Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Review: Our Two Nights on Portugal’s Coast
Our stay at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve was hosted by the hotel. All opinions are our own. This post also contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After several busy days in Porto and Lisbon on our Soul Sisters group trip to Portugal, ending with two nights at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve was exactly what we needed. This five-star resort in Albufeira sits right above São Rafael Beach, with ocean views, a huge spa, great vegan food, and so much to do that you barely need to leave.
We stayed two nights in mid-July, and we made very good use of our two nights. We ate at every restaurant, spent an afternoon by the pool, used the spa and the gym, took a salsa lesson on the rooftop, and still fit in a sunset boat trip to see the Algarve’s famous caves. I would absolutely stay here again.
Kimpton Atlântico Algarve at a Glance
- Where: Above São Rafael Beach in Albufeira, on Portugal’s Algarve coast
- Getting there: We took the train from Lisbon to Albufeira-Ferreiras station, then a taxi. Faro Airport is about 30 minutes away by car
- How long to stay: We stayed two nights, and I could easily see spending three or four
- Best time to go: We went in mid-July. Summer is the priciest season, so look at spring and fall for lower rates
- Where we stayed: An ocean-view room with a private balcony
- Don’t miss: The Wellness Hub, and a salsa lesson on the Zénite rooftop
- Pack: A swimsuit, sandals, sunscreen, and a light layer for breezy evenings. Our capsule wardrobe guide can help
Jump to: Our Stay | Things to Do | Vegan Food | Cost | Getting There | Who It’s For | FAQs | Next Trip
Our Stay at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve
Arriving and heading straight to the spa
We took the train down from Lisbon and arrived before our rooms were ready. Instead of sitting around waiting for check-in, we left our luggage with the hotel and went straight to the spa. After a long travel day, it was such a nice way to start.
We used the spa facilities to relax, then paid for massages, which were absolutely amazing. If you arrive before check-in like we did, I’d do the same thing. You get to start enjoying the resort right away.
Our ocean-view room
Once we checked in, we found an incredibly spacious room with an ocean view and a private balcony. The bathroom was spacious too, and the bed hit that sweet spot for me where it wasn’t too soft or too firm.
The balcony was my favorite part. I sat outside every night enjoying the Algarve weather and looking out toward the ocean. When I’m staying somewhere this beautiful, having my own outdoor space to take in the view makes a big difference.
An afternoon by the pool
We spent an entire afternoon at the main outdoor pool, and it was one of my favorite parts of the stay. Even in July, we had no trouble finding loungers. We ordered lunch poolside instead of leaving, and the tofu bowl was delicious.
I loved having an afternoon with nowhere we needed to be. There are plenty of loungers, cabanas, and cushioned chairs around the pools, so bring a book and stay awhile.
Things to Do at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve
We mostly stayed on the property because there was so much to do there. Here’s what we loved.
1. Spend time at the Wellness Hub
The spa deserves more than a quick mention. The Wellness Hub Atlântico is huge, with a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, treatment rooms, and fitness facilities. It felt like a destination of its own, not a small hotel spa with a couple of treatment rooms.
Beyond our massages, we tried the different showers and relaxed in the jacuzzi, while Liz spent a long time swimming in the indoor pool. Even if you don’t book a treatment, build in time to use the facilities. If you do want a massage, book it before you arrive, especially in summer.
2. Walk down to São Rafael Beach
São Rafael Beach sits right below the resort, and Liz said the walk down took only about five minutes, and you use your room key card to get to the beach area, so it’s easy to go back and forth.
Liz is a beach girl, so this is where she wanted to be: toes in the sand, swimming in the ocean, and looking up at the golden limestone cliffs around the cove.
3. Work out at the gym
I used the gym and appreciated that it was more than a few treadmills and dumbbells in a room. The main area had cardio equipment, weights, and several machines, and it wasn’t crowded when I went.
There are also separate rooms where you can pull up a video workout on a TV and pick the type of class you want, or just get some privacy and space to stretch. Hotel gyms can feel cramped when several people are trying to work out at once, so I really liked having that option.
4. Take a salsa or pastel de nata class
Don’t skip the rooftop. We came back to Zénite for a salsa lesson, and it ended up being such a fun part of the stay. The rooftop looks out over the Atlantic, so you get a gorgeous setting without leaving the property. The hotel also offers a pastel de nata class, so you can learn to make Portugal’s famous custard tarts without leaving the resort. Ask which classes are on during your stay, since activities can change by season.
5. Go to the Kimpton social hour
Kimpton’s complimentary social hour was another fun perk, and an easy way for our group to get together before dinner. I don’t drink alcohol, and they had a nonalcoholic option for me, which I appreciated. I always like it when hotels make it easy for people who don’t drink to join in.
6. Borrow a bike
The hotel has complimentary bicycles if you want to explore more of the area. Ask the team about the best routes before you head out, since the coastal roads and hills vary.
