The 20-room Vila Joya is a luxury boutique hotel that begs for superlatives. The palatial hilltop villa overlooks a sandy Atlantic Ocean beach, creating a peaceful, refined setting west of Albufeira, with a few restaurants within walking distance. Elegant rooms and suites blend classic and modern details, and all but one feature sea views. The big bathrooms (some with soaking tubs) and large furnished terraces or balconies are impressive as well. Even though there are two outdoor pools, a premium spa, tennis courts, and on-site shops, it's the Michelin-star dining that really steals the show.

Situated on a cliff facing the ocean, the luxury Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa has the feel of an elegant estate and village spanning 54 acres of garden grounds. The property has 180 rooms, the most basic of which have contemporary decor by local artists, sunken living rooms, and outdoor areas. Many features are off-site or seasonal, but the resort presents a slew of dining and recreation options, along with access to a small beach with Portugal's largest reef offshore. The eight restaurants include a two-star Michelin spot, and there are six bars and an elegant wine cellar. Other bonuses are the European-style holistic spa, eight swimming pools, kids' clubs, and golf facilities.

The Epic Sana is an 226-room luxury resort characterized by ultra-modern interiors and high-end facilities. Its lush, immaculate grounds offer direct access to a beautiful stretch of sandy beach on the Algarve coast. The 229 chic rooms feature high-end amenities such as Nespresso machines, and many have views of the Atlantic from their terraces. Sleek bathrooms have both showers and stand-alone soaking tubs. With great dining, decent family-friendly facilities, and a super-luxe spa, the hotel stands out as one of the best in the region.

Thanks to its slightly secluded location, large and serene garden grounds, and cliffside ocean views, the Blue & Green Vilalara Thalassa Resort is ideal for couples or families looking for a relaxing vacation. This 131-room luxury resort is outfitted in a modern Mediterranean style and features one of Europe's top thalassotherapy spas, as well as six pools, a kids' club, private beach access, and two restaurants and bars. Spacious rooms come with minibars, Nespresso machines, and sleek bathrooms, plus breakfast is included

The Tivoli Victoria is a smart and modern luxury resort surrounded by championship-level golf courses on the outskirts of Vilamoura. While there's little within walking distance, the stunning red cliff beach of Praia da Falesia is a 10-minute drive away. Rooms and suites are attractive, with impressive amenities that include Nespresso coffeemakers and luxurious bathrooms, plus balcony daybeds. Decent dining, three bars, and range of pools makes for a self-contained stay, though one that can lack atmosphere outside of peak season. Shuttles to golf courses and Vilamoura's marina are included.

Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort is luxury property set on a cliff over the Atlantic Ocean, and is roughly 10 minutes by car from the heart of Lagos. There are also several popular beaches nearby. The 88 rooms and 55 apartments here are clean and decorated in either Asian, European, South American, or African decor, and all have free Wi-Fi, spacious bathrooms, and balconies. Sports facilities include a roomy gym plus several pools and tennis courts (fees required for some activities). The serene Tainai Spa is another property highlight. While there are dining options, one is only open for dinner and the other is open seasonally.

Located right on Vilamoura Beach and a short walk from the marina, the 323-room Crowne Plaza is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. Stylish rooms have elegant beach decor in neutral tones and with wicker accents, and feature free Wi-Fi, upscale bathrooms, and furnished balconies with great views. The grounds are sprawling and beautiful, with a large lagoon-style pool, big lawns dotted with loungers, and several restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. The spa is a highlight here, with an indoor pool, a great treatments menu, and a gym -- but there are fees for fitness classes and for access to the pool (common in Algarve). A kids’ club, a kiddy pool with water features, and a large ship-shaped playground keep children busy.