Salgados Palm Village Apartments & Suites

Salgados Palm Village is certainly aptly named, being both the size of an average Algarve village and teeming with hundreds of mature palms trees. Opened in 2011, the complex is composed of seven buildings characterized by the clean lines and architectural uniformity of contemporary minimalism. Cobbled footpaths flanked by lawns meander through acres of well-tended gardens, connecting several clusters of circular pools. Interiors are similarly well-kept, combining sharp 21st-century design with modern artworks and functional furnishings. The complex has an efficient, polished vibe throughout, and while buzzy over the summer months, its size and layout can lack a little in atmosphere during the off-season. Also note that the hotel only operates as an all-inclusive property between April and October. Thanks to child-friendly facilities and suites, clientele mostly consists of families with kids, though it's also popular with British couples.

The complex is set in one of the more remote locations within an extensive modern development located about midway between the Algarve resort towns of Armacao de Pera and Albufeira. There are a few eateries dotted around the surrounding area, though it mostly composes fields and the neighboring 18-hole Salgados Golf Course. Around 15 minutes away on foot is the lovely, unspoiled coastline of Praia da Gale -- a tourist shuttle connects there over summer season -- plus there's a nature reserve featuring flamingos around the same distance. A few other sandy beaches can be found 10 to 15 minutes' drive away, while for those who fancy some nightlife, Albufeira is about a 20-minute car ride from the property. Faro Airport is located about 40 minutes away by car.

The hotel has 283 suites spread over seven buildings, with even entry-level rooms starting at an impressively spacious 800 square feet (74 square meters) and reaching 1,420 square feet (132 square meters) in the four-bedroom apartments. Decor is smart and modern, featuring earth tones, hardwood furnishings, and tile floors; while clean and well-maintained, the overall effect is a little corporate for a resort hotel. All rooms open to particularly large balconies or terraces overlooking pool decks, gardens, or a quiet road. Amenities including mini-fridges (with free bottled water replenished daily), coffee- and tea-making facilities, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with a good number of English-speaking channels and pay movies). Wi-Fi is free of charge and the signal is excellent in most rooms. Fresh bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and limited toiletries; larger suites add extra bathrooms.

As one might expect from a resort of this size, guests have use of plenty of facilities, though not all are on-site. Most impressive is the number of pools, totaling 10 in all, four of which are for kids. Unheated, they can be cold outside of summer, and their circular shape hardly make them ideal for swimming, though brown tiling give them a lagoon-like feel and there are plentiful poolside loungers. Children are well taken care of over the summer months, with a playground and excellent kids' club that caters to those ages 3 to 12. On-site activities for adults, however, are in short supply; there's no poolside animation and on-site health facilities are limited to an underwhelming outdoor gym with a few pieces of equipment and sand volleyball court. Guests have access to spa and gym facilities at the neighboring sister hotel, though access requires a fee. The Palm Village has three restaurants, mostly offering buffet-style meals over the peak season on an all-inclusive plan. The Birdie Restaurant opens for breakfast and lunch, the Boggey and Double Boggey eateries serve lunch and dinner with grill, Mediterranean, or Italian themes. Consensus on the food is that it's edible and plentiful, though variety and quality can be lacking. Two bars have alfresco terraces and decent cocktail menus, plus evening entertainment in the form of live music. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, plus covered and outside parking is also free of charge.

The hotel's all-inclusive plan runs from April to October, covering buffet breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night supper. Bars and restaurants also provide plenty of snacks, including ice cream, between and during mealtimes. Drinks include draft beer, house wine, sangria, non-premium spirits, and a selection of cocktails including mojitos and daiquiris. One bottle of still water per person per day is provided in-room. Room service is not included. Premium drinks can be included for a supplement. A supervised kids' club is included, though tennis facilities and spa entry are extra.