Head south to the golden beaches of the Algarve at one of these seaside retreats. Whether you stay in charming Tavira, along the cliffs of Carvoeiro, or at a wellness retreat just off the Ponta da Piedade, these hotels range from former convents to sprawling resorts and can provide a vacation for any taste.

Pousada de Tavira

Photo courtesy of Pousada de Tavira

If you want to stay in the very historic center of Tavira, one of the Algarve's most interesting towns, stay at the Pousada de Tavira. The hotel was once the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça da Ordem de Santo Agostinho in the 16th century. It has been reconstructed to become a hotel while maintaining its graceful columns, Baroque staircase, and sunny courtyard.

Tavira's main attractions and restaurants are a short walk away, as is the ferry to the Ilha de Tavira beach. Wake up to an extensive breakfast served in the courtyard with fresh pastries, fruit, and more. The space then becomes the Mouraria restaurant, which serves elevated Portuguese cuisine. Lounge in one of the many corners of the courtyard or alongside the outdoor pool, or head to the Magic Spa for maximum relaxation.

Ozadi Tavira

Photo courtesy of Ozadi Tavira

If you want to be near Tavira but not directly in town, the Ozadi Tavira sits just outside of Tavira proper, making it ideal for families or guests on self-drive trips who want a more relaxed pastoral environment. Its 77 rooms were completely renovated in 2014 while maintaining its original structure and retro 1970s charm.

Active guests especially have a slew of options to choose from, with running training groups and camps, a padel court, nearby golf courses, and a fitness room in addition to the outdoor pool. Take a casual stroll through the gardens or spend some time with a book in one of the lounges. At mealtime, choose between a buffet at Ozadi Terrace or an a la carte menu at Orangea Bistro and the third-floor cocktail bar or poolside bar when you decide it's happy hour. Meanwhile, families can take advantage of the kids' club and children's pool.

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Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

Photo courtesy of Tivoli Carvoeiro

Get a classic Algarve experience at the five-star Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, overlooking the Atlantic surf on the golden Vale Covo cliffside. There are 248 just-renovated modern rooms available, including some with private balconies or extra space to fit the whole family.

Lounge by the circular pools by day or make your way down to the beach, which you likely won't have to share with too many other people. There's a total of five restaurants and bars on the premises, including the local wine and seafood at Med Food & Wine, Portuguese cuisine at The One Gourmet, and light bites at Mare Bistro. Head to Ocean View Azur Bar or Sky Bar Carvoeiro for cocktails and ocean views when the sun starts to go down. The tranquil Tivoli Spa offers soothing treatments, a steam room, a sauna, an indoor pool, medical aesthetic options, yoga, and meditative nature walks.

Cascade Wellness Resort

Photo courtesy of Cascade Wellness Resort

Five-star Cascade Wellness Resort offers an active wellness retreat along the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, between the Lagos city center and the Porto de Mós beach. There's a slew of options to choose from in every arena at Cascade, starting with your sleeping quarters. Stay in a room, suite, one- or two-bedroom apartment, or independent four-bedroom villa.

When you're ready to "sail the path of wellness," you can get a fully customized mind and body wellness program. Swim in one of the three pools or out in the Atlantic, go for a run along the trails, or cycle along the paths of the Via Algarviana. Explore Monchique Mountain or get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard. On the premises, enjoy a boot camp class or a round of golf while children can frolic at the kids' club or football academy. Once it's rest time, take a yoga class or indulge in a massage or spa treatment with inspiration from four different continents. Then you've got the choice of three restaurants and two bars once you're ready for refreshments.