A Slow, Soulful Escape at Wine & Books By the Sea, Portugal

Welcomes as warm as the weather and first tastes of the Algarve

We arrived at Faro Airport on an early morning flight from Newcastle (a benefit of holidays to the Algarve, you can fly from virtually every UK airport).  On arrival we were swiftly transferred to the hotel which takes about 45 minutes.  Not having been to the Algarve for a long time, this was great for getting a first glimpse of Portugal’s golden coastline along the way - for mid September the weather was absolutely phenomenal too! The moment we reached Wine & Books By the Sea, the tone for the stay was set: a warm welcome from our amazing hosts, a relaxed check-in, and that unmistakable sense of being looked after from the very first interaction.

Always important to start the day with a great breakfast, at Wine & Books By the Sea you are spoilt for choice.  The main restaurant which overlooks the pool, offers a generous buffet, perfect if you like to graze and sample a bit of everything, or for guests staying in upgraded room categories, there is a private À la carte dining room / Club Lounge which is perfect for those who prefer a slower, quieter, more curated start to the day.

With a relaxed breakfast fuelling us and check-in complete, there was time to explore the hotel and settle into the surroundings before lunch.

At midday, we were guests for lunch at Coco’s Restaurant, where the focus is on traditional Portuguese cuisine. This was our first real immersion into the flavours of the region: fresh seafood, rustic dishes with local ingredients, and that unmistakable simplicity that Portuguese food does so well. It felt relaxed and convivial, with the kind of long lunch that eases you naturally into holiday mode.

An afternoon on the water: Albufeira Marina & Private Boat Tour

By 2 pm, we were on our way to Albufeira Marina. Colourful boats, vibrant bars and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere gave a different perspective on the Algarve.

The highlight of the day was a two-hour private boat tour. Out on the water, the coastline really comes into its own: dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and stretches of sand that look almost untouched from the sea. It was relaxed rather than rushed, with time to simply sit back, feel the sea breeze and enjoy the views, as well as a swim at Portimão - We returned to the hotel for some downtime, allowing everyone to rest, or simply sit with a book and a glass of something chilled – it is surely a must when staying at Wine & Books By the Sea.

Italian flavours by the sea

The first day ended with dinner at Primadonna’s Italian Restaurant.

After a day of travel and sea air, this was comfort on a plate: fresh pastas, beautiful sauces, and classic Italian favourites with a stylish twist. The atmosphere was warm, easy-going and sociable, with attentive yet unobtrusive service.

It was the perfect close to a first day that balanced activity, relaxation and great food.

A day of discovery & wellness

Mornings at Wine & Books By the Sea quickly became a ritual. Again, breakfast was a choice between buffet and à la carte which definitely made it easy to tailor each morning to how you felt that day: indulgent, virtuous, or somewhere in between.

If I had to describe the hotel in a sentence, it would be  “Thoughtful design and sense of place”  If you are familiar with the Algarve you may remember this hotel as The Vidamar, it only became a Wine & Books property in March 2026 after a £12 million refurb. 

We were given a hotel tour, and this was a chance to really appreciate the property’s design and philosophy:

• Spaces that feel intimate rather than overwhelming.
• A calm, contemporary aesthetic softened with natural materials.
• Corners that invite you to linger with a book, a glass of wine, or simply your thoughts.

It is the sort of hotel where details matter, from lighting and artwork to the way public areas flow into quieter, more private spaces.  On the subject of attention to detail, anything made from wood in the hotel is purpose crafted by the hotel’s own carpenter – absolutely unique and definitely no flatpack furniture here!

Yoga & stillness

Those who know me, know I am not a natural yogi, but we were invited to participate in yoga on the beach and it was amazing.  Our instructor, Rita put together a gentle but grounding session.  Wondering how I would do, I would genuinely say it was ideal for all levels (even me!), and perfectly timed between breakfast and lunch. It captured the wellness side of the property: not gimmicky, just genuinely restorative.

The afternoon was dedicated to the Library S.P.A., where a series of signature massages were arranged for us.

The spa reflects the hotel’s character: tranquil, stylish and intimate rather than sprawling. The massage was tailored, focusing on deep relaxation and gentle release of tension. It was one of those treatments that leaves you feeling reset, both physically and mentally.  Definitely recommended if you want to come back from your trip feeling super relaxed

An evening in The Cellar: wine pairing & conversation

That evening, we gathered for dinner with wine pairing in The Cellar. This was one of the standout experiences of the stay.

In this atmospheric setting, each course was matched with carefully selected wines, showcasing not just Portuguese varietals but the stories and regions behind them. It felt like a celebration of the hotel’s “Wine & Books” ethos: thoughtful, cultured, and quietly sophisticated. The pace of the evening encouraged conversation: about travel, food, wine and the joy of discovering somewhere that really cares about the guest experience.

Slow travel & scenic cycling

Our final morning began early with the opportunity to take out e-Bikes. 

We took a self-guided ride along the boardwalks through Salgados and Armação de Pêra. This was a beautiful way to experience the surrounding area at our own pace. The electric assist made the cycling accessible to all, while the route combined coastal views, local villages and stretches of natural landscape.

The afternoon was free time and we opted to relax by the pool, others explored quiet corners of the property, or revisited the beautiful beach. 

A flavourful farewell: Asian dining on the last night

To round off the stay, we enjoyed a final dinner at the hotel’s Asian restaurant, which brought a completely different flavour profile to the experience. After Portuguese and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the Asian menu felt like a vibrant twist: fragrant curries, beautifully balanced sauces and artfully presented sharing plates. It showcased the hotel’s culinary range and was a lovely way to mark the last evening, chatting over shared dishes and reflecting on the highlights of the trip.

Why Wine & Books By the Sea works so well

Looking back, what stood out most was the balance the hotel achieves:

• Authentic sense of place: Traditional Portuguese meals, local experiences and a coastal setting that feels unmistakably Algarve.
• Wellness and calm: Yoga, spa treatments and unhurried spaces designed to slow you down.
• Food and wine at the heart: From Coco’s to Primadonna’s to the atmospheric Cellar, dining is a genuine highlight rather than an afterthought.
• Thoughtful hosting: The hotel staff throughout the stay provided continuity, warmth and a real feeling of being looked after which is so important and so appreciated.

Who it is ideal for:

• Couples seeking a romantic short break with great food and wine.
• Small groups of friends or families who enjoy relaxed luxury, spa time and a touch of adventure.
• Solo travellers who appreciate design-led spaces and a calm, grown-up atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Wine & Books By the Sea is the kind of property I can confidently recommend to clients who value atmosphere, service and experiences over gimmicks. It offers a gentle rhythm of sea, spa, gastronomy and exploration, wrapped in a setting that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.

For clients looking to slow down, reconnect and savour the Algarve in style, this is a stay that truly delivers.