A refined retreat in the Algarve hills, Monchique Resort & Spa unveils a new and enhanced gastronomic experience, an award-winning spa, and immersive wellness offerings
– May 8, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio
Tucked away in the Algarve’s highest mountain range, Monchique Resort & Spa has become a destination synonymous with wellness and relaxation.
Since its opening five years ago, it has steadily earned a reputation for excellence, most recently receiving the “Best Resort Hotel” award at the 2024 Portugal Travel Awards. Its Sensorial Spa has also gained international recognition, being named “Portugal’s Best Day Spa” at the 2023 World Spa Awards.
The five-star hotel stands amid rolling hills and lush greenery, offering an immersive experience that prioritises both comfort and well-being, featuring 145 carefully designed suites, a 24-hour gym, guided yoga and Pilates classes, and an ever-changing selection of daily activities, including guided hikes through the Monchique hills, masterclasses for cocktail-making and producing organic cosmetics, and cooking workshops.
But the resort’s dedication to excellence extends beyond relaxation, with its culinary programme being a defining element of the Monchique experience. Dining here is a celebration of authentic regional flavours, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients that showcase the best of the Algarve. Across the property, several distinctive restaurants cater to diverse tastes and occasions.
The Pizzeria serves handcrafted pizzas and fresh pasta dishes, whilst the Culinary Market offers generous breakfast spreads, themed buffet nights, and gourmet tasting events. For a snack or a light meal, there’s also the Mezzanine Bar, with an outstanding cocktail menu and live music, and Cascata by the main pool.
The highlight, however, is Serra Restaurant, where the resort’s gastronomic vision is brought to life under the leadership of executive chef Vítor Turiel.
Born in Santo Tirso, in the Porto district, chef Vítor is a seasoned chef with experience in five-star hotels in Portugal and abroad, such as the Meliá Braga Hotel & Spa, up north, and the Hotel Sentidos Beach Retreat in Mozambique.
He also taught at the Nexus Training Centre in Braga and three years ago moved to the south of Portugal to work at the Pestana Dom João II hotel in Alvor.
His approach is rooted in sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each dish is a reflection of the region’s natural bounty. “When I accepted this offer, I aimed to bring new ideas and raise the level of the hotel’s gastronomic offer,” explains the chef, who has introduced a menu that balances tradition with innovation.
“It’s important to take advantage of what the land gives us and that’s what makes sense at the Serra restaurant. We value traditional recipes and give them a special, distinctive, and innovative touch,” he explained, emphasising that his 13-strong team is also prepares all pastry items served at the hotel.
At Serra restaurant, the menu is a testament to seasonality, updated regularly to reflect the freshest ingredients available. The culinary philosophy here blends seamlessly with the locale, a concept chef Vitor has passionately embraced.
Known for his warmth and a particular fondness for engaging with children, he extends his charisma into every aspect of the dining experience. His commitment to swift, professional service ensures every guest leaves satisfied, mirrored by the restaurant’s innovative and varied offerings.
This commitment is showcased through themed evenings that bring a dynamic twist to the dining experience.
Serra’s menu features standout dishes that cater to a variety of palates. For starters, the poultry sausage accompanied by field greens and a delicate quail egg is highly recommended. Main courses present a difficult choice between the Lagareiro-style Algarve octopus, paired with sweet potato chips and sautéed greens, or, for meat lovers, the charcoal-roasted veal steak perfumed with local thyme and rosemary, served alongside a trio of vegetables.
Dessert is no less enticing, with the sponge cake incorporating Serra cheese promising a perfectly sweet finale to the meal.
Beyond gastronomy, wellness and relaxation take centre stage at Monchique Resort & Spa, with the award-winning Sensorial Spa serving as a sanctuary of rejuvenation. Treatments here are deeply connected to the natural elements of the Monchique region, drawing inspiration from local species such as lavender and eucalyptus.
The mineral-rich waters of the area, long celebrated for their therapeutic properties, play a key role in the spa’s offerings, adding a uniquely local dimension to the wellness experience.
The Sensorial Spa Circuit is a highlight, designed to immerse guests in a sequence of treatments that enhance both physical and mental well-being.
The circuit features hydrotherapy pools, a Himalayan salt sauna, an aromatherapy steam cabin, themed tropical showers, and heated marble loungers, all carefully designed to promote relaxation and holistic healing. Additional signature treatments include custom facials, full-body massages, and rituals inspired by ancient wellness traditions.
“There aren’t many spas with these characteristics and an offer that goes beyond simple wellness. We want clients to have a pleasant and complete experience, also focusing on health,” says spa manager Filipa Carvalho.
Guests can tailor their wellness journeys to suit their needs, whether through an individual treatment, a two-hour thermal circuit with a light lunch, or an exclusive VIP experience.
The VIP Relaxation Room, featuring a private sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a couple’s massage option, provides a secluded escape for those looking to extend their spa experience in an intimate setting.
Outside the spa, Monchique Resort & Spa continues to embrace its natural surroundings, offering spaces designed to enhance well-being and encourage connection with nature.
“We want guests to develop a unique and authentic connection with the natural surroundings through a holistic approach whilst enjoying personalised service and the perfect balance between rest and exploration,” explains general manager Dario Ottino.
The surrounding mountain trails invite exploration, whether through self-guided walks or guided hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of the landscape. The resort also encourages cultural discovery, offering experiences such as pottery exhibitions and local food tastings, including the famed Caldas de Monchique mineral water, which has been prized for centuries for its purity and revitalising properties.
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