Vila Gale Lagos

Vila Gale Lagos has 112 rooms and 18 junior suites, all finished in a modern, contemporary style. Rooms are bright and straightforward, geared towards comfort after a day on the course, with the sort of facilities you'll want on a golf trip: air conditioning, solid bathrooms and space to unpack properly.

The U-shaped layout means many rooms face towards the seafront, and balconies or terraces are a real bonus if you like a quiet drink while you sort tomorrow's tee time. If you're travelling as a group, the junior suites are worth a look for extra space, especially if you want a bit more breathing room for golf bags and kit.

For golfers, the hotel delivers exactly what's needed after a day on the course: comfortable beds, reliable air conditioning, well-appointed bathrooms and enough room to store clubs and kit without tripping over them. The junior suites offer additional space for those who want a bit more room to spread out, and the beachfront location means you can step straight onto the sand or head to the pool without navigating a maze of corridors.

It's also a handy setup for mixed groups. Golfers can be out the door and into the day quickly, while non-golfers have the beach and pool right there, plus Lagos close enough for exploring. The rooms keep things simple and functional without unnecessary fuss, which is exactly what you want when the focus is on golf and making the most of the Algarve coast.

The hotel's dining options cover all bases, starting with the pool bar, which operates from morning until early evening during the summer months. It's the go-to spot for fresh baguettes, grilled sandwiches, ice cream and soft drinks, perfect for a quick lunch between rounds or a mid-afternoon snack by the pool. Massa Fina runs throughout the day in summer, serving pizzas that hit the spot when you want something simple and satisfying.

Come dinner, guests can choose between two restaurants: a buffet-style option that covers a wide range of tastes and a main restaurant serving local Algarve dishes alongside international classics. You'll find plenty of Algarve favourites on the menu, especially seafood, which makes sense given Lagos's heritage as a fishing port. Expect grilled fish, traditional cataplana stews and regional specialities that showcase the best of southern Portuguese cooking.

The spa and leisure facilities are well set up without being over the top. The spa includes a sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and tanning studio, all designed to help you unwind after a long day walking 18 holes in the Algarve heat. The sauna and steam bath are particularly welcome for easing tired legs, while the jacuzzi offers a more social way to relax with your group.

For those who want to stay active, the hotel provides well-maintained tennis courts, a fully equipped gym with modern cardio and weights equipment, volleyball courts and a pool hall for evening entertainment. The gym has enough kit to maintain your fitness routine without taking over your holiday. The tennis and volleyball courts add variety for groups who want to mix up their activities, and the pool hall is a solid option for a low-key evening when you're not heading into Lagos town.

The outdoor pool area is the social heart of the resort during summer, with plenty of loungers, shaded areas and direct access to the beach. It's a relaxed, unpretentious setup that works well for golfers who want to alternate between the course and the coast, with the pool bar keeping things simple and the beachfront location offering an easy escape when you need a change of scene.