Ever since we started living in Portugal, we’ve had the mission of traveling throughout it and getting to know as much as we can. We fell in love with Portugal on our first visit in 2019, like so many visitors! We did not decide on that trip to move here, but we did have a very fond feeling for Portugal as we continued our full-time travels.
Since moving to Portugal in 2021, we’ve been blessed to see many amazing places in Portugal! From southern river beaches, medieval festivals to even some of the best water parks in Portugal, we’ve traveled a lot.
We have some favorite spots that we keep going back to and the Algarve, or southern part of Portugal, is definitely one of those! We go once or twice a year and love it every time. The stunning beach cliffs, warm, sunny weather and fun waves (with slightly warmer waters than our home in Lisbon) continue to beckon us back.
Last week, in our quest to discover more of Portugal, we decided to visit Algarve once again with our kids and stayed in the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve.
The Four Seasons Vilamoura is the perfect place for families with kids. It has great food, the rooms are comfortable, there are three large pools (one being indoors) to enjoy, it has beaches nearby, you can golf… and I could go on and on.
If you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway packed with sunshine, family fun and pool time, then the Four Seasons Vilamoura is a top choice for families. But what makes this hotel magical for kids and parents? Let me tell you all about it!
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How To Get to the Four Seasons Vilamoura?
Located just inland from the Vilamoura Marina, the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve feels like a peaceful oasis tucked in between a golf course. From the moment we arrived, the reception staff greeted us with a warm welcome. I’m a sucker for weekly plans, and I loved the weekly planner given at reception on our check-in. This included information about dinner, meals that could be ordered, hours for the kid’s club, themed buffets, etc.
Everyone was so helpful and willing to make our visit as smooth as possible, offering helpful tips on how to enjoy the resort’s amenities and explore the hotel.
Where is the Four Seasons Vilamoura located? It is in the Algarve region in the city of Vilamoura. This darling town, with a charming old town center, is famous in Portugal and to many visitors as the “ritzy” part of the Algarve. Celebrities often visit here.
From our home in Lisbon, it was a 2.5-hour drive on some of our favorite Portuguese freeways. Rest stops with full restaurants are plentiful and make the drive easy.
Here’s how to get to the Four Season Vilamoura:
- From the Faro International Airport: If you’re traveling by airplane, then don’t worry! The resort is located just about 25 minutes from the Faro International Airport. You can arrange a transfer with the hotel, take a taxi or rent a car, whatever best accommodates your family and budget!
- Driving from Lisbon: If you’re coming from Lisbon, the journey takes around two-and-a-half hours by car. If you choose to drive, make sure to bring some snacks, audiobooks for the entire family and some extra portable chargers. Having a crew of five kids, music is not enough for a two-hour drive! We love to dive into audiobooks on our drives.
- Train or Bus: You can also pick a bus or train if you’d rather not drive. There are train and bus connections from Lisbon that can drop you off at Faro. From there, you can take a short taxi ride to the Four Seasons Vilamoura. Our daughter used the bus to get back to Lisbon a day before us, and the ride was smooth and easy! The bus stop in Vilamoura is located close to the hotel and the journey was about 10€ one way.
No matter how you choose to travel, getting to the Four Seasons Vilamoura in Algarve is a pretty straightforward journey. Just relax and enjoy Algarve’s scenic landscapes on your way to the resort, a great way to start your trip!
Family-Friendly Resort at Vilamoura, Portugal
If you’re looking for where to stay in Vilamoura with your family, then you are in the right place. One of the reasons we chose to stay at the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve was that it has villas, studios and apartment options for big families like ours! This allowed us to stay all together in the same room, and they’re also spacious, so you won’t feel like you need more space. We also loved the full kitchen to cook in when we wanted to stay in after a day in the pool. Sometimes, eating in with kids can be a lot more relaxing than a restaurant!
Rooms at the Four Seasons Villamoura Algarve
Whether you have just one, two or five kids, there are many room types at this resort in Algarve for families. For example, they have:
- One-bedroom apartments. They have a double bedroom and a sofa bed. These types of rooms have living areas, a kitchenette and a balcony. So, if you need more space and would like to bring some food inside, they are perfect for you!
- Two-bedroom apartments. Need space for six people? These rooms feature a double bedroom with its own bathroom (en-suite) and a twin bedroom with another full bath. Additionally, if you require more sleeping space, the living area features a sofa bed. This was the room we stayed in, and had a cot brought to the living room. They also have a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a balcony.
- Three bedroom apartment. Finally, if you need to fit more than six people, chances are you’ll stay in this room. Here you will find two double bedrooms, with interconnecting doors to a studio apartment. But the coolest thing is this room has a private garden-facing balcony. In the sofa beds, you can accommodate four more people.
Apart from all those details, the apartments have amenities like a dishwasher, bathrobes, hairdryer, washing machine and dryer and more. Also, if you have little ones who need a crib, you can ask the hotel for one for your room!
We made a quick trip to the local Continente (grocery store) to stock up on snacks the kids could have in between pool time, some breakfast items and a couple of dinners. We also loved eating out! The hotel restaurant is delicious with plentiful options and fun, themed nights.
Family-Friendly Amenities at the Vilamoura Resort
Let’s talk about the amazing amenities that make this a top-choice resort for you and your kids:
- Kids Zone: We love a hotel that caters to families. The Four Seasons Vilamoura has a kids zone with many activities for your kids, like pool games, crafts, coloring and playing with plasticine activities. This is an additional cost (around 18€ per child) and suited for children ages 4-12 years.
You can leave your kids here and their amazing staff will ensure they are having fun while in a safe and supervised environment. Our kids opted to play together in the pool instead with their older siblings, but I love that this option is available! There is a dedicated kids clubhouse with a playground in the back of the hotel so kids are tucked safely in for all the fun. Grab a drink and enjoy some adult pool time!
If you go to their website, you can find the week’s schedule for activities and plan ahead of time or ask your kids what activity they like the most.
For example, the week we visited the resort, there were activities like making your own bracelets and bookmarkers, card games, treasure hunts and more! So, be sure to check their program and hours in order to not miss your little one’s favorite activities.
Some tips for using the kid’s zone at Four Seasons Vilamoura:
- Book your spot as they can fill up quickly, especially during high season! You can book at the reception or call the hotel to do so.
- Make sure to apply sunscreen before arriving and all kids should wear shoes at all times for their safety.
- Activities have a price, they are not free and their costs are: for a half day: €10, for a full day: €18. And if you’re staying longer or are looking for more days of relaxation, they also have packages for three days at €45 and five days for €65.
Keep in mind that if you have more than one kid, you also get discounts per child. For example, your second kid gets 25% off and your third kid gets 50% off! This is such a great deal for families as big as mine.
- Lastly, they also have seasonal activities like Easter egg hunts, Christmas events and more. This is such a fun way to keep the kids entertained while allowing us parents to relax and unwind for a little bit.
- Pools: Who doesn’t love a pool? We love our pool time! And during this Algarve family vacation we were able to use all their swimming pools (they have three). I loved that the two outdoor pools had graduated entries, making them super kid friendly. Additionally, if you visit during the colder seasons, they offer a heated indoor pool. Going in October, this was the preferred pool for our kids and the other kids in the resort. There are locker rooms attached to this pool with saunas as well! You’ll have many options for your pool time.
I’d also like to highlight the fountain soak zone, as our kids really enjoyed it and spent a lot of time there! The colors at night make it super fun. Our kids loved to run through it (as did I!) and play all kinds of games with the water. It throws water upward from the floor throughout the day.
- Spa: Who said the adults don’t get to have fun? If you’re into relaxing during your family holiday in Vilamoura, then you’ll love the spa! Stop by to get a massage or a beauty treatment that will leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.
- Golf: If you or anyone in your party loves golfing, then you’ll find this to be one of the best amenities. The views here are amazing, and golf lovers will find it a dream to come and play here!
Special mention to the other great amenities the hotel has, like the beautiful gardens where you can take peaceful walks, their family lounging areas and playgrounds! Also, while your kids play, make sure to use the sun loungers—they are perfect for parents while kids play.
If you’re staying at the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve, you should check out their dining options. They have two different restaurants, a bar, and during holidays or specific seasons, they have themed menus! Their restaurant options are:
- The Brasserie: This is perfect if you love buffets with plenty of options (including international dishes)! You can also expect to have breakfast, lunch and dinner options. However, make a reservation, as it can get filled fast!
- Pateo ‘Al Fresco’: This is a great option if you like eating outdoors and overlooking the pool. You’ll also be able to get breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have live entertainment, such as music, during some weeks of October.
