Top Resorts in the Algarve celebrate anniversaries with year-round events

By: Maria Simiris

A year of celebrations: Four of the Algarve’s Top Resorts are celebrating a special anniversary in 2022 with year-round events

After a two-year break from events, restrictions have eased and hotel booking rates are back to pre-pandemic levels. As well as the usual programmes returning to the region’s hotels, there are four resorts that have even more reasons to celebrate.

For 10 years now, the Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago has provided a bespoke service that has been recognised both nationally and internationally. Testament to this are the hundreds of awards the resort boasts. Under the motto “10 years, 1,000 memories”, the hotel, which is part of the Hilton group, wants to celebrate “in different ways”. As the hotel is a leader in various sectors, “the idea is to organise multiple events to show appreciation for partners, guests, the local community and staff”, says general manager Marco Cogollos.

Conrad Algarve in Quinta do Lago

The programme kicked off in April with an exhibition by artist Pedro Guimarães, followed by a charity bicycle race and the Team Member Summer Party in May. On September 26, there will be a party “for the guests and all those who have been important in this journey”, adds Cogollos. On October 20, chef Heinz Beck is joined by a group of Hilton chefs for an exclusive gastronomic evening. November will see the official presentation of 111Skin brand products and special treatments and, on December 15 and 18, the Conrad Algarve and Quinta do Lago Golf Invitation returns for its 2nd edition, for a meeting of property owners, professional players and representatives of the golf sector.

“We want to recognise the loyalty of the public within each segment, and highlight our continuous focus on consistency and offering incredible experiences,” says Marco Cogollos.

Pine Cliffs Resort

In Albufeira, the Pine Cliffs Resort has offered a wide range of leisure and lifestyle experiences for three decades. Under the motto “The Meaning of Life”, the 30th anniversary of the resort is being celebrated with a full calendar until the end of the year. Events started in April with the Pine Cliffs Winner’s Cup and in May with the return of the Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival.

“We want to celebrate with guests, property owners and our employees,” states general manager Thomas Schoen. “Our goal with this year-round programme is to target different interests and audiences.” Hence, this summer will bring parties such as the Full Moon Party, as well as celebrations for World Wellness Day on June 11, with activities focusing on mental health, organised by the fitness team, ACTIVE by Serenity, and the Serenity Spa team.

Vila Vita Parc Resort

The Healing Summit is scheduled for September 3 and 4, featuring speakers from different areas of expertise, treatments and fitness activities. This year, one of the resort’s focal points is the Praceta dos Limoeiros plaza, with the reopening of MIMO Algarve. The space combines a gourmet shop and an expresso bar with a cooking school, where there will be tapas and wine tastings, workshops and even Chef’s Experiences, with gastronomic tastings. For the little ones, Pine Cliffs Resort presents an Escape Game, an outdoor game that brings adults and children together to complete a puzzle, and a Christmas Market.

Thomas Schoen promises that more novelties will be unveiled throughout the year. “We are much more than a hotel and we will continue to grow and create experiences for all generations. My goal is that, in 30 years’ time, people will still feel as enthusiastic about this resort as we do today.”

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in Porches

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in Porches is also celebrating 30 years of existence with an exciting 30-week programme of events that began in April. The programme focuses strongly on gastronomy, as it has always been a cornerstone of this resort, which boasts 11 restaurants and six bars. In early June, the event Reach for the Stars – bbrought together four international chefs specialising in Asian cuisine. The Algarve Night is scheduled for June 13, featuring some of the region’s top chefs, and on June 19, the World Edition will see 10 chefs join forces with leading wine producers for a truly memorable evening. On July 14, the La Bela France event arrives with a veritable banquet to celebrate Portugal and France’s gastronomic connection, and the Green Edition, on August 12, will see chefs focusing on sustainable cuisine.

“We will have 25 chefs, combining over 50 Michelin stars in total, here at the resort. It’s a phenomenal way to mark this wonderful year,” says PR manager Rita Gonçalves. The resort has also invited several wellness specialists to the spa, such as John Sanchez who is visiting in September. Music-wise, the programme includes many concerts with popular artists such as Bárbara Tinoco, António Zambujo and Tiago Bettencourt.

Quinta do Lago

Further east, Quinta do Lago has long been anticipating this milestone year – the celebration of half a century! To mark this momentous occasion, the resort has an array of new projects, such as the inauguration of the revamped, relocated Gigi Bar and, for the last quarter of the year, the launch of a new 13-plot development, which will conclude the master plan devised in 1972 by its creator, André Jordan. According to marketing managers Joana Serra and Joana Oliveira, there will also be several events throughout the resort, such as Picnics in the Park, movie sessions at night, golf tournaments and even activities for children. In July and b, residents will be treated to parties with live music and a special gastronomic menu. There will also be a special event this year to honour the resort’s founder, André Jordan, they reveal.

“The programme will run for the whole year, with plenty of surprises at this exclusive resort that is one of the best in Europe.” Quinta do Lago is also releasing a commemorative book and a documentary to celebrate the anniversary.