7. Take a boat trip to the Benagil Caves
The evening we arrived, we left the resort for a sunset boat trip to see the Algarve’s famous caves, including Benagil. Cruising past cliffs, hidden beaches, and rock formations as the sun went down was a beautiful way to see the coast from the water before heading back to the hotel. I definitely recommend adding a cave trip to any Algarve itinerary.
Vegan Food at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve
Food was one of the biggest surprises of our stay. We made it to every restaurant in our two nights, including Marés near the beach and Terra for coffee, and they were exceptional. More importantly for me, the culinary team didn’t treat vegan food as an afterthought.
At Zénite Rooftop, the chef treated us to a tapas experience with vegetable sushi, eggplant focaccia sandwiches, mushroom cups, and several other dishes. At Sombra, we had tempura asparagus, roasted mushrooms, vegetable tofu, roasted vegetables, and an apple tart with basil sorbet. The vegetarians in our group were just as happy with their meals.
Breakfast was a buffet with the usual spread. I kept mine light with potatoes and fruit, and I found simple options without any trouble.
I eat vegan food all over the world, and there’s a difference between a restaurant being willing to accommodate a vegan guest and a chef creating something interesting for them. Here, I felt like I was getting a real dining experience, not a modified version of something else on the menu. If you have dietary needs, let the hotel know before you arrive.
How Much Does the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Cost?
For a five-star resort with ocean views, several pools, a huge spa, and direct beach access, I was impressed by how reasonable the rates can be. Summer is the most expensive time to visit the Algarve. When we looked, July rates ranged from roughly the low $300s to more than $500 a night, depending on the dates and room. At other times of year, we found rates around $200, and sometimes under $150.
Rates change constantly, so check current prices for your dates on the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve website. If your dates are flexible, staying outside peak summer can save you hundreds of dollars a night, and IHG One Rewards members may get member rates when booking directly.
Getting There and Getting Around
We took the train from Lisbon to Albufeira-Ferreiras station, then a taxi to the hotel. Portugal’s CP trains are comfortable and easy, so it’s a great way to get from the city to the coast.
If you’re flying, Faro Airport is the closest, about a 30-minute drive away. When we left, I headed to the airport really early because I didn’t want to risk missing my flight. I’d recommend giving yourself plenty of extra time, too.
The hotel is about five minutes by car from central Albufeira, so you’re not isolated. For short trips, Uber and Bolt are easy. A rental car gives you more freedom to explore other beaches and towns, but you don’t need one if you plan to stay near the hotel.
Useful apps:
- Google Maps: Save the hotel, São Rafael Beach, and any restaurants you want to try, and download the Algarve area for offline use
- Uber or Bolt: For getting into Albufeira or to nearby beaches without a car
- WhatsApp: Many tour providers, drivers, and local businesses in Portugal use it for confirmations
- IHG One Rewards: For managing your reservation and checking member rates
Who Should Stay at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve?
I think this hotel is especially good for couples, friends traveling together, and anyone planning a Portugal trip that mixes sightseeing with a few slower days. It’s also great for wellness travelers, because the spa is big enough to be a reason to stay here on its own.
It works beautifully for groups, too, since everyone can choose her own way to relax. And if you’re vegan, I was very impressed by how well I ate. If you love a slower stay like this, read about our four days on the Amalfi Coast and our two nights at a luxury camp in the Sahara during our 10 days in Morocco.
Kimpton Atlântico Algarve FAQs
Is the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve good for vegans?
Yes. The chefs made real vegan dishes for us at the rooftop and at Sombra, the poolside tofu bowl was delicious, and I found easy options at the breakfast buffet.
How far is the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve from Faro Airport?
It’s about a 30-minute drive. Give yourself extra time on the way to a flight.
Is the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve on the beach?
It sits right above São Rafael Beach. The walk down takes about five minutes, and you use your room key card to get to the beach area.
How many nights should you stay at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve?
We stayed two nights and packed a lot in. Three or four nights would give you more time to slow down and enjoy the resort.
Is the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve Worth It?
For me, yes. I’d stay here again without hesitation. There are hotels where you’re mostly paying for a nice room, and there are resorts where the property becomes part of the trip. This is the second one.
It worked especially well as the last stop on our Portugal trip. After several days of sightseeing in Porto and Lisbon, we were ready to slow down. We could spend an afternoon by the pool, book a massage, have dinner, go upstairs for salsa, and then end the night on the balcony looking out at the ocean.
Final Thoughts
The Kimpton Atlântico Algarve was such a fun place to spend two nights with friends. Between the spa, the pool, the rooftop salsa lesson, and a culinary team that made vegan food a real priority, I would absolutely stay here again.
If you’re planning another short getaway, here’s how I spent 4 days in Iceland without a rental car.
Where Should We Go Next?
We’re planning the next Soul Sisters trip now. Tell us where you want to go.
