After spending 9 incredible weeks in Portugal with my family, we capped off one of our last weekends with a trip to the Algarve. With a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old in tow, our travel requirements are high—think family-friendly amenities, flexible dining, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. When I heard about Martinhal Sagres, a beach resort often touted as the ultimate luxury family destination, I knew we had to check it out. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint. Despite being filled with kids, I experienced one of the most relaxing weekends I’ve ever had with my little ones. Here’s my review of our stay at Martinhal Sagres…
A Perfect Blend of Family Fun and Luxe Vibes
From the moment we arrived at Martinhal Sagres, I knew this place was special. It’s one of those rare resorts where “family-friendly” doesn’t mean sacrificing style. The property is stunning, with modern villas, sleek pools, and beachfront views. But what really impressed me was how everything is thoughtfully designed for families without losing that high-end, bougie feel. For example, there is a lovely wooden-toy area in the lobby for kids to play while the adults check-in.
The resort offers spacious villas stocked with every possible kid-essential: baby gates, plastic dishes, toddler toilets, and cribs (all part of their genius “baby concierge” service that lets you pre-order these items). It’s amazing not having to pack the entire house when traveling. We stayed in a villa with an ocean view, and the space was perfect for our family. The decor is minimal and kid-proof, with none of those fragile knick-knacks you usually have to worry about when traveling with toddlers.
Family Dining That Doesn't Skimp on Style
Dining is often the most stressful part of traveling with little ones, but at Martinhal, mealtime was a treat. The resort offers three restaurants, all of which serve à la carte at night. On our first night, we dined at As Dunas, an upscale yet casual spot with breathtaking views of the beach. While the food was on the pricier side (for Portugal), it was worth it. Think fresh-caught fish, creative appetizers, and a full bar. The best part? The restaurant had a dedicated kids' corner, tailored for ages 3 to 7 with supervised activities, allowing my husband and me to enjoy our meal while the kids played nearby. The beach playground right outside the restaurant was a hit with older children who could venture there independently while their parents dined.
On night two, we tried the Italian restaurant, Os Gambozinos. The food wasn’t as impressive as As Dunas, but the kids’ entertainment was next level. There’s a huge outdoor play area with bounce houses, trampolines, and climbing structures—visible right from your table. While the kids were fully entertained, my husband and I could actually sit back and enjoy our meal. Even though the menu wasn’t mind-blowing, the whole experience made it worth a visit.
In the mornings, we enjoyed a very slow breakfast at O Terraço. Highly recommend this buffet! The spread was delicious, with something for everyone, including cappuccinos and french-press coffee, and kids under 3 eat for free. Plus, there’s another Kids’ Corner here with a babysitter on hand. Tip: Arrive early and request a table on the terrace for stunning morning views. We did this both days!
Oh and did I mention, if you have a little one starting solids, there is an entire fresh purees menu? So coo! All the little thoughtful details really add up.
Highly Tailored Kids' Clubs
The resort's approach to family fun is unmatched. With five different Kids’ Clubs catering to every age group, from babies (starting at 6 months) to teens age 13 years old, there’s something for every child. Since we were only at the resort for 2 days, we didn't get a chance to take advantage of the Kids' Clubs, but I did pay them a visit. I was so impressed with the level of care and creativity the staff brought to each room. The puppet shows, arts and crafts, and even age-specific play zones I know would keep any child entertained for hours.
The Kids' Clubs days were split into 2 sessions, a morning session starting at 9:30a and an afternoon session starting at 2p. Each session was 27€ per child ages 6 months to 23 months, and 25€ per child ages 4 to 13 in high season (March 23 to November 10), and get this… its free during low season (November 11 to January 3, excluding the holidays). They provide a daily schedule of activities for each age group as well.
And if you are looking for 1:1 care, or evening care, in case you want to venture into town for an adults-only meal, there is also a babysitting service.
Relaxation for Parents: Spa and Quiet Spaces
Let’s talk about parent relaxation, because at Martinhal Sagres, it’s not just a dream. During nap time, I snuck away to the spa, one of the most serene spaces on the property. Even though it was peak season, I had the steam room and sauna to myself, and it was pure bliss. If you’re not into treatments, don’t worry—you can still use the sauna, steam room, and cold shower circuit for free. It was exactly the quiet recharge I needed before heading back to mom duties.
The resort's overall vibe is so relaxed and casual that you never feel out of place, even if you're chasing kids in your comfy mom outfit. Whether dining at one of the restaurants or lounging by the pool, everything is designed to make you feel at ease.
Endless Activities On-Site
There’s no shortage of things to do here. With five pools (one of which is right on the beach), tennis courts, and even an indoor-outdoor pool, there’s something for every family member. We mostly stuck to the beachside pool because the views were stunning, and it gave us the perfect combo of pool lounging with a beach breeze. Each of the pools also has a baby pool right next to it!
For families staying longer, the resort offers complimentary daily activities like mini-golf, family soccer, and introductory tennis lessons. If you’re into water sports, you can sign up for kayak tours or even surfing lessons. There is also a bike rental shop on-site with bikes for all ages, including attachable bike trailers for your tiniest ones. I also appreciated the on-site grocery store that had everything from baby snacks to easy-to-prep freezer meals, so we didn’t need to leave the property unless we wanted to.
A Few Downsides to Note
While I absolutely loved our stay, this wouldn't be an honest review of Martinhal Sagres if I didn't share a few things to be aware of. The rooms are pretty spread out, so getting around the resort, especially in the heat, can be tiring. We ended up driving to the beachside pool a couple of times to avoid the long, sweaty walk with the kids in the afternoon.
Another downside? While the children’s menu is available at every restaurant, it doesn’t vary much between locations. If your kids are picky, this might be a bit of a challenge (or a good thing), as they’ll be eating the same things over and over.
We didn't find the wind to be intrusive during our stay, although our second night it did pick up. Be sure to bring layers, because the evenings certainly cool down, which personally I loved from a day in the heat.
Final Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!
Martinhal Sagres is an absolute win for families looking for a mix of luxury and kid-friendly fun. It’s one of the rare places where you can indulge in a bougie vacation without the guilt or stress of traveling with young children. What stood out to me was the resort's understanding that kids need space to be kids—big emotions and all. The staff was warm, patient, and genuinely welcoming, which created a no-judgment zone for parents. It’s a place where everyone is in the same boat, which made the whole experience that much more relaxing.
Whether it's the stunning beach, top-notch dining, or endless activities, this resort offers a little something for everyone. The real standout, though, is how the staff and environment make you feel completely at ease while still catering to every family need. It’s understated luxury where kids can be kids, and parents can finally relax.
Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat.
Editor's disclaimer: I was gifted a stay at Martinhal Sagres.
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