The Martinhal must be one of Portugal’s leading candidates for a luxury and child friendly getaway (yes, child friendly and getaway are not mutually exclusive). Being located within a protected natural park near Sagres, on Portugal’s unspoilt western Algarve coast also entitles it to the luxury meets nature award. So what you get is sun, beach, sea and surrounded by nature.

It’s basically the first time that all these elements have come luxuriously together in this, lesser known, part of the Algarve. It really is something else, that’s for sure. Stylish, contemporary architecture complements the organic personality of the resort, which has been designed to merge into the local landscape. And the end result is function and modern form at its best. This goes for the 38 luxury rooms (two of which are beach suites) with privileged views of the sea and 132 Village Houses (Ocean, Bay and Pinewoods).

Ocean Houses - The Ocean Houses at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel command a prime position right at the heart of the resort. Carefully arranged in small terraced groups at the front of Martinhal Village, Ocean Houses are singular in their character and form.

The accommodation is upside down, with living spaces created upstairs to take full advantage of the incredible sea views. Quality materials include stone, timber and cork. They come with their own private verandas where guests can enjoy al fresco meals overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and watch the splendid sun sets.

Bay Houses - The Bay Houses at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel are located on the eastern margin of the resort and are the most spacious and secluded properties in Martinhal Village. Furnished throughout to the highest standards by British designer Michael Sodeau, the Bay House character is sophisticated and functional but pleasantly understated. The use of traditional materials such as timber, cork and wicker add a natural dimension to the modern perspective. The houses have been designed upside down, with living areas on the first floor to make the most of the unspoilt location. Furthermore, they have an east-west orientation and allow the best views from both sides – with beautiful sunrises and spectacular sunsets.

The stunning natural park is on the doorstep, but so is the hospitality and amenities of a luxury five-star resort. A total of 12 Bay Houses are available to rent, with 6 two-bedroom Grand Deluxe and 6 three-bedroom Master Deluxe options.

Garden Houses - Garden Houses at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel are the ideal choice of accommodation for parents with younger children. Arranged around an attractive parkland area, the houses are substantial semi-detached villas set within a walled, private garden in a secure environment making them extremely safe for families. The living spaces are all about comfortable luxury: function and form in harmony with elegance and sophistication. Private verandas overlook a central feature of the garden – the Oasis Pool, a large free-form swimming pool. The views also take in the surrounding countryside of the unspoiled western Algarve. A total of 39 Garden Houses are available, with 10 one-bedroom Deluxe, 20 two-bedroom Grande Deluxe and 9 three-bedroom Master Deluxe options.

Pinewood Houses – There are 10 Pinewoods Houses at Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel and are positioned in their own separate close. Arranged along the edge of a pine forest, these linked villas enjoy a select location but remain within easy access of the main resort facilities. Contemporary in appearance, the use of clean forms and lines underline a stylish simplicity that is also adopted inside. Interior décor is sophisticated yet functional. It’s unhurried and imaginative. British furniture and interiors designer Michael Sodeau has insisted on high quality materials throughout, and has used natural timber, local stone and other products like cork and wicker to stamp the living spaces with an environmentally sound label. Each house has its own small, private swimming pool that enhances a garden planted with wild, indigenous flora. Pinewoods Houses appeal to families who appreciate a degree of seclusion but still like to be near the resort’s leisure and entertainment attractions. There are 10 Pinewoods Houses available, with 6 two-bedroom Grand Deluxe and 4 three-bedroom Master Deluxe options.

The whole culture surrounding Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is family friendly and children are especially welcome. For younger children aged between three months and three years, we have a separate dedicated crèche. Children aged between three and eight years will love spending time at Raposinhos, our kids club located on the Village Square. “Raposinho” means “little fox” and children here are encouraged to be the same – active and inquisitive. The club has lots of toys, games and puzzles to keep minds occupied. A team of qualified child minders supervises both facilities – with a ratio of 1:3 for the crèche and 1:8 for Raposinhos. The youngsters are taken care of in a fun charged atmosphere – the carers make sure children are safe, happy and content. Baby-sitting facilities exist and there’s a small children’s playground in a sheltered, walled garden.

The "Raposinhos" kids club is open every day from 09h30 to 18h00, with outdoor surprises organised during the summer months.