Monte da Quinta Resort

The Monte da Quinta Resort is an elegant property decorated with earth tones and natural materials, primarily attracting travelers looking to hit the links at the five world-class golf courses within a short drive. The hotel’s lobby is dominated by a circular glass atrium beneath which sits a big soapstone planter filled with green bamboo stems rising to the second story. Around this are a number of brown couches with peacock feather-motif cushions and potted palm trees strung with lights. The casual restaurant has a gray-painted ceiling, contemporary wicker chairs, and buffet setups, while the fine-dining Peacock's Grill has chic leather seating and a sit-up bar. When guests aren't eating or playing golf, they typically spend their time outside on the pleasant, sunny pool terrace. 

The Monte da Quinta Resort has an ideal location for travelers looking to spend time on the links. It’s a one-minute drive or five-minute walk to the Four Seasons Fairway, and a 10-minute walk (two-minute drive) to the 18-hole Quinta do Lago Sul course, one of the most highly regarded in the region. On the other hand, guests who view golf as a good walk spoilt are not likely to find much joy beyond the resort’s walls. There’s very little in the way of amenities in the area -- there are a few restaurants, plus a shopping mall nearby, but not much else. It’s a 10-minute drive to Praia da Quinta do Lago, while Faro, the nearest large town, is a half-hour drive away. Expect transfers to Faro Airport to take between 15 and 20 minutes by car.

The hotel’s 132 apartment-style suites have elegant, retro-inspired decor in earth tones and excellent amenities. Design varies a bit, but expect quality wood furniture, tile floors topped with patterned rugs, modern artwork, and fun accents like red chairs, striped wallpaper, and circle-print armchair. Separate living rooms with dining tables, flat-screen TVs, and ample seating are spacious, and abut well-equipped kitchens with full-size fridges, four-burner stoves, ovens, microwaves, coffee machines, and all the usual crockery and cookware. The premium rooms have a bit more chic and contemporary decor - -think leather seating, palm tree-motif wallpaper, and stone angel wings, plus Nespresso machines. Apartments have one, two, or three bedrooms, each with either a king-size bed or two twin beds. Bathrooms are clean and modern, with moody gray slate walls, shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, bidets, hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Rooms have furnished balconies or terraces. Flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi come standard, but the latter can be finicky.

The Monte da Quinta Resort has a long list of amenities aimed at keeping guests of all stripes satisfied. Outside is a lovely pool and a shallow pool for little ones, both of which are surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and umbrellas -- many of which sit atop a section of sand. Another pool is located in the pool, as are treatment rooms, a hot tub, and sauna. A well-equipped gym has a variety of cardio and weight-training machines, plus free weights.

There are two restaurants here: the bistro serves a buffet breakfast, while Peacock's is a fine-dining Mediterranean eatery serving meals in the evening. It also has a bar for light meals and snacks throughout the day. Out by the pool is a bar with a menu of drinks and snacks. Two kids’ club cater to different age groups and run daily throughout high season. There is secure underground parking, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, but service can be spotty.