5 * beautiful Epic Sana Algarve

In June this year I visited a new hotel in Portugal, Epic Sana opened March 2013 and is stunning, fresh and luxurious. The hotel blew me away from entering the reception. It is funky and modern, very spacious and has everything expected from a 5 star hotel within stunning well kept gardens. Beautiful spa, several pools - one being adult only - all with comfortable sunbeds and seating provided. The sun loungers are wonderful, with huge comfy cushions and large towels readily available. There's a buffet restaurant offering show cooking and outdoor and indoor seating area, an a la carte restaurant open several times a week, a trendy bar area with indoor and outdoor seating and also children's facilities. There are apartments in the grounds of the hotel which cater more for the family market, with their own pool, play area and snack bar. Apartments are actually of the same furnishings and décor as the hotel rooms and are ultra modern and a great size.

This is the type of hotel to visit for complete relaxation and "chill" time. There is a small shopping centre outside of the hotel with a few restaurants, or you can taxi into Vilamoura or Albufeira - both vibrant resorts within 15 minutes if you would like a little more to do on an evening. The atmosphere is very calm and quiet and the entertainment is low key really so overall the hotel aim is to send you home totally relaxed.

There is a beach but please be warned there are many steps down to it. This can be accessed through the hotel grounds, fine going down but hard work back up, though it does keep you fit! There is also a large conference centre attached to the hotel.

The rooms are huge and again ultra modern with everything you could possibly need including coffee machine and mini bar, safe, air conditioning, separate shower and lots of wardrobe space - important for us ladies!

This hotel gives you that unique seclusion within the grounds and the beauty of pool, beach or garden views and sunbathing areas so you never feel overcrowded. The seating area to the front of the hotel is amazing with huge comfy sofas perfect for sitting and reading a good book.

I can highly recommend this beautiful hotel and will be returning next year for sure.