Dominika, our Sales & Marketing Executive, visited Monchique Resort & Spa in Portugal and gives us the low down from her visit.
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
The journey took approximately 1 hour from Faro airport. The driver was driving through the winding roads as the hotel is on the top of the hill, the view from the top was wonderful. I loved the location and how peaceful it was. The hotel lobby was very sleek and modern as well as the bedrooms and spa. The staff were all very friendly and they showed me my room as well as a tour of the hotel, so I felt very welcomed and comfortable. I have to say that the hotel is big (it consists of 3 blocks in total), so it took me a while to get my bearings (I got lost a couple of times!)
What do you think makes the resort so special?
The location is excellent. I love nature and being surround by hills and woodlands, so it was very peaceful. There is not much around the hotel so better if you are happy to relax in the hotel. The rooms are massive with a huge bed, lounge area, kitchenette with a dining table and 2 bathrooms. I’ve never stayed in a hotel before where the standard rooms are this big!
What was your favourite treatment?
The petite spa offered very high-quality treatments. I had a full body massage with relaxing essential oils which was lush. I also took full advantage of the thermal circuit (consisting of different water jets, sauna, steam bath, warm loungers and foot bath) which I used every day. I also heard great feedback from another guest on the breathwork workshop which is a half day class which teaches you how to breath properly... next time I will be doing that!
What was your favourite activity?
Monchique Resort & Spa offers a daily schedule of fitness activities so there is something for everyone here. I’m an outdoorsy type so I opted for morning group hikes which gave me the opportunity to explore the local area. If you don’t fancy the group setting just ask for a map at the reception and you can do these walks by yourself.
How was the food?
Monchique has a couple of restaurants to choose from. I ate in the main one and ordered from their wellness menu. This option was perfect for me as a vegetarian. If you don’t want to stick to a healthy diet you can enjoy buffet dinners (offering some Portuguese delicacies) or eat in their a al carte restaurant which serves fresh, local produce.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
I loved how quiet and peaceful this place was. Families and kids are welcome, but they are accommodated in a separate block with their own pool and pizzeria so out the way of the wellness guests. When I visited, the main pool was used only by adults… perfect for relaxation! Escaping the buzz of London this was exactly what I needed.
Any insider tips to share with us?
Make sure you visit the local village of Monchique with is has typical Algarvean houses and cobbled streets. The village also has thermal baths (Monchique is famous for it’s mineral waters) if you wish to top up your wellness.
Also if you can, treat yourself and pay a little more for a Panoramic room which have some amazing views of the surrounding woodland or distant ocean.
Who would you recommend Monchique to?
Independent solo travellers looking for a relaxing spa break with a mild climate, fresh food and fitness activities. Great for couples, friends or mothers and daughters looking for quality time together or anyone who never been on a wellness break before and would like to try it for the first time.
Please call us on 020 3735 7555 if you would like to find out more about the hotel.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
