Hotel Bela Vista, Portimao

(www.hotelbelavista.net)  P. 454
In 1934, a 19th century family house overlooking the ocean became the first hotel in the Algarve. Situated on the magnificent beach of Praia da Rocha in this sun-drenched region in the south of Portugal, the Bela Vista has now been refurbished and is an immaculately preserved oceanfront resort hotel with formal gardens. This 34-room, 4-suite hotel includes a swimming pool, two meeting rooms (the largest accommodating up to 70 guests), two bars and two restaurants – a gourmet restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the ocean and a poolside bar/lounge restaurant. Just opened in March 2012, the hotel spa includes five treatment rooms, sauna, hammam, wet relaxation area and fitness lounge. Nearby activities include golf, kite surfing and shopping.