Hotel Review: Tivoli Carvoeiro, Portugal

Editor Sophie Ritchie discovers a stay of sleek ocean serenity at Tivoli Carvoeiro in Portugal

When it comes to location, Tivoli Carvoeiro has a setting so sublime it could make Lord Byron himself blush. Built by the side of the impressive Carvoeiro cliffs, this five-star hotel allows guests to star into their very own Hollywood blockbuster every time they pull the curtains.

Fully-refurbished back in 2017, many efforts have been made to ensure Tivoli Cairvero  stands out against a competitive backdrop of other Algarve resorts. Enter the capacious reception and check-in to find 248 beautiful bedrooms, plus suites with covetable balconies and larger family rooms.

As well as completely revamping the interiors, the extensive makeover also unveiled a serenity-inducing Tivoli Spa, plus chic restaurants and a new-look gym.

Appearances may have changed but the hospitality remains the same – the genuine warmth of the staff brings the entire property to life, even on (rare) cloudy days.

Surrounded by the sounds of waves crashing and little else, its white-washed walls draw as much inspiration from the surrounding nature as they do from man-made design.

The result? A coastal hideaway with awe-inspiring views, airy uncluttered interiors and plenty of locally sourced Algarve cuisine.

The Room

There’s a variety of room categories to choose from, ranging from the Deluxe Room to the blow-out Carvoeiro Suite (the bathroom alone is filled with Bulgari goodies).

For something special that won’t require several months’ rent, opt for a Deluxe Sea View Room. Vast in size with a contemporary feel, these dreamy rooms boast glass-front balconies that showcase outstanding views across an enormous outdoor pool and the Atlantic Ocean. Sit back, relax and simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Furnished with teal and cream colours that further reflect the surroundings, dive into the double bed, make the most of the Nespresso machine or enjoy the large bathroom and even larger rain shower.

The Food

Take your pick from Tivoli Carvoeiro’s three bars and a trio of restaurants, all of which offer flavours of Portugal with a focus on seasonal cuisine.

Mare Bistro presents relaxed yet upscale dining, serving fresh fish and delicate bites. Med Food & Wine is also a must for seafood lovers – dig a fork into flavours of the Atlantic and age-old Portuguese traditions.

Breakfast is also served here, a belly-busting buffet brimming with cereals, breads, pastries, hot options and even Champagne (with accompanying strawberries, of course).

Both of the above are closed for main meals during winter, so if you visit during chillier months, feast at Azur Bar – a stylish restaurant complete with terrace space providing impressive views.

Make your way through platters of nibbles, order a light meal or simply sip the day away with mixologist-conjured cocktails.

For fine dining with a little more flair, The One Wine Boutique is the culinary jewel of Tivoli Carvoeiro, hailing national produce and championing the tastes of Portugese cuisine.

Filled with pale blue velvet seating plus a glass display boasting an impressive wine collection, dinner here is a gorgeously gourmet affair.

In summer, head to the rooftop for a tipple at Sky Bar – a lively rooftop hotspot where live music, cocktails and glorious sunset scenery awaits.

What to Do

1 De-stress at the spa
Detox and unwind at the Tivoli Spa, a calming space specialising in holistic healing. Treatments use Voya Organic Beauty products, as well as local ingredients found on the hotel’s doorstep – another example of nature’s strong incorporation into the hotel.

Complete with steam room, sauna and indoor swimming pool, spoil yourself with an afternoon of lounging followed by an expert massage or scrub.

2 Discover Carvoeiro
Make your way along the impressive coastline etched with towering cliffs and take the boardwalk to Carvoeiro, a picturesque beach town filled with vibrant eateries and shopping opportunities. A former small fishing village, Carvoeiro now catches more tourists than tuna – it’s filled with visitors browsing and perusing its wares.

3 Try authentic wine tasting
Wine buffs can enjoy informative wine tastings at Cabrita, a nearby family-run winery creating fresh, elegant and highly gastronomical wines. Complete with nibbles, the tasting sessions make an excellent activity for those looking to deepen their understanding of Algarve wines in delicious fashion.

The Wordrobe Verdict