Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is pleased to announce the first Anantara in Europe. Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort will join the brand’s luxury portfolio in April 2017.
Located in the Algarve in the south of Portugal, just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport, the existing 280-room property is currently operating as Tivoli Victoria and boasts stunning views over the Arnold Palmer designed Oceânico golf course. The hotel is close to the ocean, marinas and the beaches of the Algarve and is well known for its spacious, airy rooms and shady verandas, directly overlooking the golf course, and the cerulean blue swimming pools.
In advance of the spring rebrand, parts of the resort will receive a soft refurbishment, including the main lobby, the gym and impressive new children’s facilities will be added.
A new luxury Family Suite category will be launched, with capacity for up to four guests. For shared holidays with family and friends, most rooms are interconnecting. The rooftop, Two-Bedroom Anantara Suite will boast a huge terrace, with private dining area and its own Jacuzzi and sundeck.
At the EMO Restaurant and terrace guests will be able to enjoy richly diverse local cuisine, infused with the spices and seasonings of Portugal’s overseas discoveries in the 16th century, cleverly updated with contemporary finishing. With a clear emphasis on the best fresh, season local produce, and with a commitment to sustainability working in close partnership with quality local suppliers. Executive Chef Bruno Viegas ensures authenticity and creativity, in equal measure.
Additional dining options include Sensorial and Bartini, with both restaurants offering Mediterranean fare and afternoon tea. For guests looking for Asian cuisine, they can enjoy sushi at the infinity pool and Vietnamese rolls in the Aqua Pop Up Bistro. At sunset, guests will be able to head for the bars and terraces, to sample signature cocktails or to celebrate at the Champagne bar, overlooking the swimming pools. Anantara’s signature Dining by Design will also be introduced for intimate tailor-made experiences.
Unparalleled leisure facilities make resort life a pleasure. Couples can relax at the adults-only Cascata pool, overlooking the golf course, while families and children enjoy the children’s pool and deck chairs by the kids club. Several terraces and secluded areas are perfect for quiet time with a book or music.
The family-friendly ambience is to be designed by World Wide Kids Company and will begin on arrival with children’s own check in and welcome treats. Babies and toddlers are already VIPs and will be pampered with their own dining area, personalised meal plans and exciting play areas and activities. For parents’ total relaxation, the hotel will arrange for trusted babysitters, available around the clock. The activity-packed kids club will tempt with everything from cooking classes to open air cinema adventure safaris, and sailing or wind surfing lessons. Teenagers have a dedicated Guru for their own golf clinics and a dance academy.
The spa will be rebranded to Anantara Spa and those with the luxury of time will be able to relax while overlooking the endless, undulating golf greens and discover the centuries old Mediterranean rituals. Additional facilities include a traditional Turkish hammam. To complement the spa, guests can include yoga and Tai-Chi sessions in their holiday menu of experiences. The state-of-the-art gym and fitness centre, with a dedicated Personal Trainer, allows clients can keep to their exercise routine whilst on holiday.
Anantara Vilamoura will offer spectacular settings and venues for all types of events – from weddings to product launches and from intimate dinners to large scale conferences. The stand-alone Conference Centre has capacity to welcome up to 800 people in its eight versatile rooms, most with natural light, and offers direct access for both delegates and set up vehicles, as well as to the hotel car park.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, Anantara’s parent company, commented, “We are thrilled to announce our first Anantara in Europe, which is a real milestone for the brand. Since our recent expansion into both Europe and South America with the acquisition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, our strategy is to bring our existing brands into these new regions of operation and the launch of Anantara Vilamoura in Portugal is the first part of this plan.”
Anantara currently operates 37 hotels and resorts in 12 countries, having recently added two new resorts each in both Sri Lanka and Oman.