Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa Review
After spending a few weeks traveling throughout the Algarve region in south Portugal, Love & Lavender has come to the conclusion that a combination destination wedding/honeymoon is a wonderful proposition.
Love & Lavender was fortunate to spend two nights (December, 2015) at Vale d’Oliveiras to experience the resort and report back to our readers. We met with Vale d’Oliveiras Sales and Marketing member Anne Geerlings, who graciously gave us a personal tour of the entire resort complex and answered all our wedding questions.
A mere 5 minute drive from pristine sandy beaches and challenging golf courses sits Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort and Spa. Designed with local traditional Moorish influences in mind and surrounded by stunning manicured gardens, the resort provides guests with a tranquil experience and a sense of getting away from it all – sounds just about right for a memorable destination wedding event!
Sample Wedding Itinerary
Getting to see a venue firsthand makes a huge difference when trying to decide on your wedding venue. Pictures may speak a thousand words, but written first hand accounts are equally as valuable. Below is an imagined wedding itinerary based on our experience at Vale d’Oliveiras and our time spent with Anne.
Arrive a few days before the wedding ceremony and start the wedding weekend off right with a well deserved bridal party (or mother daughter pampering session) at The Lisvaýa Spa.
Follow up your festivities with a delectable rehearsal dinner at The Olive Tree Restaurant, an on-site restaurant where you can expect a casual, chic atmosphere along with cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean that uses only the freshest local ingredients.
Our two breakfast buffets at The Olive Tree did not disappoint with a large selection of meats, cheeses, breads, and hot dishes to choose from. Even in the low season of December that saw us seated with only a few other resort guests, the food and service at the restaurant were outstanding.
Afterwards, head to one of two restaurant terraces for a nightcap, the panoramic views over the resort lake and trickling sound of the water fountain are serenely relaxing.
Wedding Day
Your big day officially starts with a ceremony location of your choice: in the lush gardens, by the poolside bar area, at The Olive Tree Restaurant, or on the large terrace.
The bride can make her way up the grass path to meet her groom and say “I-do”, looking out over a wonderful panoramic view of the rustic Algarve landscape.
After the ceremony, make a grand exit in a vintage car driven down a short path to the cocktail area.
Another option is to say your wedding vows on the less private, but expansive lawn area near the Ponentine Suites. A beautiful rustic pathway surrounded by shrubs, palms, and cypress trees leads to unspoiled views of rolling hills, creating a stunning natural backdrop for exchanging vows.
Wedding Reception
The nearby Jasmine Bar and Lounge overlooking the pool and gardens is a wonderful place for a casual al fresco reception BBQ. Or, enjoy a more formal reception at a sit down meal in The Olive Tree Restaurant. Inside the main resort building (where the Olive Tree Restaurant is located) are high ceilings, modern wooden chandeliers, and large areas for big groups to mingle.
Whatever option you choose, there are several different areas for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres complete with a beautiful sunset waiting to be seen.
After the wedding day events take the rest of the week to relax by one of the 3 pools (indoor and outdoor options), soaking tense muscles in the hot tub, or rejuvenate at the spa. Feel a bit more active? Go ahead and take part in one of the many leisure activities during the day such as aerobics, pilates, swimming lessons, tennis lessons, canoeing, football, guided mountain bike ride, personal trainer sessions, table tennis and tennis.
Note: Some of the activities listed above are not included in the resort fee and are extra.
Things to Do in the Area
In addition to the resort amenities, you can enjoy a day in one of the nearby local towns or beaches. Arrange to book the free shuttle bus that stops at three predetermined stops: Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and a nearby beach destination. We took the shuttle bus to Carvoeiro town and were happy with the prompt, friendly service.
Rooms
Vale d’Oliveiras has a room for all families big and small including 80 fully equipped one/two bedroom townhouses with all the comforts a family would need during their stay. Townhouses include a small grass patio in the back if you prefer to lounge around your own private area.
The Moorish style architecture of the resort extends from the townhouses to the hotel wing, which hosts 22 standard rooms and 2 suites that groups can rent exclusively. Both the townhouses and hotel area clean and comfortable for an afternoon nap or a good night rest.
Closing Remarks
A destination wedding at Vale d’Oliveiras Resort provides larger families and groups the feeling of renting a big house together, while still allowing for private moments to yourself. A central location in the Algarve means you can rent a car to see the many nearby beaches, towns, and attractions.
For more information about booking a destination wedding at Vale d’Oliveiras contact info@valedoliveiras.pt or by telephone: +351 282 380 560
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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!
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