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Featured image: Adrián Macías on Unsplash
Vada recently visited Quinta do Lago – Europe’s finest golf, leisure and lifestyle resort in the Algarve. We expectedly encountered a lot of golf and golfers, but were keen to find out what else Quinta do Lago offers for those just wanting to enjoy the lifestyle on holiday without a set of clubs.
During our stay we stayed at the resort’s The Magnolia Hotel, read our review here.
Where and what is Quinta do Lago?
Quinta do Lago is set within the Ria Formosa nature reserve in Portugal’s Algarve region – very close to Faro airport. The majority of the land is taken up the multiple golf courses and private villas, there are hotels for visitors, restaurants, world class fitness facilities, and so many outdoor activities to enjoying including of course a beach. With 300 days of sunshine in the Algarve, visitors in Faro or staying nearby could easily take a day exploring and enjoying Quinta do Lago; or better yet, take a couple of nights to really appreciate what is on offer.
As two gay guys visiting the resort, we definitely noticed a lack of diversity across Quinta do Lago, except for the The Campus gym facility and the beach, where there numerous other gay guys. But we did not feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time.
Of course golf is an option, and the primary attraction not just within Quinta do Lago, but across much of the Algarve. However there is so much more to see and do besides swinging a club, so don’t write off southern Portugal as a destination just because golf isn’t your sport. We’ve outlined plenty of other options within Quinta of Lago below. And of course for those wanting the familiarity of gay scene, Faro is only a few minutes away by car offering nightlife and gay bars to congregate with the community.
Well-being and fitness
The Campus is the fitness hub at the heart of Quinta do Lago, with gym, swimming pool, space for group classes, and many tennis and padel courts. The Campus focuses on providing elite services to all guests – there are expert tennis coaches, personal trainers and sport physicians all on hand.
The gym, split over two floors, does offer extensive and modern equipment with plenty of dumbbells including up to 60kg. We were really impressed by the range of equipment, the only drawback was that there was only one of each bit of equipment, so we often had to wait to get on equipment we needed at peak times. What we did see is that the gym spaces are accessible to everyone, from the Muscle Mary’s to those who are rehabilitating, and others less familiar to a gym setting. Reception provide towels for use and there are staff on hand to book a session with a trainer or just get general advice.
Next to the gym is the outdoor swimming pool with recovery facilities – sauna, spa, and wellness rooms. Changing and shower facilities are well designed and would rival those of the UK Third Space brand.
The Campus offers group fitness and wellness classes, with a full timetable throughout the week. We signed up for a Sunday morning yoga class – with under 10 of us, it meant the teacher had plenty of scope to check in on all of us. Other classes include Pilates, barre, and interval training.
The largest space within The Campus are of course the tennis and panel courts. We didn’t count them, but there are plenty, and different ones suited to all levels of players. Quinta do Lago offer sessions with coaches or the ability to book out courts and equipment.
Other outdoor activities
For those who are slightly competitive or just wanting a short burst of fun, Quinta do Lago does also have a mini golf course, with mini versions of some of the world’s most iconic golf holes. This is near the golfing centre. A game for 2 people will take approximately 1 hour – depending on your competency level of course.
Having its own lake, means that Quinta do Lago can safely offer watersports. Whilst these are primarily aimed at kids, big kids (adults will enjoy them too). Nestled in between The Shack (not referenced below, but definitely worth a visit for a lunch or afternoon cocktail), and Casa do Lago restaurant, the watersports area is easily accessible. And for those who want to relax, there are plenty of sunbeds and cabanas available too.
An even more relaxing outdoor activity is to walk, stroll, or cycle around Quinta do Lago – it is within the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Head down towards the beach, and find the very well established wooden walk-ways around the lake, lagoon and onto the beach. There is a lot of wildlife to lookout for – the male crabs waving their large claws to get the attention of a mate, plenty of the birdlife – there is a bird hide, and even remains of Roman salting fish tanks. Visitors can choose to follow the Ludo Trail, which branches off and heads directly to Faro airport (about 40 minutes’ walk). Those plane spotter readers (yes including all of you who take pleasure from watching Flight Radar), this is the walk for you.
