Attracting tourists from all over the world with its breathtaking seascapes, magnificent landscaped gardens and impeccable service, a luxury resort VILA VITA PARC celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2022 — presenting a series of exclusive events, where the gastronomic theme, always stood out for its sophistication and uniqueness, occupies a special place.
VILA VITA PARC is part of the world-famous Leading Hotels Of The World collection and was ranked 19th in the list of 30 “Best Resorts in the World” by CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER Readers’ Choice Awards, the longest running and most prestigious award for excellence in tourism industry.
As General Manager of VILA VITA PARC Kurt Gillig commented: “We are thrilled with this recognition by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and we will continue to enhance our wellness credentials so that VILA VITA PARC remains one of the go-to destinations in Portugal for guests looking to improve their health and wellbeing in stylish surroundings”.
VILA VITA PARC enjoys a stunning clifftop location within beautiful subtropical gardens in the village of Porches, in Portugal’s Algarve, the region with the highest number of sunny days in Portugal and one of the most popular places for entertainment.
VILA VITA PARC offers 203 rooms, suites and villas, 11 superb restaurants ranging from casual beachfront dining to 2-Michelin star fine dining, a wine cellar with Portugal’s largest private wine collection, 7 swimming pools, a private yacht, a heliport, kids clubs and programs for different ages, a beach club offering a variety of water sports, and a V-Life store with many respected brands.
RED CHALET — Glamorous Cliff Top Residence
The VILA VITA Collection (is owned and operated by VILA VITA PARC) comprises luxury villas and residences, dotted in secluded and unique spots in the Algarve – such as Galé, Salema and Armação de Pêra — offering either direct beach access or direct ocean views.
As VILA VITA Collection celebrates its 30th anniversary, VILA VITA PARC further cements its reputation as a leading player in the Algarve luxury rental market with the introduction of Red Chalet, located in the heart of Armação de Pêra, a charming village in Portugal’s picturesque Algarve.
The four-bedroom Red Chalet was built during the turn of the 20th century and inspired by the opulent luxury of the Belle Époque era. Originally known as ‘Chalet dos Caldas e Vasconcelos’, the property remained as a family summer home for almost 80 years, and this sense of familial warmth has been recreated in the Red Chalet.
The interiors of Red Chalet impress with their luxury, and the windows offer a magnificent view of the ocean. During the reconstruction, as many of the original elements as possible were preserved: unique wooden floors, antique chandeliers and a spectacular staircase.
The Moroccan influences of the architecture, with geometric designs on the shutters and ceilings, are also elegant reminders of the region’s rich cultural history.
The Red Chalet (sleeping up to 4 guests) also benefits from a small annex, the White House, in front of the property that offers a duplex suite with living room and terrace downstairs, and an ensuite bedroom upstairs, as well as a further self-contained studio with bedroom, shower room and balcony. Contemporary oasis that is perfect for younger members of the family eager for their own space, or families that travel with an au pair.
Guests at the Red Chalet are able to request a private chef, waiting staff and a personal assistant, concierge services, transfers, excursions, table reservations in restaurants, golf courses and spas, a yacht as well as take advantage of the exceptional facilities of VILA VITA PARC.
VILA VITA Collection is well-suited to travellers searching for beachside serenity and privacy, but with the luxurious comfort of a five-star hotel service.
GASTRONOMIC UNIVERSE
VILA VITA PARC has always been famous for its high quality and varied gastronomy, offering local cuisine along with world cuisine.
For the anniversary of VILA VITA PARC, the restaurants present their updated menus, and the restaurants, that opened recently, surprise and delight with their culinary highlights.
ROUTE OF INDIA — Hans Neuner’s Anniversary Menu
Hans Neuner, permanent chef of Ocean restaurant (2 Michelin stars), presented a new colorful chapter “Route of India”, taking guest on a journey with sojourns in Cape Verde, Ghana, Mozambique until arriving in Goa.
It is an exploration of the richness of flavours and ingredients characteristic of each area and, above all, of the influence brought by the caravels of the golden period of the Portuguese Discoveries to the valued Portuguese gastronomy.
The tasting menu respects the time of the products and the seasons of the year, which is also part of the VILA VITA PARC philosophy of sustainability.
