicated to tiny travellers
A must-visit for foodies, culinary experiences (and yes you’re treated to so much more than just ‘mealtimes’ here) blends the talents of world-class chefs with native delights. Expect wood-fired pizzas topped with figs and Iberian pork, plus plenty of Portuguese patisseries and wine. Ingredient-inspired relaxation continues in the spa, where working our way through the robust roster of wellness treatments is a challenge we’d gladly accept
It goes without saying the service here is impeccable, and a dedication to decompression is felt around every calming corner. A poster child for sublime scenery, views don’t get much better than the ones overlooked by the balconies and terraces fronting the generous rooms and suites. We have a particular soft spot for the Two Bedroom Residences, which can interconnect, sleeping up to 8, and come complete with picture-perfect pools. Guests check in here to slow down and soak up the countryside, but should you wish to pepper your days poolside with a trip to the coast, the nearest beach is less than 30 minutes away
In summary? You’ll find all the trimmings of a 5* hotel here, but at Viceroy these come steeped in true-to-country touches too
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
3 hr flight from London to Faro airport
Transfer
Approximately a 30 min transfer from Faro airport. The hotel can arrange transfers, starting from 50 euros each way for a family of 4 and 58 euros for up to 8 guests each way, with age appropriate car seats as well. It’s worth noting for arrivals between 11pm and 7am the hotel adds an additional surcharge
Best time to visit
The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is open year-round and with over 300 days of sunshine, and heated pools (!), there’s no bad time to visit
January: highs of 16 degrees
February: highs of 16 degrees
March: highs of 17 degrees
April: highs of 19 degrees
May: highs of 22 degrees
June: highs of 25 degrees
July: highs of 28 degrees
August: highs of 28 degrees
September: highs of 25 degrees
October: highs of 23 degrees
November: highs of 19 degrees
December: highs of 17 degrees
Favourite room
The smallest, and entry level, rooms at Viceroy at Ombria Algarve are the standard rooms, which sleep 2 adults and a baby in a cot, in one sleep space
Suites are more spacious and come with an open plan living room (featuring a sofa bed) and the all important balconies. Families of 3 (or 4 if one is a baby in a cot) will love the One Bedroom Suites, or the One Bedroom Residence with Pool if solo swim spots are important to you
Two Bedroom Residences have a clever configuration for families of 6 with two proper bedrooms, a small but fully-formed kitchen, beautiful bath-featuring bathroom, generous terrace and plenty of room in the living space for relaxing once the sprogs are asleep (if you choose not to use the sofa bed). Again, these come with the option of private pools – and the valley views from these are to die for!
Finally, multi-gen gangs or groups of friends, can opt for the interconnecting Two Bedroom Residences, which sleep up to 8 across the bedrooms and sofa beds. Cots can also be added for additional infants
Private pools are heated to 28ºC
Price
from £250 p/night in low season and £610 p/night in high season for a family of three
from £280 p/night in low season and £820 p/night in high season for a family of four
from £500 p/night in low season and £1150 p/night in high season for a family of five
FAQs
What family facilities are there, and how much do they cost?
Mini guests 4+ are entertained at the sprawling V Team Kids Club, complete with an indoor play area, video game station, reading corner and arts & crafts space. It’s supervised Thursday – Monday, while on Tuesday and Wednesdays guests may make use of the facilities, under parental supervision. The opening hours are 9am – 5.30pm and costs 26 euros per child for half-day sessions (from 9-1pm or 1.30-5.30pm) and 40 euros per child for full-day sessions
Parents are welcome to supervise children, without any charge, but if children would like to partake in certain activities there may be an additional supplement. Babysitters can be booked from £35 per hour and can also be booked to accompany children under 4 in the Kids Club
Outside of the Kids Club there’s plenty to enjoy as a family: including horseback riding, chocolate-making experience, picnics, honey harvesting, weaving & pottery workshops
Which equipment is available to borrow for babies & children?
