Pine Cliffs Resort is the ideal Algarve family resort to entertain everyone

On a recent family vacation at Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal’s Algarve, Andrew Dent found the perfect resort with something to keep everyone happy.

Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve

Pine Cliffs Resort overlooks Praia da Falésia and families love it here

It is often hard to accommodate all the different requests and requirements on a family vacation. How do you keep everyone happy and the days filled without someone going off in a huff?  Especially as the kids get older and have clearer ideas as to what they want to do, or more accurately, what they don’t want to do.

I think I might just have found the answer, and it is all wrapped up in one special resort in the sunny Algarve in Portugal.

Pine Cliffs Luxury Collection Resort by Marriott is set in a clifftop estate a mere 30 minutes from Faro International Airport. The grounds have beautiful lawns, multiple swimming pools and lots of established pine trees that offer up useful shade. However, the jewel in the crown rests below in Falésia Beach. Accessed by a fun elevator (or lots of stairs) this stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean is jaw-dropping: miles of pure sand and calm waves all backed up by orange sandstone cliffs. It’s fun for all the family.

Work on your game at the Annabel Croft Tennis centre

Getting sporty at Pine Cliffs is a game of many choices

The beauty of a vacation at Pine Cliffs is the wide range of activities on offer. Let’s start with the games.

There is an Annabel Croft Tennis Centre that provides five tennis courts and one padel court. The latter has a great family offer of 55€ for one-hour court hire, racquets and water. Believe me, an hour will be enough for this fast-paced game.

The Tennis Centre has all manner of lessons and weekly courses and tournaments, and any keen tennis playing kids will absolutely love the set-up here. I had a private lesson which improved my single-handed backhand no end. My friendly coach’s advice rings in my ear every time I’m on court back home.

After tennis, you should try the 9-hole golf course. Set alongside the cliffs, it is one of the most spectacular courses you’ll ever play. It is also, happily, quite forgiving in its set-up, so even the casual beginner golfer can enjoy the round. That is, until you get to the signature Par-3 sixth hole. This requires a nerve-racking drive with a 197m carry over a deep ravine, so make sure you have a couple of extra balls. Also, it is well worth timing your round so you can have lunch or a cold beer at the Club House.

The pirate ship at Porto Pirata kids’ club

Something fun for all the family at Pine Cliffs

Naturally, there are all manner of watersports available at the beach. These include paddleboarding, being towed by a speedboat on various inflatables, and surf lessons.

If that all sounds too active, or if you are looking to make a day of it down at the beach, you should book into Mare Restaurant. A semi-casual beachfront vibe offers fresh seafood, salads, ice creams and all the kids’ favorites you would expect. It’s part of the hotel, so simply charge everything to your room, then head back to your complimentary lounger.

For younger children there is a great kids’ programme in a dedicated club area. And between mini-golf, basketball, face painting and water games, you can rest-assured they’ll be happy for a few hours while you are off relaxing in the resort.

Don’t miss the Serenity Spa

After all that activity, or perhaps whilst it is going on for the others, I would highly recommend a visit to the Serenity Spa. This beautiful area is an antithesis to everything going on outside in the resort. The Thermal Oasis is just that: wonderful pools, sauna, and steam room. And, of course, there are all manner of massages and treatments to avail yourself of too. Feel like a Mum and Daughter Spa Day? Go for it.

Two bedroom Ocean Suite, Pine Cliffs

Accommodation elegantly covers all bases at Pine Cliffs

Perhaps the hardest decision to make when considering Pine Cliffs is not, ‘if to come’, but, ‘where to stay when you do come’. The resort offers lots of options. There is the main hotel, The Ocean Suites, The Residence and then the Villas. Frankly, they are all excellent and will depend on your group size and budget.

Ocean Suite Apartments, Pine Cliffs

We stayed in the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Ocean Suites category: very spacious, modern and comfortable. With this option you also have a well-equipped self-catering kitchen and a dining area for up to six people. As there’s a supermarket only a short distance away, this is a good choice for families allowing you to have breakfast, the occasional lunch or even dinner in your own apartment.

Mare restaurant overlooking Praia da Falésia

An array of restaurants cover all bases too

Don’t worry if you’re not in the mood to cook while on holiday, as Pine Cliffs offers an array of great restaurants, from casual to smart. There’s the Italian Portofino by Mimo, the Steak House Piri Piri, an excellent fish restaurant, O Pescador, and the healthy option of Zest, in the Lemon Square area. Definitely more than enough variety to see you through a week. Plus, all restaurants are child-friendly but, if possible, try and leave the kids one night at least and go to O Pescador for a date night. It’s has a very romantic vibe.

Pine Cliffs above Praia da Falésia, Algarve

A resort you won’t want to leave, unless it’s to explore the Algarve

As you can probably tell, there is really no need to leave Pine Cliffs during your stay. You can very easily become cocooned into the way of life in the resort, and it has more than enough going on to keep the entire family happy.

If you do decide to leave the grounds to explore the Algarve, you should head to Loulé, a charming historic town about 30-40 minutes drive away from Pine Cliffs (rental vehicles are available at the resort). You will be able to sample lots of Portuguese culture and cuisine here and there’s a vibrant market on a Saturday where you can try and buy local produce and handicrafts. It’s a really fun day out for the kids.

Sunset from mirador, Pine Cliffs

When should you visit Pine Cliffs? Any time you like

So, when is the best time to visit Pine Cliffs? Well, the Algarve claims to have 300 days of sunshine per year, so that gives you options. July and August are of course peak summer and it tends to be busy, hot and more expensive. But if you’re looking for an active family break then try the less warm times of year, I think it would be perfect for a spring or fall vacation (and the sea will still be warm).

We loved our time at Pine Cliffs and are planning a return. See you at the tennis court, golf course, beach, spa, restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym. Ah, I told you, so much to do!