Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, Algarve

Stayed in June. The grounds are fabulous. The pools are cold. The food quality is poor but very expensive. The Indian restaurant had interesting decor but the chicken was gristly. The lunch service was excellent, you can order from your sunbed and will bring it to you. We had a problem with broken deck furniture in our villa, no big deal really , you would expect a phone call to reception would resolve: unfortunately 3 phone calls and 24 hours later I was told that the villas have private ownership separate from the hotel and they need sign off from the “owner” before they can fix. This was proving hard to obtain. They tried to stick on a facility charge the week before arrival. Didn’t pay it. A faculty charge being ridiculous from outset but trying to add to bill without being told about at time of your reservation is bad form. It also seems that they do corporate events. They told everyone by a designated pool area to up sticks and move their belongings and try and find somewhere else. Hardly 5* behaviour.

My son and I had also came here in August 2024. The first trip we stayed in the hotel. The second we stayed in the suite by the golf course. The difference in price was very high given the season. I preferred the suite. Overall the hotel has a lovely warm feel about it, however given the price point there are failings. My son loves football and would spend every morning at Estima football camp which I would highly recommend. The games room is also a great addition for people with children (which is most people there) as it’s next to the main courtyard restaurant. The beach is absolutely beautiful, and the view of the ocean from the champagne bar is something very special. The steakhouse restaurant was also a highlight for both of our stays. Beware in summer though as the pool areas are crammed and it’s very hard to get a sunbed, the beds are sprawling out onto the grass walkways, it’s crazy! I preferred our winter stay.. (20-21 degrees during the day. Not pool weather but just very nice coming from London ). It’s a very funny place in that I have so many complaints about the service levels on multiple occasions on both of our trips (given the price point) and have even lost my cool on a few occasions (when we were left to walk around the resort for 45 mins at 11pm trying to find our room, and don’t talk about the ridiculous towel police), but there is something about the place that you just forgive the failings as you feel everyone means well and you just feel something warm and fuzzy about it. If you are travelling with kids it’s just special. They love it. If I was just with my partner (Summer) I would probably not feel the same. I’d prefer something more boutique and less hectic. I would recommend it in winter for everyone. Both times my son and I have left feeling like we will come back, and we will probably do that in the New Year.

Given that we were staying in one of the peak summer weeks the resort manages very effectively. True, at this time of year it’s very much a family resort - not for couples I would suggest. For families it is excellent - one of the best beaches on the Algarve, eight clean and pleasant pools and a range of restaurants all offering excellent food. We stayed in the hotel - the duplex suites are roomy and pleasant whilst other family members stayed in two bedroomed residences. Certainly with a resort of this size you are unlikely to experience real 5 star attention and the Concierge department was not very responsive as we attempted to book restaurants (worth doing at peak times) before arrival. Despite that small caveat I doubt that the vast majority of guests will not be disappointed.

We just returned from Pine Cliffs in August 2025 and felt compelled to write a review — something we rarely do. The location is undeniably beautiful and the Algarve setting is hard to beat, but any property this large, with this many guests, simply can't deliver true luxury or five-star service. And Pine Cliffs doesn’t. Let’s start with what works: the gym is actually excellent — better than most hotel gyms in Europe — and the setting is truly picturesque, perched on a cliff with direct access to the beach. It’s a very central location if you're looking to explore — a solid base for day trips to Sagres, the Seven Hanging Valleys hike, or even Tavira if you’re feeling adventurous and want to escape the resort bubble. If you have kids under 4 and want a contained, family-friendly spot, I can see the appeal. But the rest? That’s where things fell apart. The concierge and front desk dropped the ball repeatedly — on laundry, reservations, even basic requests. We walked by the same full trash bag in the hallway two days in a row, which pretty much tells you where service ranks on their priority list. The stairs in our suite creaked like a haunted house, and the varnish was worn and tired — not what you’d expect for the price. The staff overall seemed overwhelmed, and while many were friendly, the operation clearly isn’t scaled to handle the volume with consistency or care. Breakfast is pretty mediocre. It looks impressive at first, but by day two, you're over it — lukewarm eggs, underwhelming pastries, and the same spread every day. Dining across the resort was hit-or-miss at best, and getting timely poolside service felt like a minor miracle. “Luxury” is one of those words that gets tossed around too easily. This isn’t that. Pine Cliffs is a high-capacity resort with some very nice bones, but the service, maintenance, and polish just aren’t there. If you come in with five-star expectations, you’ll leave frustrated. Come in with a “resort with a view” mindset — especially if you have young kids — and it might work for you.

Stayed with two children in a townhouse across from Porta Pirata. The house had a full kitchen, sitting and dining room, two bedrooms, and three bathrooms. Our booking included breakfast, and we all really enjoyed this as a perfect start to the day. Especially enjoyed the chef cooking station and fabulous range of fresh smoothies, juices, and fruit. What a treat. The kids were very well accommodated for and loved the independence of choosing their own food. The outdoor pools were beautiful, but nothing beats the lift down to the beautiful beech and a swim into the sea. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. We enjoyed eating outside and inside the resort. The townhouse was spotless, and we had a constant march of fresh towels and housekeeping. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. Overall, this is simply a wonderful hotel in an amazing location. No complaints other than a few tears leaving.