Destinations

Paul Blaney reviews Hilton's four-hectare property in Vilamoura as part of a feature on Portugal's Algarve region

The Hilton Vilamoura As Cacatas is a spectacular complex featuring pools, waterways and lakes. It's a modern property - it opened in July 2008 - but is designed to reflect the region's Moorish heritage.

The hotel has 154 rooms, 10 junior suites, a kids’ club, 69 apartments, themed restaurants and meeting facilities. Guests unwind in the Seven Spa, one of the biggest in Portugal with a full range of treatments and relaxation zones, while golfers make tracks for the insight golf simulator centre.

The 18-hole Pinhal Golf Course, designed by Frank Pennink, is on the resort’s doorstep and a further four championship courses can be found in the Vilamoura complex.

The hotel’s Cilantro restaurant, open for dinner, specialises in Portuguese and South American cuisine. Moscada has both indoor and al fresco dining, and is the spot for live music, dancing and after-dinner cocktails.

Verdict: 4 / 5