Luxury Wellness Escape in Algarve - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Quinta do Lago 

Enjoy lovely views of the Ria Formosa lagoons as you fly into Faro on Portugal's southern coast. Your driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in Quinta do Lago, about 20 minutes away. Set within Ria Formosa National Park, the Conrad Algarve makes for a luxurious home base.

Spend your first day relaxing on the beautiful grounds of this resort. Meet with a personal trainer for a wellness and fitness consultation. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment of your choice, and recharge after your journey in the spa's sensory zone. Take a dip in one of the pools, or perhaps head to the beach just steps away.   

Day 2: Cycling in Ria Formosa & Gourmet Dinner

This morning you'll set out on an easy three-hour cycling tour on the Ecovia Litoral biking trail set along the eastern Algarvian coast. You'll start in the atmospheric city of Faro, with its historic buildings and seaside charm. Pedal along past Ria Formosa's saltwater lagoons, sand dunes, and salt pans toward the island of Faro.  This area is renowned for its rich bird and aquatic life, and you'll be guided by a marine biologist who will tell you about the various species along the way.

Choose your own wellness activity this afternoon, with options ranging from a multi-sensory activated breathwork experience to more dynamic pastimes like tennis or its racquet sport cousin, padel. You'll be treated to a five-course gourmet dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the evening where you'll enjoy an enticing blend of vibrant Mediterranean cuisine with modern Scandinavian style.

Day 3: Sunrise Mini-Yoga Retreat in the Ria Formosa

Go on a mini-retreat today to one of the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa. Start your morning with a luxury sunrise cruise on a catamaran, where a farm-to-table brunch awaits. Arriving on the untouched island, you'll take part in a soothing hatha yoga class led by a private instructor. Explore the benefits of sound healing and meditation with this rejuvenating experience designed specifically for a beach setting.

Spend the rest of the day lounging by the sea and swimming in the clear waters of the Ria Formosa. Go snorkeling and see if you can spot its famous seahorses in their natural habitat. Return to the resort in the evening.

Day 4: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Lagoa

Get ready to hike to some of the best views in the western Algarve. Your private guide will lead you on an easy walk to the natural wonders of the Seven Hanging Valleys coastal path, where you'll discover the caves and coves that make this part of the country so special.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant or opt for a picnic on the stunning Praia da Marinha beach, where you can gaze at the turquoise waters and towering cliffs while you eat. Take the rest of the day to explore your surroundings and spend the night nearby, before returning to the Conrad Algarve in the morning.

Day 5: Healthy Algarvian Cooking Class from Market-to-Table

When you arrive back in Quinta do Lago, start your day with an optional fitness class of your choice, or cool off in one of the inviting outdoor pools.

Then head to Faro Market, where your guide will point out the best fruits, vegetable, and fish stalls as you walk through. Make your way to a culinary workshop taught by a professional chef. You'll learn how to prepare a three-course Algarvian meal using fresh, local, and nutritionist-approved ingredients.  After enjoying the spoils of your work, take a stroll through Faro's Old Town before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Activated Breathwork Workshop & Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Enjoy a relaxing morning with an optional two-hour activated breathwork class. This meditative, healing experience is designed to help you reconnect with your inner self.

In the afternoon, try a more active pursuit with stand up paddle boarding in the heart of the Ria Formosa. You'll be guided by a local biologist as you float along its quiet channels. Keep an eye out for herons, storks, or even flamingos!

Day 7: Free Day in Quinta do Lago

What you do today is up to you! Join a complimentary fitness class at the resort's fitness center and soak up the sun in an outdoor class on the terrace, or perhaps exercise with a personal trainer to cater to your own specific needs.

In the afternoon, laze around on the beach with a good book, or try activities like birdwatching, clam picking with a local fisherman, go-karting, or an island hopping tour of the Ria Formosa islands.

Day 8: Departure

It's time to say farewell to the stunning Algarve and prepare for your return home. Head to the airport to catch your flight and enjoy your last views of the majestic lagoons as the plane climbs up over the water. Until next time!