Vila Joya, Albufeira

This hotel is undergoing somewhat of a transformation at the moment. An already fantastic property and location with the only two michelin starred restaurant in Portugal, it already has unrivalled exclusivity in the Algarve. Owner Joy Jung is adding probably the most renowned SIX SENSES spa to the property and is reducing the number of suites to 14. The suites are without exception beautiful and amazingly appointed. Bang & Olufsen CD player and TV and unguents by Molton Brown. Our Royal Suite 2001 was simply breathtaking..totally over the top luxury..FENDI furniture..a huge round four seater tub with star lighting over head and a huge terrace with tables and chairs and sun loungers. The view was the best I have ever seen..and I have stayed in some fantastic hotels. This is a real and much needed departure for an Algarve that has rested on its laurels for too long. If you are serious about food and staying in ultimate luxury coupled with extremely charming and sophisticated service, then I urge you to visit. The room rate currently includes a fabulous continental breakfast AND dinner for two. The menu as you would expect changes every night. Despite worrying about dining at the same venue every evening, it was a true pleasure. Why would you want to dine anywhere else when it simply wouldn't be anywhere near as good..Or with that incredible view.. Residents are mainly German ( as Joy and her family are German and have owned this property since the late 1970's) couples and few families. My husband and I and young son were made extremely welcome...the suite was perfect for us as it has its own entrance to the gardens and was next to the restaurant terrace..making life easy at breakfast time and for listening out during dinner. The beach front location is beautiful and again kept our son very happy indeed. If your little darlings aren't used to leaving beautiful ornaments/furniture alone, you might spend the whole time worrying what might get broken...there are also lots of steps down to the garden and pool and beach..and no lift...this is a minor difficulty. Hurry up and go, otherwise you might be disappointed..with only 14 suites this well kept secret looks set for a lot of attention.