Just 30 minutes west of Faro, the capital of the Algarve, you’ll find the region’s famous Golden Triangle, known for its rugged coastline, scenic views, golf resorts and beautiful fishing villages. Today, the area is a top destination with the rich and famous, and more and more people are relocating there to soak in the sunshine and make the most of everything the area has to offer.
The Golden Triangle is made up of the Quinta da Lago and Vale do Lobo districts on the Atlantic coastline and goes as far as Loulé at its most northerly point. While the towns of Almancil and Quarteira form the triangle’s western border, the Golden Triangle stretches as far east as Vilamoura near Faro airport.
The glamour associated with living in the triangle does come with a little planning, but, it is easier than you think despite the UK leaving the EU. Since the start of the Golden Visa scheme, the area has turned into one of the most desirable destinations for real estate investors.
The Golden Visa, introduced by the Portuguese Government back in 2012, is a residency programme aimed to attract more High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) to the shores of the Algarve. Since its conception, the scheme has attracted more than £4.3billion of foreign investment into the country.
The Golden Visa offers prospective residents a five-year residency visa in exchange for an investment made in Portugal. However, since January 2022, foreign citizens looking to invest in Portuguese property in order to gain residency, will be restricted slightly.
Even though the Portuguese government has made changes to the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) Scheme and the Golden Visa programme, there are still many reasons to move to or invest in the country.
The luxury lifestyle that awaits in the Golden Triangle is unrivalled. With places like Quinta do Lago offering amazing restaurants, spas, golfing, fitness and health facilities. So, we’ve put together a brief outline of the three main areas – Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo – to help those thinking of buying into the gorgeous Algarve region to make the right choice.
Quinta do Lago
Located at the start of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport. Surrounded by lakes, lagoons, wetlands and barrier islands that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean towards the Spanish border, it’s insanely beautiful.
The Quinta do Lago resort has an elite golf course, offering beautiful views as well as the opportunity to practice swings. But if golf isn’t your thing, The Campus is a multi-sports hub which offers plenty of activities for people of all ages and abilities.
In addition, you’ll find over two miles of sandy Blue Flag beaches and an Instagrammable network of sand dunes which are made for long walks and days of sun tanning. The beaches are public but have an exclusive feel, attracting celebrities who have made Quinta do Lago their home.
Vilamoura
Just 25km from Faro Airport, is a gorgeous destination. Vilamoura, just off the central Algarve in southern Portugal is sophisticated and opulent.
There are Michelin-starred restaurants to indulge in and hyper-luxurious villas to explore. It has an impressive reputation as one of the top resorts in Europe.
The gorgeous marina along the coastline is definitely a highlight. You can spend the day admiring luxury yachts and spotting celebrities dotted about the various bars and restaurants.
You’ll also find an extensive array of outdoor sports and leisure activities. From tennis to horse riding, and even water sports, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained before hitting some of the five Championship golf courses and the glamorous casino.
Vale do Lobo
With a wealth of sports and wellness facilities, along with swimming pools, a stunning stretch of beach and 16 restaurants, cafes and bars, the legendary Vale do Lobo resort is the ideal place for family members of all ages to enjoy the ultimate summer holiday.
Vale do Lobo has been at the forefront of Algarve tourism since it first began welcoming visitors in 1962. Now, under the ownership and management of Kronos Homes, the resort is delivering new and refreshed amenities designed to delight holidaymakers of all ages. Its easy accessibility from the UK, with a flight time of under three hours, and central Algarve position, which opens up the whole region to visitors, ensure a stress-free holiday experience all round.
Swimming, sandy beaches and sunshine top the list of requirements for many families visiting the Algarve. Vale do Lobo certainly delivers, with waterside fun courtesy of its swimming pool complex with superb beach bar restaurant, Tennis Academy pool and 2km-long stretch of golden sandy Blue Flag designated beach. Families can splash in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic, while soothing beach massages are available for those seeking relaxation.
Wellness and relaxation are also the order of the day at Vale do Lobo’s Royal Spa. A range of divine treatments, therapies and rituals deliver holistic wellbeing, while the water and natural setting of the spa are all about rest and rejuvenation. Pilates and yoga classes are also available for those seeking to balance mind and body, including family yoga classes at the Par.Tee Family Park.
For more active families, Par.Tee is also home to dance classes, sports activities, a creative crafts club and a playfully designed 18-hole mini golf course. As the sun goes down, brilliant illuminations delight visitors of all ages. Vale do Lobo is also home to walking and running routes that meander through its stunning scenery, a fully equipped gym, a range of intensive classes and much more.
Golfers have plenty to enjoy at Vale do Lobo as well, with two 18-hole championship courses delivering unforgettable challenges and spectacular scenery. For younger golfers, the Golf Academy runs regular, week-long sessions designed to grow skills and confidence under the guidance of professional teachers. Pros are also on hand to help adult golfers, as well as those seeking to hone their tennis skills at Vale do Lobo’s Tennis Academy, which is home to 12 tennis courts, six padel courts and mini tennis facilities.
For families, one of the great conveniences of Vale do Lobo is having everything they need nearby. The resort is home to restaurants, cafes and bars serving foods from around the world. There’s also a supermarket, salon, pharmacy, dentist, medical centre, boutiques, and new Golf Shop stocking everything from wine to high-end sportswear, to take care of any and every need.
For larger families, Vale do Lobo has an excellent selection of villas. A detached villa with swimming pool, barbecue, covered outdoor terraces for al fresco dining and daily maid service, set in a beautifully landscaped plot, is the ideal way to enjoy a relaxing break. Families wanting their own garden space can also find precisely what they need at Vale do Lobo.
In addition to the family-friendly experience at Vale do Lobo, holidaymakers can look forward to plenty to enjoy in the local area. The nearby Aquashow waterpark makes for an action-packed day out, while there are multiple beautiful local beaches to explore. Gourmands will delight in discovering several Michelin Star restaurants in the area around Vale to Lobo, which is also home to pretty villages and towns with cobbled streets, historic churches and plenty of local cafes to stop for a coffee and pastry in the shade. For nature lovers, the huge expanse of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is on the doorstep, meaning families can do everything from spotting wild flamingos to kayaking through the winding waterways.
Luxurious Living
Welcome to luxurious living at Martinhal within the prestigious Quinta do Lago, in the Algarve, Portugal. Surrounded by lush greenery and offering unparalleled privacy, this exquisite 4-bedroom villa combines sophistication and comfort.
The ground floor boasts a spacious and intimate layout, featuring a convenient en suite bedroom and a well-appointed cloakroom. The family room exudes warmth and coziness, perfect for quality time, while the serene sitting room and elegant dining area are ideal for gatherings. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with top-quality appliances and ample space for culinary delights.
Ascending to the first floor, three en suite bedrooms redefine comfort. The master bedroom is a sanctuary with a private terrace and dressing area. One guest bedroom also has a private terrace with resort views. All first-floor bathrooms are remodeled for contemporary elegance.
Outside, enjoy the private heated pool and expansive garden grounds. Martinhal Condominium offers 24/7 security, pools, a gym, playground, and convenience store, ensuring upscale living in this gated community.
This feature was compiled by City Matters editors and Editorial Assistants; Amelia Braddick and Bethan Putnam.
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