Martinhal Sagres: One of the best Family-Friendly Hotels in the World

Martinhal‘s main pool and beach

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort is one of the most recommended baby-friendly hotels. It is recommended everywhere in online blogs and collections, and it is a super common recommendation among prenatal course friends.

One of its key features is its popular Baby’s First Holiday Package, which includes a baby welcome pack (nappies, cream, wipes), bottle warmer and sterilizer, and a special gift for the baby. What is more important is that it includes 1 session in “Raposinhos” Creche per day (3h) for 6-months+ and a romantic dinner that comes with 2 hours of a babysitter. And some extras: a water experience for babies and parents and spa treatment for a couple.

It is not on the high end in terms of prices but it is not cheap either. They offer different prices according to 3 seasons. It is not all-inclusive so you need to eat in their restaurant or drive to the closest town and find restaurants, which can be better and cheaper.

How to get there?

Reception

Nestled in the stunning Algarve region of Portugal, Martinhal Sagres Family Resort is conveniently accessible by air, road, and rail.

By Air: The nearest airport is Faro International Airport (FAO), approximately 115 kilometres (71 miles) away. You can rent a car, book a private transfer, or take a taxi from the airport. The scenic drive to Sagres takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A22 motorway. We flew to Faro and stayed for a night. The town centre is small but has enough shops and restaurants to walk around. The marina is worth visiting as well.

By Car: If you’re driving from elsewhere in Portugal or Spain, take the A22 motorway towards Lagos. From Lagos, follow the signs to Sagres along the N125. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Algarve coastline, adding to the experience.

By Train and Bus: Take a train to Lagos from major cities like Lisbon or Faro. Frequent buses connect Lagos with Sagres, just a 30-minute ride away. Alternatively, taxis and private transfers are also available at the Lagos train station.

Once in Sagres, Martinhal is well-signposted and easily reachable, located just a few minutes from the town centre.

Rooms

We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment for two people plus an infant. These apartments are located on the first or ground floor. Both have a double room, a bathroom with bath and shower, a fully equipped kitchen, an open-space living room, and a dining area with sliding doors to a terrace or balcony.

The ground-floor terrace has outdoor furniture, and the first-floor balcony has an outside table and fat boys. Some houses have a bunk bed in the living room.

In terms of amenities, the room included everything you need to stay with an infant, from bottle warmers to blender and potty. They even left some baby sandals next to the cot.

The only downside of staying where we did, which was after the spa and in front of the football pitch (see picture above), was that there were almost no ramps until the indoor pool, which made the journey with a small pram (we had a Yoyo Babyzen) a bit uncomfortable.

These pebbles used in the sidewalks in the south of Portugal, particularly in regions like the Algarve, are known as “calçada portuguesa” or Portuguese pavement. This traditional pavement style is characterised by small, hand-cut stones, typically made of limestone and basalt, arranged in intricate patterns or designs.

Facilities

Village Pool

The resort has many facilities, from 5 swimming pools to their mini-market/deli. The main facilities are the following:

  • Beach Hangout with coconut beds, sunbeds and umbrellas.
  • 5 swimming pools. Note that the main two are:
    • Pool Handout, next to the beach and As Dunas restaurant.
    • Village Pool, ideal for families, with indoor and outdoor areas.
  • Finisterra Spa, offers a good variety of treatments.
  • Gym, modest size but good enough. Additional classes are available for a fee.
  • Club 98m including a swimming pool and 2 floodlit tennis courts.
  • 5 a side football pitch.
  • Bike Station, where different bikes can be rented.
  • Watersports Centre.
  • Mercado dali and bake
  • Minigolf
  • Petanque
  • Pump track

Booking system

The hotel will send, among other information, links to a reservation system, where you will need to create an account for you and your children and use it to reserve most of the facilities and the restaurants, even for breakfast.

Note that all services must be pre-booked and are subject to availability upon request. This includes the kids clubs, personal training (fitness, swimming, tennis, football, etc.), private tours, spa treatments, bike rental and restaurants.