The “Route of India” Itinerary includes fourteen distinct moments:
SETÚBAL — Goat and Sheep Cheese from Setúbal • Muscat Raisins
PORTUGAL — Smoked Mackerel • Barnacles • Trout Roe • Linseeds
GHANA — Ash Corn • Yam • Imperial Caviar
Let’s Go Fishing? That’s the way Bread serving is presented: OLIVE • TARRAGON • SEAWEED BREAD
LOST IN ANTARCTICA — Oyster from Ria Formosa • Dill • Cucumber • “Escabeche”
INSPIRED BY LA BARBATANA – INHAMBANE — Blue Crab • Green “Piri-piri” • Avocado
INSPIRED BY DONA SONIA – MOÇAMBIQUE — “Matapa” • Sole • Coconut • Peanut
INSPIRED BY DONA SARA – MOCAMBIQUE — Mozambique Wild Tiger Prawns • Tomato • XO Sauce
STREET FOOD ON THE WAY TO INHAMBANE — Pork “Pluma” • Pecan Nut • Cabbage • Fermented Garlic
ARRIVED IN GOA — Pyrenees Lamb • Mung Beans • Mango “Achar” • Purple Curry
CASHEW SEEDS – CASHEW FRUIT — “Mama Africa”
INSPIRED BY DONA GRACIETE – MOCAMBIQUE — Banana “Caldeirada” • Cardamom • “Sura” Cake
PETITS FOURS — Map with Route
The wine pairing is crafted by Sommelier Ricardo Rodrigues, always guided by a careful selection of national and international wines, with preference for limited and exclusive productions — unique opportunities for all appreciators and gourmands.
Prestige Wine Recommendation available to accompany the degustation menu:
- Pommery Cuvée Louise Brut Nature Champagne 2004, Champagne, France
- Azores Wine Company Canada do Monte 2018, Pico, Portugal
- Tement Zieregg Vinothek Reserve 2015, Südsteiermark, Austria
- M.O.B Gauvé 2015, Dão, Portugal
- Quanta Terra Branco 2012, Douro, Portugal
- Quinta de Baixo Poeirinho Baga 2015, Bairrada, Portugal
- D’Oliveiras Bal Madeira 1977, Madeira, Portugal
Menu — 235€
Premium Wine Recommendation — 350€
PRAIA DOURADA — Chilling Moments on the Beach
Praia Dourada, located right on the beach of Armação de Pêra with breathtaking views of the sparkling hues of the Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a modern, youthful atmosphere.
Perfectly balanced menu made up of ideal options for spending time together, complemented by a large selection of cocktails, natural juices and other products that will give you the taste of summer all year round.
Bright, airy and stylish, with bleached wood finishes and navy blues contrasting with neighboring fishermen’s huts, Praia Dourada offers a well-balanced selection of refreshing and light salads, grilled fish and meats, homemade burgers and pizzas, as well as meals that bring the ocean right to the table — ceviches, fish tacos, mussels, shrimp aioli, and delicious desserts.
Especially for the guests of VILA VITA PARC, a shuttle runs every hour from the hotel to the beach and back.
NANA on the Beach — gastronomic creations from Greece
Dedicated to the 30th anniversary VILA VITA PARC, new restaurant NANA on the Beach opened at Armação Beach Club — the restaurant where you can savour the Mediterranean side of life.
NANA on the Beach presents a bright modern Mediterranean menu full of traditional flavors and fresh ingredients, showcasing the simplicity of home cooking, very suitable for relaxing lunches and evenings, overlooking the sea and the nature reserve.
NANA on the Beach will be open until the end of the season, where you can taste, explore and enjoy every aspect of life on the beach, including various Mediterranean sauces of lightly spicy feta cheese or chickpeas with tahini and smoked paprika, cucumber yogurt, garlic and fresh herbs accompanied by homemade lavash from VILA VITA Bakery.
More appetizers and salads can be added to sauces, such as fried halloumi cheese, tomatoes and Kalamata olives, grilled octopus, chickpea falafel salad with celery, citrus and almonds. For a sweet finish, homemade Greek ricotta and honey cakes or homemade Greek ice cream with honey and nuts are good choices.
A wide selection of refreshing drinks and wines complement the menu as well as the background music of live guest DJ’s for a relaxed and summery, beachside atmosphere.
There is also a shuttle service from the hotel to the restaurant.
V-CLUB DISCO: The Soul of Party
On weekends, when dusk descends, it’s time to put on a beautiful outfit and dancing shoes and go to V-CLUB DISCO — glamorously luxe nightspot, which has been loved by fans since the very opening to dance to the best hits of the DJ.
The venue’s glam design features a spectacular led lit bar with some of the most exclusive beverage brands and a cutting-edge design DJ booth with front and backdrop led projection, creating an exclusive ambiance to have the best night.
V-CLUB DISCO hosts both local DJs and invited guests with their own special programs.
The club bar offers the most exclusive brands of drinks. And the collection of Dom Perignon champagne bottles gracefully plays with different shades of green, pink, blue, creating an even more exclusive atmosphere of the best night.
VILA VITA PARC Resort & Spa
Address: Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos
8400-450 Porches · Portugal
Contacts: reservas@vilavitaparc.com; +351 282 310 100
Instagram: @vilavitaparcresort
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE