Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor, launches summer program for 2026 | News
The Algarve is more accessible than ever, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Dublin and major European cities. United Airlines has also resumed its nonstop summer service between Newark and Faro, operating four times a week and providing direct access to the region for North American travelers.
Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor is located just 30 minutes from Faro International Airport, in an exclusive area of Vilamoura overlooking the Els Club Vilamoura Golf Course. For the summer season, the resort has introduced a collection of new experiences for guests and locals alike.
WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER 2026:
Botanic Terrace Bar, a new rooftop destination
RIA, the resort’s specialty restaurant, new seasonal menus and weekly barbecue evenings
Sensai Asian Restaurant reopens for the summer season
The Kids Club will reopen for the summer
Below you will find more details about each experience, alongside a selection of activities available outside the resort and which can be arranged through the concierge and hotel team.
From June 6: Botanic Terrace Bar, a new rooftop destination
Botanic Terrace Bar is a fresh addition to Vilamoura’s social scene. Inspired by the botanical character and relaxed atmosphere of the hotel’s signature Botanic Bar, the adults-only rooftop pop-up is open daily from 6pm to midnight all season long.
Designed for long summer evenings, the space is suitable for everything from sunset aperitifs to after-dinner drinks. Guests can enjoy live music and unobstructed views over The Els Club Vilamoura every evening, accompanied by a menu of signature cocktails.
From June 10: RIA restaurant new seasonal menus and weekly BBQ evenings
Restaurant RIA celebrates the flavors of the Algarve and Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, presenting the region’s best seafood dishes, sourced from the Algarve coast and nearby Ria Formosa. This summer, guests can discover new lunch, dinner and vegetarian menus created by Chef Anabela Francisco.
Appetizers include croaker ceviche with ginger, lime, chili peppers, sweet potato and crispy corn; tuna tartare with pineapple compote, pickled red onion and melba toast; strawberry gazpacho with balsamic pearls and mint; and tenderloin with pickle, ancient mustard, butter and parsley. Specialties include truffle cod, small fries, salted egg yolk, olives and a creamy parsley sauce. Other highlights include Lula Braseada; stewed squid served with passion fruit butter, caviar, chili flakes, lime and jasmine rice. Vegetarian options include beet tartare with pineapple compote and nuts, a vegan Cataplana with tofu, chickpeas and sweet potato. Also on the menu Texturas de couve-flor “cauliflower textures” served with stewed lentils, spicy almonds and chimichurri sauce.
RIA is also introducing weekly BBQ evenings, running from Tuesday to Saturday. The al fresco dining experience features freshly grilled local seafood and a relaxed atmosphere for long Algarve summer evenings, with live music every Thursday.
From June 15: Sensai Asian Restaurant reopens for the summer season
Open daily for dinner from 6pm to 10:30pm, Sensai returns with a menu shaped by Chef Rui Viegas’ culinary journey through Thailand and wider Asia. The menu reflects his experiences in the region, inspired by Thai and wider Asian cuisine, with an emphasis on bold flavours. Dishes include scallop with sweet potato, coconut milk, curry and toasted sesame seeds; shrimp Thai red curry with coconut milk and lemongrass; bao filled with slow-cooked sweet and sour pork, pickled red onion and coleslaw; and KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) with BBQ sauce and sesame seeds.
At the heart of Sensai is the Omakase experience led by Brazilian-Japanese sushi chef Fábio Terada. Here the precision of Japanese technique is combined with the freshest seafood from the Algarve, with menus shaped by the market and the daily catch. Omakase means ‘trust the chef’ and invites guests to the creativity of the cuisine, with 18- and 36-piece selections changing depending on seasonality and availability. In addition, Edomae-style sushi consists of market fish such as salmon, bluefin tuna, sea bass and eel. The teppanyaki grill combines premium cuts of meat including Iberian pork plum, grain-fed beef tenderloin, cowboy steak, flat iron steak and free-range chicken supreme.
From June 15: Kids Club reopens for the summer
The resort’s 260 rooms include a range of family-friendly accommodation, from junior suites with separate living areas to larger family suites, as well as connecting rooms designed to offer greater flexibility for those traveling with children.
The Kids Club is open daily from 10am to 6pm and offers a program of creative workshops, games and outdoor activities for younger guests between the ages of 4 and 11. While the kids have fun, parents can take advantage of the resort’s wider facilities, including the spa and tennis court.
Families are well catered for, with children’s menus available in the resort’s restaurants and four outdoor pools, including dedicated baby and children’s pools in addition to the resort’s main pools.
Past the resort
The Algarve is one of Europe’s most sought-after summer destinations, renowned for its year-round sunshine, golden coastline, golfing opportunities, fresh seafood and rich cultural heritage. The region offers a diverse mix of experiences, with Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, managed by Accor, providing an ideal base from which to explore the area.
The nearby town of Loulé is known as the artisan capital of the Algarve and is home to the famous Loulé Market, where covered stalls offer everything from fresh fish and seafood, meats, breads and pastries to regional sweets, wines, liqueurs, spices, textiles and handmade souvenirs. On Saturdays the market expands outside with the weekly farmers’ market.
Just outside the town of Moncarapacho, the expert growers and producers of the Monterosa estate create the region’s best olive oil. During a guided tour, visitors can learn how olive oil is produced, from grove to mill. Porches Pottery has been a local institution since 1968; Family-run Olaria is home to skilled artisans who produce distinctive hand-painted ceramics, including the traditional pots and tiles for which the workshop is renowned.
Families and active travelers can make the most of the region’s outdoor activities, from coastal walks and cycle routes to private surfing lessons at Praia da Falésia, suitable for all ages and abilities. Private boat excursions reveal hidden coves, sea caves and beaches along the coastline, including Boneca, Algar Seco, Vale Covo, Vale Centeanes, Carvalho and the iconic Benagil Cave, where a natural skylight opens above the sea-carved cave.
For golf enthusiasts, Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor enjoys a privileged location overlooking the Els Club Vilamoura with direct private access to the golf course. The resort is the only property where guests can stay and have access to the private members club under an exclusive stay-and-play package, with tee times made available to resort guests.
The Els Club Vilamoura is the first Els Club in Europe and was officially opened by Ernie Els in July 2025. The 18-hole championship course is a complete redesign of the former Victoria Course and reflects Els’ vision of a layout rooted in tradition, strategic challenge and harmony with the natural landscape.
In addition to The Els Club Vilamoura, golfers can enjoy easy access to some of the Algarve’s most notable courses, including the Old Course Vilamoura, Millennium, Laguna, Pinhal, Vila Sol, Vale do Lobo Royal and Ocean, and the North, South and Laranjal courses of Quinta do Lago.
Room rates and booking
Room rates start from £132 / €152 / $165 per night and can be made at and bookings can be made at https://all.accor.com/hotel/C4M8/index.en.shtml. A family offer is available, ideal for larger groups and multi-generational stays: the Twice the Comfort for the whole family from €399, which gives a 50% discount on the second room booked.
