VILA VITA Parc Review: Luxury Algarve Resort Wedding
The Algarve region of Portugal is home to some of the most stunning coastline in the world. Love & Lavender had a chance to stay at VILA VITA Parc for one night in order to experience and review the magnificent resort ourselves. And, while lounging at one of the many outdoor pool areas, we wondered why more couples don’t choose the Algarve for a beach wedding destination.
A secret gem that few seem to know about as a wedding option, the Algarve has to be the quintessential beach scene for tying the knot: the relaxing sound of surf, a warm breeze, and the constant sparkle off the water from the glaring overhead sun.
I suppose the tricky part is finding that elusive perfect destination wedding spot – a hotel or resort that will handle all the details for you, with different reception options, serving up a mouth watering menu, and a central location for easy access to local attractions.
I think you will agree when you see the photos below that Love and Lavender has found a stunning Algarve resort: VILA VITA Parc.
All About VILA VITA Parc Resort
Whisking around the sprawling complex on a 4 person golf cart, our pleasant concierge host named Pandora provided a thorough overview of VILA VITA Parc’s history and amenities. Love & Lavender will always remember Pandora’s commitment to ensuring her guests are comfortable in all facets – she even went above and beyond to try and rescue an injured seagull we found on the very beach pictured below!
If that is not true service, I don’t know what is.
Located on a secluded beachfront property, the rambling Moorish-inspired resort stretches over 22 hectares of subtropical parkland, and is situated high above the rocky Algarve coast.
Can’t you just envision yourself on that amazing beach surrounded by friends and family as you say, “I do”? VILA VITA Parc provides a spectacular venue setting for your big day, along with outstanding and professional 5-star service to make your wedding or honeymoon a truly memorable experience.
Wedding Ceremony Locations
Worthy wedding ceremony locations are dotted around the 22 hectares of meticulously manicured lawns, gardens and water front vistas. You may have a tough task of choosing the one that you like best. If the open sea air along with a backdrop view of the ocean is not want you crave, how about making a grand entrance by walking towards a peninsula surrounded by water and say your vows under a palm tree?
The Food
Many resorts rarely win rave reviews for food. VILA VITA Parc’s selection of nine restaurants, and soon to be ten, one of which is a two-star Michelin restaurant, means there is a wide range of culinary diversity to satisfy any palate. In addition, a choice of 6 bars, a cafe, a disco and an exclusive vaulted wine cellar round out the dining options.
The resort staff are happy to customize a delectable menu specifically for you, with ingredients so fresh you’ll swear they were straight from the sea or farm – and they practically all!
Cave de Vinhos – Much to our dismay, we weren’t able to visit the Cave de Vinhos wine cellar due to refurbishment the resort was undertaking. Construction work is complete as of January 2016.
We were told that some of the bricks in the Gothic style wine cellar are over 150 years old and were specially imported from Egypt, Austria, and Greece. With a collection of 11,000 bottles of wine, you will have enough vino to keep your celebration going strong all night long! If you are a wine lover, a small intimate reception in the wine cellar could be a unique dining experience.
Breakfast Buffet – a review of VILA VITA Parc would not be complete without mentioning the gourmet breakfast buffet in the Bela Vita restaurant. Without a doubt one of the best breakfasts we have ever eaten! We dined on a vast array of meat, cheese, breads, fruits, hot dishes, and even sashimi. We loved that the cold dishes were super cold, while the hot dishes were piping hot. It makes such a difference to a dining experience when the minor details are entirely flawless.
Resort Activities
Your days at VILA VITA Parc can be jam packed with activities such as:
- Swimming in one of the 8 swimming pools;
- Relaxing on the VILA VITA yacht;
- Improving your handicap at the 9-hole pitch and put;
- Or a variety of other games like mini golf, tennis, ping-pong, volleyball, and badminton just to name a few
Rejuvenate at VILA VITA Vital Spa and let your worries melt away in the steam bath, sauna, whirlpool and tepidarium. Try either a classic massage treatment or a far Eastern massage.
Keep in shape at the EnerGym that is fully equipped with some of the most advanced gym equipment available. After a good work out, head over to the Health Club and Relaxation Spa to unwind in the sauna, steam room or ice grotto. We ventured into the sub freezing vault full of ice ourselves, and then promptly ran back into the sauna to warm up! Apparently the Scandinavians love the mixture of hot and cold temperature extremes.
Planning a day away from the resort can include many water sport activities like sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing or windsurfing. If exploring the landscape is more inviting, go for a hike, bike ride or go horseback riding.
Friendly Staff
The entire staff is incredibly accommodating, and can arrange everything from an in-room massage to tennis games, or shopping trips into town. Personal service touches ensure will be pampered like royalty during your stay, all while relaxing in luxury at a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”.
The Rooms
The property offers guests a range of different accommodation options. Stay in one of the hotel deluxe rooms or suites, a private villa with pool, or bed down at The Residence – an adult only section of the resort perched on the edge of a cliff. Finally, choose the ultimate in luxury and privacy by hiring your very own butler!
Our room (pictured below) was spacious and modern, with a wonderful south facing balcony for lounging and enjoying the view of the resort.
The Verdict
Whether you desire a fantastic wedding venue or a relaxing honeymoon vacation, VILA VITA Parc is an impressive resort. Everything you could want for an unforgettable 5-star luxury experience that you will want to keep going back year after year.
Reserve a Room at VILA VITA Parc
Meredith
Despite her dreamy wedding blogger lifestyle, Meredith's day job is running ClassicVeils.com and a full-time mom to an active toddler. If she could, Meredith would spend her days taking cruises, helping animals in need, and watching Big Brother!
