Pine Cliffs is one of the top resort destinations in the Algarve. Centrally located in Albufera,…read morePine Cliffs is a sprawling compound that feels like a self-contained island unto itself. You could spend a week here without leaving campus and be perfectly happy, though its central location to both Lagos and Faro allows for day trips to visit the towns and partake in their outdoor experiences (kayaking, hiking, etc.).
Rooms are large and clean, and restaurant options are myriad. There are so many things on offer, from high-end seafood and sushi to Indian cuisine. All are good, though none are truly great. Sunsets should be experienced from the Champaign Bar, overlooking the cliffs and sea below.
Those looking for exercise will be impressed with the well-apportioned gym. Note that it seemed crowded throughout our 5-day resort stay. The resort also boasts plenty of leisure and athletic facilities. The 9-hole golf course is sufficiently challenging and includes a hole with a cliff-to-cliff canyon carry. Clubs and golf shoes (required) and available for rent. The driving range was somehow closed before our tee time because of its proximity to the soccer (football) fields and upcoming soccer (football) practice. These professional fields are prominently featured on the resort's website, but were used by a professional club and off-limits to resorts guests during my stay. (Note to the resort: do not trumpet facilities that are off-limits). The resort also includes tennis courts (two clay) and a basketball court.
The only real drawback to the resort is that it is rotten with kids, from which adults simply cannot escape. My advice to the resort would be to designate at least one of the pools or restaurants as "adults only." As things currently stand, there is no place to escape the crying and enjoy a mid-day catnap.