A different kind of luxury in Albufeira

But rather than making every W look the same, each property takes inspiration from its destination – and this is where W Algarve becomes particularly interesting.

Here, the Algarve is much more than simply the location. Its coastline, sea caves, fishing traditions, colours and Portuguese craftsmanship have all found their way into the hotel’s design, sometimes in places you might not notice at first.

Galé, Evaristo and Castelo are among my favourite beaches on the Algarve coast. I come to this part of Albufeira often, which is why I still remember W Algarve being built. Long before it was finished, its unusual white walls were already visible from the road, and I remember thinking: Wow, a new hotel here – I definitely need to visit when it opens.

Fast forward a few years and I finally had the opportunity to do exactly that.

What I discovered is that W Algarve is much more connected to its location than I had realised. W Hotels around the world share the same bold personality, but each one takes inspiration from its destination. Here, the Algarve is everywhere – sometimes obviously, and sometimes hidden in details you might easily walk past.

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The Algarve hidden in the design

Even from the outside, W Algarve stands out. Instead of a typical hotel façade, parts of the building are wrapped in striking white perforated panels. The openings allow light to pass through while providing privacy without completely closing off the views. As the sun moves, the light and shadows across the building change with it.

Then there are the shimmering tiles covering parts of the balconies. Depending on the light, they seem to change colour, and their scale-like appearance is a reference to the Algarve’s fishing heritage.

The famous curved sea caves of the Algarve, including Benagil, were part of the inspiration behind the flowing forms of the interiors, while blues, aquamarines and turquoise reference the Atlantic and the Algarve sky. Portuguese ceramics, mosaics, azulejos and crochet appear alongside references to fishing, Moorish heritage and the region’s surf culture.

When you enter the hotel, one of the first details to catch your eye is an installation made from handmade Portuguese ceramic plates by Vista Alegre.

Even the room doors bring another splash of colour. Ours was blue, and we were told the different colours are a nod to the colourful doors and houses traditionally found in Portuguese towns and villages.

The bedrooms continue the story through smaller details: filigree-inspired bedside lights, ceramic mosaics, crochet patterns worked into the glass between the bedroom and bathroom and other references to Portuguese craftsmanship.

Luxury, but not the traditional kind

It would probably take several pages to describe everything W Algarve offers, but what struck me most is that it doesn't feel luxurious in the traditional, formal sense. It is younger, relaxed and playful.

That makes more sense when you look at W itself. The brand was born in New York and built its identity around design, music, socialising and wellness. At W Algarve, that personality has simply been given an Algarve setting.

There is also the brand's Whatever/Whenever service. The idea is simple: if there is something you need during your stay, the team will try to make it happen. Birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions can be personalised, but it can also be something as simple as arranging an experience or helping with a request during your stay.

And there is plenty happening without leaving the resort. W Algarve has 134 hotel rooms and suites, AWAY Spa, the FIT gym, WET Deck, several restaurants and bars and a programme that includes everything from yoga and wellness to DJs and music events.

One of my favourite features, however, is much simpler: water.

From Market Kitchen, where breakfast is served, you overlook the hotel's large fountain.

During the day it is calming, but in the evening it transforms with music, moving water and colourful lights. At the entrance, there is another water feature, where the huge W appears almost to float above the water.

Sunset at AIR

And then there are the sunsets.

The hotel rooms and suites face west, making the most of the afternoon light, but one of the best places to watch the day end is AIR.

The name couldn't be more appropriate. This open-air lounge sits on the cliffs above the coast, close to Evaristo Beach, with panoramic coastal views. Comfortable seating, cocktails, something to eat and music make it an easy place to spend the end of the day. During the summer months, DJs and music sessions add even more energy.

Watching the sunset from here, with the Atlantic in front of you, is one of those moments when W's international lifestyle concept and its Algarve location come together perfectly.

From Portugal to Milan

For dinner, there is no need to leave the hotel either – and there is more than one option.

Market Kitchen is the hotel's relaxed all-day restaurant, where southern Portuguese flavours meet international influences. VINO takes things in another direction, with an intimate dining experience, more than 200 wine labels and five- and seven-course tasting menus with optional wine pairing.

This time, however, we opted for Paper Moon.

The Paper Moon story began in Milan in 1977, and the restaurant at W Algarve brings that Italian heritage to Portugal. Expect Italian classics, pasta, fish and seafood, served in surroundings that feel completely different from the colourful character found throughout much of the hotel.

Step inside and suddenly everything becomes more understated. White timber, monochrome flooring and a gallery of framed photographs against white walls create the chic black-and-white style associated with Paper Moon. It feels distinctly Milanese, yet outside the windows you are still very much in the Algarve, overlooking the resort and the Atlantic.

And perhaps it’s the contrast that sums up W Algarve rather well.

It is unmistakably W – bold, modern, social and sometimes unexpected – but look beyond the first impression, and you start noticing how much of the Algarve has been worked into it.

From fishing traditions and Portuguese craftsmanship to sea caves, Atlantic colours and sunsets, the destination isn't simply the backdrop.

It is part of the hotel itself.