Conrad Algarve

“Back again!!”

We arrived back at this amazing hotel on Sunday and we still love it! The weather is around 30 degrees and perfectly sets the scene for what lies ahead. Arriving at the gorgeous hotel entrance never fails to excite due its grandiosity and beautifully maintained look. All the staff who work at the... more

We arrived back at this amazing hotel on Sunday and we still love it! The weather is around 30 degrees and perfectly sets the scene for what lies ahead. Arriving at the gorgeous hotel entrance never fails to excite due its grandiosity and beautifully maintained look. All the staff who work at the front of the hotel are the best around. On Sunday we were greeted by Vasco who welcomed us with warmth and sincerity. He remembered us and it just adds to the sense that you are somewhere special. We have also been lucky enough to see Gonçalo and Jose too who we absolutely love. They all look genuinely excited to see returning guests and they remember everyone! It’s hard to explain how important their attention to detail, work ethic and incredible warmth is to enriching our stay. As beautiful as the hotel is, it would be nowhere near as good without its amazing team. We were checked in by Alexandre who was very gentle and calm but with a great sense of humour. You want your holidays to start well and they always do here. All of the team welcome you and it never feels awkward or forced. We are in a king deluxe room this time with a pool view which is spacious and luxurious. Every room we have ever had here has a huge balcony and is tastefully decorated and furnished. Special mention to the housekeeping team as every day the room is made up to a high, high standard. They never miss anything and the rooms are super clean, as is the whole hotel. We spent the afternoon by the pool, where the service is fantastic and the environment luxurious, as we were dining in Gusto on the evening and wanted to stay close. The evening started in the Lago Lounge where the lovely team made a couple of tasty cocktails accompanied by some snacks to get us going. We then went to Gusto for our tasting menu. Sujan greeted us with 2 Mexican Duo cocktails, possibly the best in the world if you like a little spice. It’s always a joy to see everyone here as you are treated like royalty but with an authenticity that is so welcoming and inviting. Some changes to the menu and they were all exquisite, the John Dory was especially good and the white asparagus tasted heavenly. The desserts are perfection. We had rhubarb on Sunday which was a lovely surprise. For some reason, I didn’t expect to find it in Portugal as I thought it was a very English thing. We were fortunate to chat with two of the chefs, Stepano and Nicola (I hope that’s right), and they explained some of the work that goes in to their masterpieces. Both were lovely and it was nice to see the people who create such astonishing food. As always, Hugo and the other Nicola provided us with the best wines to accompany our food. Nikita and the rest of the team gave us top quality service too. Gusto is such an integral part of the Conrad’s offering. I know some people may even be put off by ‘Michelin’, as we used to be, but please don’t be. The hotel is not only complimented by Gusto but it needs it. Gusto is what sets it apart from other 5 star hotels in the area and is a major reason for our coming back. It’s good to have everyday food experiences but you do need a special night too, and that’s where Gusto comes in. Any words I say will not do justice to Gusto, you just need to experience it. Go on, treat yourself! I can’t imagine the Conrad without Gusto and vice versa. They both create the most magnificent getaway, but only together in our view. It’s also worth mentioning the shuttle bus to the Conrad beach concession. This beach is paradise. It’s in a beautiful location and is quiet but you still have access to good food and drink. Made so much easier by the shuttle bus with the lovely driver. We haven’t left yet but we will be coming back.

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