Why go?
Spread across 72 acres overlooking the Atlantic, the resort comprises the Sheraton Algarve Hotel, the Pine Cliffs Residence Suites (perfect for families) and the Pine Cliff Villas. And though Pine Cliffs is a big place, it’s far from a typical holiday complex.
Little ones will be captivated by Porto Pirata, the resort’s well-developed children’s village.
Catering from six months to eight years, the club is fully supervised and features two huge wooden pirate play ships, kid’s pool, bouncy castle, 18-hole mini golf and a programme of activities and fun games.
For older kids, up to 12 years, there’s basketball, football, archery, pottery and golf lessons. It’s no wonder the resort has been awarded Portugal’s Leading Family Resort in the World Travel Awards four years in a row.
Activities
Pine Cliffs secluded cove is the only gold flag beach on the Algarve and is worthy of its title.
Take the glass elevator through spectacular red sandstone cliffs to the sand. Though the Atlantic is a little cold, you’ll have great fun riding the waves together and building sandcastles.
As well as water sports, the Beach Club provides parasols, loungers, towels and changing facilities. Best of all is the beach bar – perfect for an icecream at sunset.
Catering from six months to eight years, the club is fully supervised and features two huge wooden pirate play ships, kid’s pool, bouncy castle, 18-hole mini golf and a programme of activities and fun games.
For older kids, up to 12 years, there’s basketball, football, archery, pottery and golf lessons. It’s no wonder the resort has been awarded Portugal’s Leading Family Resort in the World Travel Awards four years in a row.
Food: The O Pescador seafood restaurant is considered one of the best on the Algarve. Located just a short walk from the main building and set in a pinewood forest, you actually feel like you’re going ‘out’ to eat.
There, fish and seafood are served market-style, so you can choose fresh fish from the counter to be cooked to your preference. They also serve steak and, of course, Portuguese Piri Piri chicken. Children’s menus are available and the evening buffets are great for families.
Don’t miss: The Mirador Champagne Bar. It’s perched on the edge of the Ochre Cliff and offers grown-up gourmet food with stunning views. This is a child-free zone, but definitely worth booking a babysitter.
The lowdown
Price: Accommodation in a two bedroom Pine Cliffs Residence costs from €570 per night. The Resort is part of the Starwood Preferred Guests loyalty scheme. For a fixed daily rate, children under 12 can enjoy all-inclusive access to a range of dining options.
Travel time: Flights from London to Faro airport take 3 hours. Then it’s just a 45-minute drive to the resort.
How to get there: Fly with easyJet from London Gatwick to Faro; from £55 return.
Accommodation: With a nine-hole golf course and academy, tennis courts, 11 restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a spa, and two health clubs, residents at Pine Cliffs are completely spoilt for choice.
To travel from activity to activity you can catch the minibus steam train or stroll leisurely through the lush pine groves.
Best time to go: Visit between April and September for the sunniest weather and hottest temperatures.