Macdonald Monchique Resort and Spa

Ellen Deleu

We had an excellent stay here. The kids club for the children was fantastic. They organized a lot of fun activities for the kids. The breakfast was very good with a lot of variety. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Rooms were spacious and clean. Really recommend Monchique Spa and Resort!

Brad

We absolutely love this hotel and spa and make a point of coming back every year. It’s become a bit of a tradition for our family, and overall it works really well for us—especially travelling with two young children. One of the things we really appreciate is that it doesn’t feel overly formal or “too posh.” With kids, that makes a big difference—you can relax without worrying too much about a bit of noise or the usual family chaos. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, which is exactly what we’re looking for. The service is consistently amazing—friendly, welcoming, and always helpful—and the breakfast is a real highlight of the stay. There’s a great selection and it’s always something we look forward to each morning. That said, we have noticed over time that parts of the hotel are starting to feel a little tired. Some areas inside and out could definitely benefit from a refresh or light refurbishment to bring everything back up to the standard the hotel deserves. The only other thing worth mentioning is the lack of evening entertainment. However, we do understand that this is more of a mountain relaxation resort rather than a coastal all-inclusive, so it’s not necessarily a negative—just something to be aware of depending on what you’re looking for. Overall, we still thoroughly enjoy our stays and will continue to return. It’s a great place for families who want a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in a beautiful setting.

Joao Benedito

The overall experience is good and the breakfast is very good as well. It is a family almost only location during the summer. What can be improved is there is no control over the many children in there, specially on the main pool, meaning that everyone just dives and bombs the pool splashing anyone nearby. They should have strict signs and control on the diving to the pool. There is a family pool as well, but all kids just go to the main pool.

Christopher Dawson

Hidden gem. Lovely friendly staff, rooms really clean. We had half board, very good value and really nice meal. One of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had. Taken on a free guided walk with Andre, very nice guy. Loved our stay and would highly recommend staying.

Adam Fawsitt

The building is tired. Not charmingly worn, not vintage - just dated and in need of investment. For a property that markets itself as a luxury five-star mountain retreat, the gap between promise and reality is uncomfortably wide. The staff, meanwhile, are distinctly average. Not rude, but not remotely at the level you'd expect for the star rating. No warmth, no initiative, no sense that anyone particularly cares whether you're enjoying your stay. In a region where hospitality comes naturally to most, this place somehow manages to feel impersonal. The Algarve has no shortage of excellent hotels that deliver genuine quality and honest pricing. Monchique Resort and Spa is not one of them. Save your money and look elsewhere.