The four-star hotel in Praia da Luz strives to offer an experience focused on total relaxation, whether it’s winter or summer, with all the amenities necessary inside the hotel
– December 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Bernardo Lúcio
After an extensive renovation, the Belavista da Luz Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel has reopened its doors with a fresh concept, offering a refined blend of comfort, modernity, and sustainability.
Nestled in the heart of Praia da Luz, this four-star hotel has undergone a transformation, thanks to a significant investment of €3 million.
The reopening, marked by a private cocktail event in late summer, was attended by owners Amina and Zaide Ussene, general manager Vanda Fernandes, and a selection of prominent figures from the Algarve.
“Our goal is to offer excellent customer service and establish the hotel one of the best in the region,” said co-owner Amina Ussene.
The vision is simple but ambitious: to offer “an experience where the focus is just on relaxing, whether it’s winter or summer, so that guests really feel at home and can take the time to relax. If they don’t want to leave the hotel, they have everything they need here”, she underlined.
The aesthetic of the hotel exudes a minimalist charm, blending contemporary designs with traditional elements. The eight-month renovation work touched every corner of the property.
From guest rooms and reception areas to the gym and garden, no stone was left unturned. Even the spa and recreational facilities such as the padel and tennis courts as well as restaurant have been redesigned, with these services also available to outside guests by reservation.
At the heart of the hotel’s wellness offerings is the Bel’Acqua Spa, where relaxation meets sustainability. The spa uses products exclusively from Scens, a 100% organic and vegan brand.
Guests can unwind in the spa’s heated indoor pool, or take advantage of its jacuzzi, sensation shower, sauna, and Turkish bath.
With two treatment rooms and a serene relaxation area, the spa’s focus is on offering a comprehensive experience.
“The circuit was designed to boost cardio health and circulation from the inside out,” explained the head of the spa, Abel Correia.
Central to this wellness concept is thermotherapy, which involves alternating between the spa’s indoor and outdoor pools, allowing guests to soak in vitamin D from the Algarve sun whilst benefiting from the therapeutic properties of the water.
Another highlight is the hotel’s Terra-Mar restaurant.
Head chef Angelo Starnini, with experience in renowned hotel chains like Iberostar, Pestana, and Tivoli, has crafted a menu that celebrates local flavours whilst embracing his international influences from Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. His dishes pay homage to the Algarve’s rich culinary heritage, with a focus on “simplicity and authenticity in distinctive and tasty dishes in an elegant and refined way, always with fresh and quality ingredients”.
To whet the appetite, the chef recommends the octopus carpaccio or prawns cooked in olive oil and garlic.
For mains, dishes such as seafood rice and octopus with Aljezur’s famous sweet potatoes are always a hit. Vegetarian options include the elaborate mushroom risotto, featuring three varieties of mushrooms and a rich truffle sauce, and meat lovers will find delight in the black Angus steak, served Uruguay-style with a choice of regular or sweet potato fries. If you prefer fish, the grilled salmon or the tuna steak are equally satisfying options.
To conclude, the Romeo and Juliet dessert, made with goat’s cheese ice cream with guava syrup, promises a sweet and memorable finish.
“This is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through flavours,” Starnini explains, noting that every “every detail, from the menu to the presentation, is designed to offer an authentic and memorable experience”.
To accompany the dining experience, the restaurant offers a curated selection of wines, all produced in Portugal.
The Algarve’s Cabrita red, white, and rosé wines are particularly highlighted, enhancing the local touch that runs throughout the hotel’s offerings.
Boasting stunning sea views over Praia da Luz, the hotel has also made significant strides in sustainability.
Photovoltaic panels, comprehensive recycling practices, and electric vehicle chargers have been implemented to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint.
Each of the 45 rooms, as well as the communal areas, are fully equipped with modern comforts, to ensure “a sophisticated, comfortable, and functional space”, according to marketing director César Coelho.
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