Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Sagres

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is set on a 25 hectare site and comprises the five-star, 38-bedroom beachfront Hotel Martinhal as well as a wide selection of spacious Village Houses and an exclusive collection of privately-owned villas and townhouses with private pools that are perfect for families. The essence of the resort is one of affordable, understated luxury and genuine hospitality that offers outstanding value for money and a stylish and contemporary alternative to some of the more traditional European beach resorts.

O Terraço offers fine dining without the formality. With stunning views from the hotel's terrace, the restaurant specialises in contemporary dining with a distinctive Portuguese flavour. Using only the very best of fresh, locally-sourced and regional ingredients, and incorporating some of Portugal´s best kept culinary secrets, O Terraço's menu has been carefully designed by Emmanuel Soares to take diners on a culinary journey through Portugal, giving new life to authentic traditional recipes and creating delicious dishes with a modern edge. The tasting menu includes such delights as gaspacho lollipops, sea urchin with scrambled egg, prawn ravioli and bisque, basil sorbet, and crème brûlée with pepper. The chef is a particular champion of local produce, from Aljezur sweet potatoes to the daily catch from the fishermen of Sagres, and his presentation - such as steak served in marrow bone - is inspired.

Sagres does ‘relaxed’ like no other part of the Algarve, and the restaurant is no exception. The dress code is smart-casual in the evening, and the staff are friendly and well-informed, and with many being local, are proud to promote the western Algarve. In keeping with the main hotel, O Terraço is modern and chic without being self-consciously ‘styled.’ There’s an open-plan bar/lounge area, a separate wine tasting corner, and the main restaurant, offering indoor and outdoor seating (hence the name, the Portuguese for terrace) with spectacular sea and beach views. The décor is stunning and original - as you would expect, having been planned by Conran & Partners and with interiors by London-based designer Michael Sodeau - and the wall montage of old black-and-white photos of the western Algarve adds a nice local touch.

Visit the Website: www.martinhal.com