The Algarve is a much-loved family-friendly destination and this new hotel makes a great new addition to the scene.
The newly opened Viceroy at Ombria is just a few miles from the golden beaches of the Portuguese coast in a stunning rural setting. Packed with plenty of fun for all ages, plus a kids’ club with London’s most famous children’s entertainers, it’s a super option for families this summer. Citizen Enfants checked in.
The Vibe
The Viceroy at Ombria is a place that embodies both laidback charm and a hyper attention to detail all at once. This impressive new opening joined the stable of excellent family properties in the Portugal in October last year. Much more than just a hotel, this resort is in fact a whole village set across a 150 acre site with a mix of accommodation, restaurants, bakery and cafe, even a Portuguese praça (main square) and historic castle – meaning there is plenty to explore. It sits amidst olive groves and oak valleys, with gorgeous views, drawing on both its history, nature surrounding the property and local craft to create a truly authentic atmosphere. And all just 20 minutes from Faro airport, making it incredibly accessible too.
Relaxation is embedded here, with four pools (including an infinity pool with views over the valley) a large spa and gym, and an award winning 18-hole golf course. But what makes it a real break for parents is the focus on all things family-friendly. Children are welcome throughout the hotel and are carefully included in the offering, with an excellent kids’ club and thoughtful dining options. It’s filled with staff who are genuinely happy to greet little guests and go out of their way to make families feel at ease.
The Rooms
Dotted all over the resort, the winding paths to the rooms are lined with beautiful planting and occasional water features, which delicately sings you to sleep as you lie in bed at night. The whole layout has a synergy to it that feels very much in keeping with the landscape and beauty of the location. The architecture and interior design pay dutiful but chic homage to authentic Algarvian style, using locally sourced materials such as shelves made from local wood, and beautiful details like stucco walls and traditional arches leading to rooms.
The 141 rooms are mixture of one and two bedroom suites, apartments and residences that range in size from a generous 70m² to the enormous 173m² residences that have a fully-fitted kitchen and even their some with their own private garden and swimming pool or jacuzzi. Needless to say there is accommodation to suit families big and small. Cots, high chairs and stair gates can be requested too. All are decorated in tasteful Mediterranean décor, with clever touches like Portuguese tiles on the walls, locally-woven rugs and custom made headboards. Beds are dressed in premium linen, while bathrooms have deep, generous baths, rainfall showers and shutters that open out. Floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies make the most of the beautiful views.
Food + Drink
There is a great mix of dining options here. Ombria Kitchen, the all-day dining restaurant, is at the heart of the complex, in a taverna-like style with vintage bread boards on the walls (a nod to an old local bread factory nearby), and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook. It’s where the beautifully appointed buffet breakfast is served as well as lunch followed by dinner from 6pm. Highlights include succulent grilled prawns, drenched in a garlic, buttery sauce, and a local special of sticky rice cooked with mussels, prawns and monkfish as well as wood-fired pizzas and seasonal sharing platters. Children are well catered for with a great kids’ menu, smaller portions can also be ordered. The children’s menus are broad and suitable for a wide range of tastes, from comfort classics like spaghetti bolognaise and pizza to catch of the day.
Onto the adults, Solalua is the perfect place for a grown up evening and, helpfully, babysitting is available on request. Combining modern and traditional design, this inviting space features long communal tables outside to enjoy the extensive wine list and fine dining menu.
For smaller bites, there’s Café Central, in the praça, which serves freshly baked bread and patisseries, focaccia sandwiches and pizzas for lunch – until 5pm – making it the ideal spot to take the kids too. Meanwhile, Case & Fora at the clubhouse offers club sandwiches (of course) and burgers. Finally, check out Salpico, the pool bar, which features a sunken firepit with views down over the valley as well as a great menu of mains and snacks. Appetites are satiated throughout the day, thoroughly.
The Child’s Play
Despite the smart surrounds, children are really welcomed at The Viceroy Ombria. There is a large paddling pool for little ones, and an infinity swimming pool that’s big enough to welcome children, along with serious swimmers. The excellent V Team Kids’ Club, which offers a ton of fun in both indoor and outdoor spaces – ideal for when it’s very warm and little ones need to be in the shade – and hosts arty activities ranging from bracelet making to clay creations. There is a cute a play kitchen and dedicated nap room too. The club is free for guests but children under three years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or you can book the babysitting service at an extra cost.
A big plus for families is that there are also occasional weeks (such as half-terms) when the children’s entertainment troop Sharky & George come to bring their high jinx energy and take up residence. Expect all the exciting and engaging games and pursuits that the company are so famous for. Just the thing to keep kids entertained for hours and burn tons of excess energy.
The Spa
One of the key selling points to the hotel is its brand-new spa, in partnership with the wellness visionary Greg Payne. It features a heated indoor thermal pool, a tranquil outdoor pool, hammam, Finnish sauna and a herbal steam room, along with a huge treatment menu ranging from meditation, Pilates and yoga, massages, facials to nail treatments, breathwork and sound therapy. The full body massage is a particular highlight to ease yourself into holiday mode; starting with a foot cleanse, then a choice of oils – it really is an hour of bliss, followed by a relaxing herbal tea. Spa experiences range from full and half-day itineraries incorporating holistic therapies as well as skincare and bodywork treatments to individual services, all tailored to a seasonally-led wellness calendar.
The To-Do List
As well as the spa and perfectly manicured golf course, the hotel offers lots of experiences, ranging from weaving workshops to pottery to honey harvesting. Most of these are open to families so you can enjoy activities as a family, often something unusual and quite special. If you fancy wandering beyond the resort, there is plenty to see and do. The market town of Loulé, famous for its rich Moorish heritage, is a short drive away and perfect for a day trip, especially on Saturday when the market is on. The wonderful Algarve beaches are about just 10 miles away and the hotel can organise transfers. There you’ll discover miles of golden coastline including the popular resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Quarteira. It’s also well worth heading out into the hills for a hike, cycle or horse ride (which the hotel’s concierge can arrange). Hiking up to the local beauty spot takes about an hour from the hotel, and reception send you off with backpacks, water bottles and apples. Make sure to pack your costume too, there’s a little freshwater swimming pool.
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