Baby cots, highchairs, potties, bottle warmers and baby bathtubs can all be provided, free of charge. Please request at point of booking
What are the pools like?
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve features four pools (3 of which are heated to 28 degrees – year-round!) including one family pool (1.5m in depth), one lap pool, one clubhouse pool, and an adult-only pool, as well as private H20 hotspots in certain Residences
Is there evening entertainment?
Evenings here are meant for wining, dining and unwinding under the stars, and as such there’s no evening entertainment
What’s the protocol for allergies?
Guests are asked to inform the team of any allergies prior to arrival, so the kitchen and staff are fully briefed on requirements
What’s the dining set up?
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers B&B and half board packages across 6 restaurants and bars:
Café Central – situated in the heart of the village on the “praça” (main square), is a charming Portuguese bakery offering homemade pastries, pastel de nata, and light meals from a wood-fired oven (open daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
Bellvino – Bellvino champions local produce in its simplest form, specializing in wine, charcuterie, cheese, and olive oil
Ombria Kitchen – offers all-day dining in a family-friendly space, complete with a live cooking station and a relaxed atmosphere, serving elevated dishes on locally crafted clay crockery, focusing on seasonal produce (open daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM) You’ll find children’s menus here
Solalua – meaning “from the sun to the moon,” is the dining destination for ultra-creative and innovative dishes and cocktails with a sleek atmosphere (open Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM)
Casa & Fora – located in the clubhouse, caters primarily to hungry (and thirsty) golfers with its spacious terrace and relaxed menu including dish-of-the-day specials and craft beers from Portugal (open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
Salpico – the pool bar, serves fresh, light dishes perfect for hot days from the comfort of a sunbed or private cabana (open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM)
Room service is also available
Meet the family...
Manon
Parent to Tiny Travellers aged 3 yrs & 6 months old
In a nutshell I’d describe the Viceroy at Ombria as an oasis of Portugal’s best food and hospitality in the Algarve. We were fortunate enough to be invited out for the opening last year and although the weather was moody during our trip, the family memories we created in this stunning hotel were unforgettable. Particular highlights for us was the incredible food - each and every menu was truly special - and jaw-dropping views - I still can’t get over those pink marble infinity pools. Fleur and I really enjoyed our bread making workshop and she loved colouring in at the Kids Club - which we are able to stay & play at with her too
Worth waking the baby for
01
Ria Formosa Natural Reserve
The 50 minute car journey to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is well worth it for a beachy day out. Our favourite postcodes to pin include Fabrica – a coastal lagoon of sandbanks and sea and Barrill – where bucket and spade toting tots are transported to the water via a charming little train. The smattering of beachfront cafes, playground and baby-change-featuring toilets also get big ticks from us. If you want an easy to reach slice of sands, Quinta do Lago is the closest beach, a 30 minute drive away
02
Loulé
An easy breezy drive (15 minutes tops) from the hotel, Loulé is an off the beaten track traditional town, loved for its characterful centre, lively markets and authentic atmosphere. Tiny Travellers will particularly love the ancient castle, while parents are sure to appreciate the shop-lined-streets, cafe-dotted-plazas and colourful tradesmen’s houses
03
Querença Village
A tiny traditional hilltop village, Querença is only 7 minutes away, making for an effortless slice of sightseeing. Characterised by white houses and cobbled streets, it’s the local fig brandy, rag dolls and cane basketry you’ll want to take home with you
Reviews from other parents
I love the Algarve's beaches, but was interested by the quieter, inland area of the region - which Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has helped put on the map. Me and my five-year-old son, with the energy of a Duracell battery, loved the activities on offer - local e-bike rides to a nearby gorge, mocktail-making classes and swimming in the infinity pool with views over the golf course, He was a big fan of the arty kids' club (and me the spa). But the real highlight was being able to easily access the underrated side of this most popular of holiday regions - don't miss a mooch around the town of Loule, ten minutes' drive away.
Mama Cathy, Tiny Traveller aged 5 years old
