Martinhal opened in summer 2010 and is situated in a commanding position overlooking Martinhal Beach, surrounded by the Costa Vicentina national park near Sagres, just over an hour’s drive from Faro airport.

This part of the Algarve has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers, surfers and scuba divers who all appreciate its pristine beaches, sparkling waters and unspoiled wilderness. Martinhal brings a touch of 5 star luxury to the area for the first time, and has created a new destination where couples can relax with one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches literally on their doorstep.

Ideal for couples, the resort comprises the 38 bedroom five star beachfront Hotel Martinhal with mesmerising seascape views and private balconies for savouring romantic moments together, as well as a wide selection of spacious Village Houses that are perfect for families. Both feature classic, modern, furniture and interiors that have been designed by London based designer, Michael Sodeau who took inspiration for his first Portuguese project from the dramatic beauty of the Western Algarve. He combined this with the architectural simplicity of the resort to create a series of unique pieces in a clean and bold design, using muted tones and local natural materials, such as cork and wicker, to make his interiors elegant, modern and timeless, whilst retaining supreme comfort and quality throughout the design.

Reflecting its beachfront location Martinhal offers some of the best fish in the world which is caught locally, often by line and is offered in the resort’s choice of three restaurants, from the hotel’s chic Portuguese fine dining restaurant ‘O Terraco’, which is perfect for a special candlelit dinner, to the informal beach front restaurant ‘As Dunas’ or the bistro style ‘Os Gambozinos’ in the resort’s village square.

Away from the beach couples can relax and unwind in the tranquillity of the resort’s Finisterra Spa where a range of treatments pay tribute to the areas seafaring traditions with a series of exotic massages, rituals and treatments that have their roots embedded in the ‘Age of Discovery’ and the establishment of ‘The Spice Route’.

Using a sensual blend of aromatic oils, perfumes, spices and herbs taken from the exclusive Terraké spa brand and VOYA range of 100% organic seaweed based products, guests can embark on the ultimate spa journey with one of Finisterra’s six ‘Signature Rituals’. These are based on the travels of some of the most famous Portuguese explorers and their encounters with various continents and cultures. Try for example the ‘Vasco da Gama’ Indian hot stone treatment, named after the first navigator to discover the sea route to India. Re-mineralising the body and releasing muscular tension, the body is warmed with heated red jasper and semi precious stones and swathed in aromatic oils of cinnamon and rose.

For a more energetic experience the resort offers a choice of heated swimming pools, tennis courts and glass sided Padel tennis courts. Alternatively for surfers and windsurfers or kite surfers the area provides a great environment to take on the Atlantic elements for which the area is renowned.

Martinhal offers a choice of honeymoon packages from a 2 night Mini-moon which costs from 175 Euros per person per night until 20 September 2011 (excluding 16 July – 31 August when the cost is 201 Euros pppn) and comprises a 2 night stay in a terrace room on a BB basis with room service breakfast and romantic surprise on arrival as well as a Romantic dinner in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, O Terraco.

The four night option includes all of the above with the addition of a couples massage in the resorts Finisterra Spa and costs from 163 Euros per person per night (or 189 Euros pppn from 16 July – 31 August). The seven night package includes two separate couples massage treatments in the spa and costs 161 Euros per person per night (or 187 Euros pppn from 16 July – 31 August).

Martinhal is easily accessible via scheduled flights to either Faro or Lisbon. From the airports, guests can either hire a car or take a private transfer organised by the resort. Flying time from the UK: 2 hours and 40 minutes. For bookings and reservations, email res@martinhal.com or log on to martinhal.com

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