From padel to motorsports, the Algarve sports scene is booming alongside the region’s many wellness offerings
New in town
Padel is perhaps the world’s fastest-growing sport in recent years and the Algarve is following suit.
Last November saw the opening of Riade Alvor View, an idyllic place to practise the sport, with five padel courts.
With a privileged view of the Alvor estuary, this project, which is still growing, is due to be completed in January 2025 and includes a junior padel academy, restaurant, rooftop bar, swimming pool, wellness clinic (hypnotherapy, yoga, mental coach), and an events area for adults and children.
Relax and reconnect
Following a refurbishment, the Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa will soon be ready to welcome guests and visitors to its new space, focused on state-of-the-art wellness and anti-ageing solutions.
Reopening in March, the spa invites you to pamper yourself in a seaside hotel through programmes with specific and sensorial formulas that bring countless vital benefits.
The first thalassotherapy centre in the region opened its doors in 1989 and is considered one of the best in the world.
Female pioneer
Sara Gouveia was born in the Azores, but moved to the Algarve as a child. She picked up a golf club for the first time at the age of 11 and participated in her first international competition at just 16. Now 23, she is one of only two female golf pros in the region. She has been a national champion, represented Portugal in the World Championship and played in the European Championship.
Her days are divided between teaching, training and competing. She has travelled to almost every country in Europe and, in her opinion, the Algarve is the best place to practice and compete.
Sara Gouveia
From Algarve to Dubai
Created in 2016 during the expansion of the Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira, the Serenity – The Art of Well Being spa brand has been growing, having already expanded to central Portugal, into the Sheraton Cascais Resort and the Hyatt Regency Lisbon.
Now, the group is going international with the opening of a new spa at the Fairmont The Palm hotel, in one of Dubai’s most luxurious areas.
Scheduled to open in February, the new spa features the brand’s trademark sophistication and serenity, and will offer signature treatments using local ingredients.
Off to the races
The Algarve International racetrack (AIA) will host 21 races in 2024, headlined by the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix between March 22-24.
Another highlight will be the FIM Superbike World Championship which will host its Portugal Round at the Portimão racetrack between August 9 and 11.
But there will be much more to enjoy throughout the year, from the return of the European Le Mans Series to the first TCR World Ranking Final.
Alongside all these major events, the racetrack will also continue hosting tests by leading racing teams from around the world.
For the mind and body
Vila Vita Spa by Sisley in Porches is continuing its year-round wellness programme featuring renowned international and national guests.
Until February 28, Achyuta Veda will provide Ayurvedic therapy consultations and different experiences aimed at rejuvenating the body and soothing the mind.
From March 20 to April 25, Dr John Sanchez invites you to embrace the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine with treatments such as acupuncture, cupping or Tui Na acupressure.
And from April 28 to May 30, women’s health specialist Marta Gomes will offer Advanced Physiotherapy treatments that promote lightness and general well-being to revitalise women’s relationships with their own body.
A constant expansion
Located in one of the Algarve’s best resorts, the Vale do Lobo Tennis and Padel Academy has already produced several winners in national and international tournaments, hosting top athletes from both sports.
It is one of the largest in the country and, with the latest investments, it now has 12 tennis courts and seven paddle courts, one of which is walled, harking back to the beginnings of the sport. In a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by greenery, there is also a swimming pool, gym, bar and restaurant.
In addition to individual and group lessons, there are weekly assessments, event programmes and competitions.
Wellness haven
The Oxalá spa at the boutique hotel Vila Origens in Albufeira, offers a range of activities, treatments and therapies available all year round.
Yoga and watersports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle and surfing are among the options, but there are also programmes for weight loss, anti-ageing and longevity.
Still, the highlights are the two Dsquare experiences. Both lasting seven days and using a hyperbaric chamber, these programmes promise body detox, lymphatic drainage, holistic cleansing, increased energy and lasting wellness.
www.boutiquehotelalbufeira.com
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