So, no matter the restaurant you choose, they both have buffets, allowing you and your kids to have a wide variety of food options. This is so good for picky eaters, as some kids can sometimes be picky with food!
Another thing to note is that they have takeaway service, so if you’d like to spend time in your room, you can also order and eat there.
What To Do in Vilamoura, Algarve for Families
Apart from the amenities and activities offered at the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve, you can also do a lot of things in Vilamoura! Here are some activities tailored for families with kids that you’re sure to love. Apart from shopping, dining and spending a day at the beach, you can also:
- Visit the Albufeira MiniGolf Adventure Park: This is a perfect way to entertain the entire family! This mini-golf course has 20 holes, and it’s suitable for family members of all ages. It includes the entry ticket (of $14 USD per person) and you have food options inside.
- Algarve Coast Three-Hour Sailing Cruise: Are you big fans of boats? Then maybe you’d like this three-hour cruise. Get incredible views of Algarve like the cliffs and beaches, while also watching wildlife and getting the chance to swim! This activity includes a guide, just be sure to bring sunscreen, snacks, plenty of water, and motion sickness patches in case your kids or someone gets a bit dizzy! This activity costs $38 USD per person.
- Tourist Train City Tour: Take some time to explore the city by taking a tour throughout Vilamoura in a train! Explore the region, see the amazing villages and famous golf courses. You can hop-on and off in the circuit so you can also explore shops and more! Keep in mind, no snacks and water is allowed during this activity. The cost is $7 USD per person.
- Benagil Cave Boat Tour: If you’re looking for a unique adventure during your stay, this boat tour is a must! Departing from the Vilamoura Marina, you’ll explore the famous Benagil Caves, admire incredible rock formations and pass by hidden beaches that make this coastline so magical. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open as you might even spot wild dolphins! The cost is $49 USD per person.
- Zoomarine Amusement Park: Treat your family to a full day of fun, learning and adventure! This marine-themed park has something for everyone: from thrilling dolphin and sea lion shows to a walk through tropical bird habitats and aquariums full of ocean life. After exploring, relax at Zoomarine Beach, where you’ll find a wave pool surrounded by white sand, water slides and an aquatic playground. Find out more about this in this blog post. The cost is $33 USD per person.
- Krazy World Interactive Park: For a day packed with animal encounters and outdoor fun, this is a must-visit! Kids can feed goats, llamas and deer at the Petting Farm, or meet turtles, ponies and colorful birds in Terra Exotika. Entry tickets include access to most activities, with a few optional extras like pony rides and pedal karts. The cost is $20 USD per person.
However, if you’re looking for a complete guide on more activities and Vilamoura in general, you can also check our blog post on Algarve with kids here. Also, don’t forget you can get a discount on Get Your Guide activities by using my code: 7WAYFINDERS5. So, be sure to download the app here to find many tour options!
Why Families Will Love Vilamoura Algarve
Why are families with kids going to love and enjoy the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve? Easy answer! Even though you don’t get direct access to the beach, it’s a short drive to get to one. But the rooms are spacious, they have activities and areas well thought out for kids, multiple pools and the location is great!
Here are some great ways to make your stay at this family resort in the Algarve perfect during your holiday stay:
Tips for Families Staying at the Four Seasons Vilamoura Algarve
- Some of the best times of the year to visit are spring and fall if you’d like to experience less crowds and milder weather without it being too extreme.
- Use your travel insurance. Accidents can happen, so it’s best to be covered, especially if you’re traveling from another country. Make sure to purchase one for your stay.
- Book activities in advance. No matter if it’s high or low season, make sure to save your spot in order to not miss anything you really want to see during your vacation.
- Bring inflatables and pool toys. First check the resort’s rules on each pool, but make sure to bring some floaties for the smallest ones in case they don’t know how to swim and a few inflatables for maximum fun! Also remember the goggles and other pool toys.
- Don’t forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen, first aid kit, swimsuits for the entire crew (mom, dad, and the kids: boys and girls).
- Don’t forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen, first aid kit, swimsuits for the entire crew (mom, dad, and the kids: boys and girls).
- Plan for some meals in your room if that suits your needs. This can be take-out from the restaurant or made in the apartment. I love to go to the deli section of the grocery store and buy some pre-made meals to have on hand for hungry tummies in a pinch!
Additional Readings
Ultimate Algarve Guide With Kids: A Family Guide From an Expat Mom of Five
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