The Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is a favorite of holiday goers who love the sandy beaches and sunny weather. While most travelers book a stay steps from the waves, in-the-know wanders are aware of the charms that lay hidden a few miles back from the coast.
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Octant Vila Monte provides a reprieve from the lively seaside scene. Situated just outside the town of Moncarapacho, it’s an arcadian escape with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of verdant grounds to amble or sit with your thoughts. The cooing of birds supplies the soundtrack. Citrus trees and jasmine scent the air. The arched architecture, lattice details, and lanterns inject subtle Moorish influences (fitting, since you’re not too far from Silves).
The white-washed main building houses the reception as well as an eye-catching fireplace, seating areas, and a curated shop. À Terra — which evokes the Ria Formosa with rattan pendant lights and nautical-hued throw pillows — flows from the indoor space onto the covered terrace and lawn.
A bit back, a kid-oriented area with a mini house, games, and crafts. Despite being rather serene, Octant Vila Monte very much welcomes (and thoughtfully caters to) families. A sparkling pool with burbling fountains invites guests of all ages to take a refreshing dip or frolic in the water. The lounge chairs are paired off on the grass. The pool bar serves light bites, popsicles, and cocktails in a similarly breezy environment.
Secluded by leafy trees and flower-dotted bushes, the adults-only piscine acts like a refuge within the retreat for the grown-up set who prefer uninterrupted quietude and shade doled out by a combination of umbrellas and a 300-year-old cork oak for unwinding. To dive deeper into relaxation, why not book a massage in the spa pavilion? There’s a tennis court and a small gym, too.
Garden paths wind through the property, which also has a pond with turtles and fish as well as hammocks, fire pits, and an outdoor cinema for al fresco flicks. Around every foliage-shrouded corner, another spot to let notions of “I should be doing this or that” fade away.
Spread across three Moorish-influenced buildings, accommodations continue the trademark ease. The rooms are all sublime with a mix of white-washed airiness, polished concrete floors, tree-trunk coffee tables, and fresh-cut flowers. Suites add plentiful perks such as a solarium or a private terrace with far-reaching mountain and sea views. If you’re keen to get closer to the ocean, the hotel operates shuttles to Praia da Fuseta.
Top Takeaways
Location: Moncarapacho, Algarve, Portugal
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: An idyllic, flora-framed retreat that’s tucked away between the countryside and the coast.
Food + Drink: Laranjal Restaurant is open for breakfast. The buffet channels farmhouse vibes with seasonal fruit, fresh-pressed juice, chia seed pudding, yogurt, housemade overnight oats, Algarve honeycomb, bread, pastries, and cured meats, plus made-to-order eggs. À Terra, the gastronomic mainstay at Octant Vila Monte, focuses on local ingredients such as olive oil, salt, mushrooms, and herbs from the garden. The menu showcases regional specialties as well as wood-fired pizzas. Poolside service throughout the day means the food comes to you in the loveliest of settings. A private chef’s table experience and picnics can also be arranged upon request.
Amenities: Two restaurants; two outdoor swimming pools; pool bar; boutique; tennis court; gym; massage pavilion, outdoor cinema; kid’s area; concierge; Wi-Fi; EV chargers
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: All the nature instills a sense of calm.
5 Nearby Attractions: Praia da Fuseta, Culatra Island, Olhão, Tavira, Loulé Saturday Market
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Everything requires a drive. Though, you don’t have to sit in the car for too long on the way to enjoy typical Portuguese dishes at Restaurante Apetit’s in Moncarapacho. Curious see what’s in season on land and sea? Head to Mercados de Olhão.
Rooms: 55 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $300/night
Closest Airport: Faro International Airport
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