The Algarve is more accessible than ever, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Dublin and major European cities. United Airlines has also resumed its seasonal summer non-stop service between Newark and Faro, operating four times weekly and providing direct access to the region for North American travellers.

Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor is located just 30 minutes from Faro International Airport, in an exclusive area of Vilamoura overlooking The Els Club Vilamoura golf course. For the summer season, the resort has introduced a collection of new experiences for both guests and local residents.

WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER 2026:

Botanic Terrace Bar, a new rooftop destination
RIA, the resort’s speciality seafood restaurant, new seasonal menus and weekly BBQ nights
Sensai Asian Restaurant reopens for the summer season
The Kids Club reopens for summer
Further details on each experience are outlined below, alongside a selection of activities available beyond the resort, which can be arranged through the concierge and hotel team.

From 6 June: Botanic Terrace Bar, a new rooftop destination

Botanic Terrace Bar brings a fresh addition to Vilamoura’s social scene. Inspired by the botanical character and relaxed atmosphere of the hotel’s signature Botanic Bar, the adults-only rooftop pop-up will open daily from 6pm - midnight throughout the season.

Designed for lingering summer evenings, the space is suited to everything from sunset aperitifs to after dinner drinks. Guests can enjoy live music each evening alongside unobstructed views across The Els Club Vilamoura, accompanied by a menu of signature cocktails.

From 10 June: RIA restaurant new seasonal menus and weekly BBQ nights

Celebrating the flavours of the Algarve and Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, RIA restaurant showcases the region’s finest seafood, sourced from the Algarve coastline and nearby Ria Formosa. This summer, guests can discover new lunch, dinner and vegetarian menus created by Head Chef Anabela Francisco.

Starters include croaker ceviche with ginger, lime, chilli peppers, sweet potato and crispy corn; tuna tartare with pineapple compote pickled red onion and melba toast; strawberry gazpacho with balsamic pearls and mint; and beef tenderloin with pickles, ancient mustard, butter and parsley. Among the speciality dishes is truffled codfish, shoestring fries, cured egg yolk, olive and a creamy parsley sauce. Other highlights include Lula Braseada; braised squid served with passion fruit butter, caviar, chilli flakes, lime and jasmine rice. Vegetarian options include beetroot tartare with pineapple compote and nuts, a vegan Cataplana with tofu, chickpeas and sweet potato. Also on the menu Texturas de couve-flor “cauliflower textures” served with stewed lentils, spicy almonds and chimichurri sauce.

RIA will also introduce weekly BBQ nights, running from Tuesday to Saturday. The open-air dining experience will feature freshly grilled local seafood and a relaxed atmosphere for long summer evenings in the Algarve, with live music every Thursday.

From 15 June: Sensai Asian Restaurant reopens for the summer season

Open daily for dinner service from 6pm - 10.30pm, Sensai returns with a menu shaped by Chef Rui Viegas’ culinary journey through Thailand and wider Asia. The menu reflects his experiences across the region, drawing inspiration from Thai and wider Asian cuisine, with a focus on bold flavours. Dishes include scallop with sweet potato, coconut milk, curry and toasted sesame seeds; shrimp Thai red curry with coconut milk and lemongrass; bao filled with slow cooked sweet and sour pork, pickled red onion and coleslaw; and KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) with BBQ sauce and sesame seeds.

At the heart of Sensai is the Omakase experience led by Brazilian-Japanese Sushi Chef Fábio Terada. Here, the precision of Japanese technique is paired with the day’s freshest Algarve seafood, with menus shaped by the market and daily catch. Meaning “trust the chef”, Omakase invites guests to the kitchen’s creativity, with 18 and 36 piece selections that change according to seasonality and availability. Alongside this, Edomae style sushi features market fish such as salmon, bluefin tuna, sea bass and eel. The teppanyaki grill brings together premium cuts including Iberian pork pluma, grain fed beef tenderloin, cowboy steak, flat iron steak and free-range chicken supreme.

From 15 June: Kids Club reopens for the summer

The resort’s 260 rooms include a range of family-friendly accommodation, from junior suites with separate living areas to larger family suites, as well as interconnecting rooms designed to offer greater flexibility for those travelling with children.

The Kids Club will open daily from 10am - 6pm, offering a programme of creative workshops, games and outdoor activities for younger guests between 4 -11 years. While children are entertained, parents can make the most of the resort’s wider facilities, including the spa and tennis court.

Families are well catered for, with children’s menus available across the resort’s restaurants and four outdoor swimming pools, including dedicated baby and children’s pools alongside the main resort pools.

Beyond the Resort

The Algarve is one of Europe’s most desirable summer destinations, known for its year-round sunshine, golden coastline, golfing, fresh seafood and rich cultural heritage. The region offers a diverse mix of experiences, with Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor providing an ideal base from which to explore.

Known as the handicraft capital of the Algarve, the nearby town of Loulé is home to the famous Loulé Market, where indoors stalls offer everything from fresh fish and seafood, cured meats, breads and pastries to regional sweets, wines, liqueurs, spices, textiles and handmade souvenirs. On Saturdays, the market expands outdoors with the weekly farmers’ market.

Just outside the town of Moncarapacho, the expert growers and producers at Monterosa estate craft the region’s finest olive oil. Visitors can learn how the olive oil is produced, from grove to mill, during a guided tour. Porches Pottery has been a local institution since 1968; the family-run olaria is home to skilled artisans who produce distinctive hand-painted ceramics, including the traditional pots and tiles for which the workshop is known.

Families and active travellers can make the most of the region’s outdoor pursuits, from coastal walks and cycling routes to private surf lessons on Praia da Falésia, tailored to all ages and abilities. Private boat excursions reveal hidden coves, sea caves and beaches along the coastline, including Boneca, Algar Seco, Vale Covo, Vale Centeanes, Carvalho and the iconic Benagil Cave, where a natural skylight opens above the sea-carved cavern.

For golf enthusiasts, Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor enjoys a privileged location overlooking The Els Club Vilamoura with direct private access to the course. The resort is the only property where guests can stay and access the private members’ club under an exclusive stay-and-play arrangement, with tee times made available to resort guests.

The Els Club Vilamoura is the first Els Club in Europe and was officially opened by Ernie Els in July 2025. The 18-hole championship course is a complete redesign of the former Victoria Course, reflecting Els’ vision of a layout rooted in tradition, strategic challenge and harmony with the natural landscape.

In addition to The Els Club Vilamoura, golfers can enjoy easy access to several of the Algarve’s most notable courses including the Old Course Vilamoura, Millennium, Laguna, Pinhal, Vila Sol, Vale do Lobo Royal and Ocean, and Quinta do Lago’s North, South and Laranjal courses.

Room Rates & Booking

Rooms rates start from £132 / €152 / $165 per night and can be made at and bookings can be made at https://all.accor.com/hotel/C4M8/index.en.shtml. A family offer, ideal for larger groups and multi-generational stays, is available: the Twice the Comfort for the Whole Family starting from €399, which provides 50% off the second room booked.