Moreover, by their terms and conditions, the full amount of the session will be charged to your hotel account in case of not showing up, even if it was included in a package.

Restaurants

O Terraço

There are 3 main restaurants.

  • O Terraço. It is the main restaurant with panoramic views of the beach and terrace. It is that option they recommend for romantic dinners. The cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Asian, and South American flavours, complemented by a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. The breakfast buffet is also served there. We had all our breakfasts plus a romantic dinner there and we enjoyed it a lot.
  • As Dunas. A beachfront restaurant offering a tempting lunchtime menu, snacks during the afternoon and dinner in the evening. The restaurant is renowned for its wide selection of fresh fish and seafood, cooked and presented in a typical Algarve fashion.
  • Os Gambozinos. Located in the resort’s vibrant village square. It offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu that pays homage to the diverse flavours of different countries and is the perfect venue for the whole family.

Other than that, there is also the MBar and The Josper Grill (good for chicken) and the Pool Hangout. There is also a small shop next to the Village Pool serving ice cream, coffee and drinks (very modest variety).

Baby’s First Holiday Package

We booked this package and we really enjoyed it. I don’t think there many (or any) packages as complete -or specific- like this one. Our daughter was 6 months and we had a good time. It includes:

  • 4 nights in a Beach Room or 1-bedroom apartment with breakfast included (Possibility to extend to 7 nights);
  • Baby welcome pack upon arrival: nappies (at least 12); baby wipes (big pack), talcum powder/diaper cream;
  • Bottle warmer and sterilizer, changing mat available in room;
  • Special gift for the baby.
  • 1 session in “Raposinhos” Creche per day (3h) – from 6 months
  • 1st water experience for baby and parents;
  • 1 spa treatment for a couple – 50 min relaxing massage*;
  • 1 romantic dinner (2 hours of babysitter during dinner) – 3-course menu (beverage not included)

Besides this package, they also offer an Extended Family Package, and an Active Winter. Also note that prices vary according to the time of the year, having 3 seasons (A, B, C). For instance, you can go at the end of June instead July for a cheaper price.

The Beach

Martinhal Beach is right there next to the resort, and offers golden sands and clear waters in a serene and unspoiled natural setting. This is because it is part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected area that ensures its ecological integrity is preserved.

This beach is particularly popular among windsurfers, kite surfers, and paddle boarders, thanks to its consistent winds and calm, shallow waters. The water is; however, quite cold if compare it with the Mediterranean.

Pool Handout -the main pool- is just metres away, with several facilities to spend time with the family.

Additionally, for a change and a slightly cheaper option you can walk less than 10 minutes through the beach and go to Bahari Beach Lounge & Restaurant.

Sagres

Sagres

Sagres, located at the southwestern tip of Portugal, is a charming coastal town with a relaxed vibe and rich maritime history. Known as a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and families.

One of Sagres’ most notable landmarks is the Fortaleza de Sagres, a historic fortress perched on a promontory overlooking the sea. Originally built in the 15th century during the Age of Discovery, the fortress served as a vital defense point and is often associated with Prince Henry the Navigator, who is believed to have used the area as a base for his maritime school.

It is literally 5 minutes away from the resort by car, and around 25 by foot. You may need to go at least once, maybe to buy some groceries at Intermarché supermarket. And there are also a few great alternatives, some of them better and cheaper, than the resort’s restaurants.

Our favourite was Arte Bianca – Cucina Italiana. Delicious pizza, pasta and tiramisu. Other recommended eateries are Restaurante Vila Velha (elegant dining with a focus on fresh seafood and regional wines), Three Little Birds (relaxed spot offering tacos, nachosburgers, and homemade tortillas, Adega dos Arcos (family-run restaurant featuring grilled fish and chicken, freshly caught daily) and A Casinha (traditional Portuguese dishes like octopus rice and grilled sardines).

More Pictures

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.