With lush green landscapes and wide-stretching white sand beaches, The Algarve is the one of the most popular European destinations this summer. Just 30 minutes from Faro, between Albufeira and Villamura and overlooking the jaw dropping Falesia Beach, (complete with Gold Flag) Epic Sana is a contemporary family, group and solo friendly luxury retreat. Stylish rooms, suites, family apartments, an award winning restaurant and state of the art spa sit amongst 8 hectares of pine forests, olive groves and fragrant lavender gardens. Peruse the grounds and you'll stumble upon a Love Tree with over a hundred red and white hearts, naming couples who have taken their vows beneath...
The Rooms
A fresh, uplifting decor of natural woods and vivid greens bring the idyllic surroundings of the resort in. All 229 rooms, suites and apartments are spacious and airy, most with a lounge area and huge freestanding bath - some with a clever sliding door you can open for sea views whilst you bathe. Bathrooms are contemporary and spacious and with the generous supply of Aromatherapy Associates products and multi-jet rain showers, you can create your own petit 'in room' spa.
For families and groups there are 43 apartments in a separate annex complex, complete with a complimentary Italian brunch restaurant, so you can re-fuel little ones at any time of day. Upgrade to a duplex suite, set over two floors with a lounge, private garden area and balcony for an ultra-luxe stay.
The Spa
Inspired by the Orient, The vast Savanna Wellness Spa spans two floors. Hypnotic music and aromatherapy candles create a sense of tranquility as soon as you enter. Boasting five swimming pools, a Hammam, sauna and seven treatment rooms, the spa's pieces de resistance are the two outdoor treatment pavilions with relaxation decks and private hot tubs offering panoramic ocean views. Adjacent to the spa sits a state of the art gym, complete with personal trainers offering cardiovascular and weight training, and a fitness centre with aerobics, pilates and yoga classes.
Throughout the year the spa runs a number of wellness programmes focusing on the rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit including Bootcamp, Detox, Reshape, De-Stress, and Anti-ageing. Each retreat includes individual consultations to create bespoke spa and exercise programmes and healthy meal plans.
Activities at the resort include Pilates, yoga, nature hikes, cycling, personal training, aqua aerobics and stand up paddle boarding. The Kids Club offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
The Treatment
The Botox Effect Facial by MCCM, a luxury Spanish skincare brand, begins with an in depth a skin diagnosis. A double deep cleanse is followed by a vitamin E enriched glycol acid peel to exfoliate the skin and banish dead skin cells. A super-rich hydrating collagen infused mask is then placed on the face and neck, whilst a reflexology foot massage is performed. The treatment concludes with a spritz of anti-ageing rose oil and an application of a collagen enriched serum.
Other treatments include: Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Massage, Savanna Detox Body Scrub, Hara-Shiatsu Massage, Vichy Relaxation, Platinum Facial, Hikari Lymphatic Drainage.
To Eat
Located adjacent to the pool area, Open Deck serves up fresh local grilled fish and seafood, salads, snack and juices. Try the Asian Tofu Salad and Energy Juice for a midday 'pick me up'. The award-winning Al Quimia is headed up by Chef Luis Mourao and offers a modern twist on Portuguese cuisine. The resort's main restaurant, Abyad, serves hearty and healthy breakfasts and themed buffets every evening.
The Deal
Room rates start at 430 Euro based on two sharing (July - August 2016). Wellness Retreats and offers are available throughout the year. Yoga Wellness (based on two sharing) starts from 1,725 Euro (July - August 2016)
EasyJet flies to Faro from Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend and Newcastle airports with prices starting £39.74 per person (return, including taxes and based on two people on the same booking). All flights can be booked at www.easyjet.com
Words: Lisa Stokes