Macdonald Hotels & Resorts opens first property in Portugal

UK hotel group Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has opened its first property in Portugal, in the coastal Algarve region.

The five-start Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa is located a 15-minute drive from the coast and features a series of facilities and amenities, including the Sensorial Spa. 

The spa works with British skincare brand Espa and local Portuguese brand Monchique Cosmetics, which uses thermal water in its products

Facilities at the spa include eight treatment rooms, a Himalayan rock salt sauna, aroma grotto, steam room, spa lounge and two relaxation rooms: Light Relax and Deep Relax.

The thermal area at the spa features a hydro pool, relaxation pool, experience showers, heated marble loungers and an ice cabin. There is also an outdoor whirlpool.

Alex Collins, group spa director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said: “The resort blends the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts ethos of taking wellness seriously and Portuguese heritage through design, beauty and the incorporation of Monchique Cosmetics.”

“Sensorial Spa is perfect for those wanting to escape the UK and those regionally based who would like to visit for a spa day.”

Other wellbeing-related offerings at the resort include a fitness centre, two swimming pools, and a collection of wellness programmes comprising yoga, meditation, pilates and more. 

The resort also offers Zumba, Fitball and Aquafit and Aquafun classes, as well as personal training services.

The Macdonald group comprises more than 45 hotels in the UK and a total of 10 resorts in the UK and Spain. The group also operates 23 spas, across its different properties.