The Algarve is situated in the westernmost region of continental Europe, at the very south of the Portuguese mainland. It is divided into three geographical areas – all of them beautifully scenic – but the long expanses of sandy beach that form the southern coastal region are particularly attractive for travellers. Vilamoura, on the south coast, belongs to the municipality of Loulé, and is a modern, purpose built town-resort; one of the most popular in the Algarve. Just 30 minutes away is Faro Airport, which is served by all major European airlines and has a flight time from London of approximately two and a half hours.
The Marina at Vilamoura is the largest in Portugal, with berths for up to 1,500 yachts. From here boats can explore the fascinating Algarvian coastline, with its myriad coves, beaches and unusual rock formations. Big-game fishing (blue shark, tuna and record breaking black marlin) is popular, while the water sports on offer include scuba diving, water skiing and windsurfing. The marina is a place for people-watching, window shopping or promenading – especially at night, when the entire harbour is illuminated. It’s also the perfect place to sit back and enjoy delicious Portuguese food.
Vilamoura is considered by many to be Portugal’s golfing capital, and also enjoys a reputation as the best golf destination in Europe. With a number of well designed courses offering different levels of difficulty, Vilamoura hosts a number of prestigious international tournaments and presents a challenge to golfers of all levels.
Recommended as the best luxury hotel in Portugal in the 2009 Business Destinations travel awards, the Hilton Vilamoura is an excellent choice for accommodation in the Algarve. As hotel, golf resort and spa, the Hilton Vilamoura offers conference and incentive bookers a modern space for meetings and conferences. The Tejo Ballroom suite has multiple staging options, caters for up to 470 delegates in theatre style or 320 guests for a grand banquet, and is divisible into two smaller suites. For smaller business meetings the Douro Boardroom is fully equipped, and the five Hilton meeting rooms – designed to be used on their own or in conjunction with larger suites – offer modern technology to attract all types of events.
The Blue Lagoon patio courtyard features two impressive cascades, and is the ideal setting to host coffee breaks, cocktails and meals. A fully equipped business centre is available with a dedicated attendant for perfect venue support.
Fine dining experiences at the Hilton Vilamoura include the gourmet restaurant Cilantro, the all-day Moscada Restaurant, and the al fresco Aquarela poolside bar and restaurant. Entertainment and cocktails can be found at the Rubi Bar, and the As Cascatas Beach Club – open from June to September – offers thematic events looking over the beautiful ocean.
The 260 accommodation units at the hotel are spacious and modern, with large terraces and balconies overlooking the amazing waterfall gardens or golf course fairways nearby. The Hilton Vilamoura is ideally situated for travel from almost anywhere in Europe, with Faro International Airport only a 20 minute drive away. Seven Spa, the largest spa in Portugal, and international calibre golf courses are on the doorstep, while three miles of sandy beach are close by.
Tel: +351 289 304 000; sales.vilamoura@hilton.com; www.hiltonworldresorts.com/vilamoura