Dining
Arguably, the biggest draw to Quinta do Lago, after avoiding the golf course, are the array of restaurants – there are (at the time of publishing) 14 venues that are directly overseen by Quinta do Lago plus others dotted around that also of a good quality – in short, each venue offers something different, not just cuisine – just remember to book. We couldn’t eat at all the venues but did try a good number of them, here are our top picks.
Umami
The best place for dinner at sunset – OK Gigi’s may be the best place for drinks at sunset – more on that below, but Umami’s exceptional service, calm atmosphere and sophisticated asian and robot grill menu provides a 5-star experience. We enjoyed a coconut negroni cocktail on the terrace watching sunset then came inside to our table. Self-described as “Algarve’s most refined Asian dining experience”, we have to agree. From the selection of plates we shared, there was not one that wasn’t perfectly presented and well considered in flavour profile. Our particular favourites were the pork gyoza (15€), chicken satay (12,5€) from the robata, and aubergine & sambal (28€)
For more information on Umami, visit quintadolago.com.
Pure
Walking into Pure – this one is not just for men, it feels like it could just be a coffee shop with an affront of pastries on the left and a coffee brewing station on the right. But this cafe offers more than homemade desserts – there is an abundance of healthy, protein-rich options for breakfast, lunch or a snack – everything from açai bowls to turkey meatballs. The juice bar offers your favourite blend. Pure was the perfect lunch spot after our workouts each day to recharge with a healthy meal and then get a sweet treat too. Our favourites were the Çilibir eggs (14€) and crispy panko chicken (17,50€). And those wanting the biggest portion of cake, try the carrot cake – sumptuous, moist and bursting with flavour.
For more information on Pure, visit quintadolago.com.
Gigi’s bar
Set at the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, just as you arrive at the beach, Gigi’s has both restaurant and bar (including rooftop area). It’s a great place to stop to recharge if you’re spending the day at the beach. For a sundowner drink, Gigi’s is also the best place to be – get there early (it’s a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the nearest car park / drop off point by taxi) to bag your favourite table for those perfect instagram sunset selfies. But wherever you’re sat, service is friendly, efficient. Cocktail names are all super cute, inspired by the wildlife in the Ria Formosa Nature Park. They also stock our favourite champagne, Laurent Perrier Rosé.
For more information about Gigi’s, visit quintadolago.com.
Dano’s
Located at the heart of The Campus sports hub, Dano’s USP is convenience. Dano’s is at its core, a sports bar. The food and drink offering are a cut above what a sports bar would offer in the UK – there are for example delicious, fresh lemonades available, and an ice cream stall – perfect mid-afternoon to help cool down after working up a sweat. But Brits will find plenty of familiarity from the food offerings – very similar to pub grub, with options including fish and chips, burgers, curry, steak, and garlic and mozzarella bread. We opted for the fish and chips (24€) and beef cheeks (29€), followed by a chocolate-centric dessert menu, which we definitely did not mind.
For more information about Dano’s, visit quintadolago.com.
Casa Velha
Casa Velha is an ode to traditional Portuguese plates of small food. The entrance is stunning, walking past a pool and an outdoor dining area, diners already feel like they have arrived at a destination. Inside the atmosphere is relaxed – staff at the the top of their game when it comes to service. Chef José Botelho has created a beautiful menu, from which we shared a goats cheese salad (10€) , a grilled Iberian pork selection (28€), Piri-piri chicken (22€), with a side of sweet potato (6€). There are of course options from the sea including cod and octopus. The desserts exceeded expectations in terms of presentation – the Citric Terrace (10€) in particular recreating a lemon shaped casing to house the mousse and honey cake. Casa Velha is definitely a must-visit restaurant for anyone wanting to embrace traditional and authentic Portuguese cuisine.
For more information about Casa Velha, visit quintadolago.com.
