Quinta do Lago is a holiday resort located on the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, just a short drive from Faro in the Algarve region of Portugal. During my stay at Quinta do Lago Country Club, a luxury apartment complex just minutes from the beach, I enjoyed stunning views over the lake and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which is a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. While golf is a major attraction in the Algarve, I discovered numerous other activities around Quinta do Lago, including visiting the charming walled town of Faro, exploring beautiful beaches, and enjoying coastal walks.

Quinta do Lago, which means “The farmhouse by the lake,” was developed from farmland in the 1970s. The original farmhouse, now Casa Velha, is a fine dining restaurant located immediately behind the Country Club. Developed in phases, the area was designed to be an upscale resort with apartments, villas, and hotels set among native pine trees, in harmony with the adjoining Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Quinta do Lago is renowned for its golf, leisure, and sporting facilities, attracting guests who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and natural surroundings.

The Country Club boasts one of the best locations within the resort, being close to the lake and a short walk from the nature reserve and the bridge that leads to the sand dunes and Quinta do Lago beach. The nature walks starting near the Country Club are a highlight, providing easy access to the Ria Formosa’s unique environment. Built in the 1970s, the Country Club is a 4-star timeshare apartment complex where most luxury apartments are in shared ownership by members, who can use them for a week or two each year.

Many apartments are available for rent, with a minimum stay of two nights in the low season. The Country Club offers a blend of hotel-style services and self-catering facilities, including swimming pools, a gym, and beautifully landscaped gardens. I was invited to explore the area with Kathryn from Travel with Kat, and we had a wonderful time discovering what the Algarve has to offer.

The 36 rental apartments at the Country Club range from one to three bedrooms, all within a long building that follows a gentle slope, giving each apartment views of both the lake and the landscaped gardens. The entrance features a lofty atrium, and there is also a lower entrance with ramp and lift access for those with mobility needs. The atrium has comfortable sofas and a continually manned reception desk, providing the service and security of a hotel combined with the flexibility of an apartment complex. A cosy library seating area with a selection of books is located on the lower floor.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the reception team, who showed us to our apartment and offered concierge services, including advice on local attractions and restaurant bookings. The clientele at the Country Club mainly consists of English guests, along with other Europeans and Portuguese. English is widely spoken, making it easy for English-speaking visitors to feel at home. The friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the weekly cocktail party and summer barbecue.

Our two-bedroom apartment (Apartment 303) was decorated in a Mediterranean style, with marble flooring and pale colours. The classic style featured dark wooden furniture, white cotton bedspreads, and high-quality bed linen. Each bedroom had its own bathroom and a large built-in wardrobe, making it suitable for both couples and families. The apartment’s layout allows for privacy and togetherness, with a first-floor balcony offering sunrise views and a terrace leading to the garden.

The spacious living and dining room area had an elegant theme with white cotton, pale blue, and limed oak-style furniture. The well-equipped kitchen included two fridges and plenty of kitchenware, providing a home-away-from-home experience. Despite the self-catering facilities, the Country Club offers hotel services such as reception and daily cleaning, as well as leisure facilities including a swimming pool and breakfast cafe.

During our stay, we toured some recently renovated apartments, which featured fresh, contemporary decor. The Country Club is undergoing a refurbishment program, with updates to all public areas and apartments. The new design includes fresh white walls, soft neutral furnishings, and accents of blue and sea green. It’s worth inquiring about the availability of renovated apartments when booking, though the existing ones are still very nice.

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the Quinta Lounge for €10 per person, with options for cooked items at an additional charge. The spread includes pastries, rolls, cheese, ham, fresh fruit, cereals, and yoghurt with granola. The lounge also offers an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining in warmer weather. While the Country Club does not have an on-site restaurant, the pool bar serves snacks during the daytime, and there are plenty of nearby dining options.

Quinta do Lago Country Club has an indoor pool, making it a great year-round accommodation option. The adjoining steam and shower rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, and small gym enhance the leisure experience. The resort is ideal for health, fitness, and wellbeing enthusiasts, offering numerous walking and jogging paths. The Campus, a nearby fitness and leisure centre, provides additional facilities such as tennis, gym, cycling, and fitness classes.

The Country Club also features a shallow outdoor pool with a central fountain, perfect for summer relaxation. The pool bar, which serves salads, pasta, and sandwiches, as well as a weekly barbecue, wasn’t open during our visit as it was early in the season. There is also a small round pool ideal for children.

One of the highlights of Quinta do Lago Country Club is its location, with easy access to the beach and nature trails. The resort is surrounded by man-made lakes with luxury villas and paths that offer scenic walks. The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, just a short walk away, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The path leads to a wooden bridge that crosses the riverbed to the sand dunes and beach, offering magical views in the early morning.

Golf is a significant attraction at Quinta do Lago, with four 18-hole courses within the resort and many more in the Algarve region. Beginners can enjoy golf lessons at the Quinta do Lago Golf Academy, where instructors teach the basics of the golf swing and putting. The resort also offers a mini golf course for family fun, featuring miniature versions of famous holes.

Dining options in the area include Koko, a bistro-style cafe by the driving range, and Pure, a healthy eating spot with fresh pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and wraps. Il Vero, a modern Italian restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course, offers a range of pasta and seafood dishes.

For fine dining, Casa Velha provides a French-inspired experience, while Bovino Steakhouse offers upscale steakhouse fare. The nearby Vale do Lobo resort features a beautiful stretch of golden sand with beach bars and restaurants like Maria’s, which serves upscale bistro dishes in a sea-themed setting.

Quinta do Lago is a stylish and upscale resort, appealing to those who seek a healthy lifestyle and world-class golf facilities. It is ideal for couples and small groups in the spring and autumn, and for families in the summer. The resort focuses on outdoor activities and nature rather than nightlife or parties. The Country Club offers the security and facilities of a hotel with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, making it perfect for groups of friends or families.

We rented a car at Faro airport, an easy 20-30 minute drive from Quinta do Lago Country Club. The resort has wide roads and roundabouts, making navigation straightforward. While a car is essential for getting around, taxis are available from the airport if needed.

Quinta do Lago is a modern resort with wide roads and well-signposted routes. Although there are no food stores within walking distance, a small supermarket is a short drive away. Despite ongoing construction nearby, we experienced no noise or disturbance during our stay.

Visiting in early February, I was pleasantly surprised by the sunny weather and mild temperatures, making it an ideal destination for early spring sunshine. With average temperatures of 17°C in February and 23°C in May, the Algarve offers warm, sunny days without the summer crowds.

Quinta do Lago Country Club provides a luxurious and relaxing holiday experience, combining natural beauty, outdoor activities, and upscale amenities. Whether you are a golf enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, this resort has something for everyone.