A luxury spa break in the mountains at Macdonald Monchique, the Algarve

Going to the Algarve in January may seem a bit rogue - surely you'd want to hit up those beaches in summer, no? Well, yes, that's delightful. But the Algarve is actually more than the coast, which I recently discovered on a little spa break at Macdonald Monchique.

The new five-star spa resort is found up in the mountains of southern Portugal, and I figured it might just be the perfect place to escape to at the end of January.

With my sister - who was certainly in need of relaxation after her finals at uni - in tow, we flew south for a spot of pampering and winter sun.

The resort as a whole

Macdonald Monique is by no means traditionally Portuguese in design, but it's modern, elegant and incredibly stylish. We loved the decor.

The resort is absolutely huge - spaced out over seemingly endless levels (this is up a mountain after all), it was a little confusing to navigate around, but we managed. It's very cleverly arranged really.

There are tons of eateries, all with a slightly different look, feel and menu. This being January and the resort being quiet though, unfortunately they weren't all open.

Throughout the resort, there seemed to be Michael Buble and general jazz tunes being played, but tbh I thoroughly enjoyed that. It was lovely and relaxed.


Our room

Holly and I were fortunate enough to be staying in a huge suite with an incredible balcony and view.

Not only did we have a spacious bedroom, but a living, dining and kitchen area too. So great! It was like our own little apartment.

Despite the fact that there's free guest wifi throughout the resort, each room has their own private wifi which was just incredible really. Deffos appreciated that.

Oh, and there were two bathrooms too, which - like the kitchen - was not really necessary but totally fun. It was nice to have both a shower and a bath, alongside our tons of toiletries and robes, but the towels were a touch on the small side in my opinion.

When we went out on to our balcony at night, I was blown away by just how many stars I could see - it was stunning.


Breakfasts

The best meal of the day did not disappoint at Macdonald Monchique. There. Was. Everything.

In fact, we didn't even realise at first quite how much choice there was as it was all a little hidden, but it didn't take us long.

There were six different juices, still and sparkling water, and even espumante (sparkling wine) so obvs I had a bellini because they are possibly my favourite drink in the world.

There were loads of pastries and cakes including classic Portuguese custard tarts. The array of fresh fruit was fantastic - there were some tinned peaches but tbh I like them too.

I was also pleased to find peanut butter on offer because - as someone who has spent many a summer holiday in the Algarve - I know it's not so easy to come by.

There weren't loads of cereals, but there was a good hot menu, from which you could order everything from freshly scrambled eggs to pancakes.

Lunches

We ate our first lunch out on the terrace in the sunshine which was just the dream.

I really enjoyed how lunches and dinners always started with a beautiful bread basket (alongside interesting dips, spreads, butters and olive oil) - why isn't that a thing in the UK? We would probably all be obese if it was but dayyyyyum bread tho.

We chose relatively simple dishes - bolognese and a burger...

With grilled veggies and a salad. Do be warned there aren't many veggie options at Macdonald Monchique, and as someone who isn't a huge meat-eater I wasn't spoiled for choice.

The food was all delicious and definitely fresh though - the menu changes seasonally and focuses on local ingredients, which I love.

Followed by a local speciality: tarte de Alfarroba e figos (basically carob and fig tart).

And a chocolate mousse for Holly.

We stayed inside for our second lunch (the next day, that is), and it was a deliciously carby affair:

Is there anything more comforting than a huge plateful of pasta? I'm not sure.

A beautifully colourful fruit salad and hot chocolates to finish.

Dinners

Although some of the restaurants were closed, the bar was fortunately open, so Holly and I took the opportunity to have a couple of Champagne cocktails one evening. Yeahhhh we classy.

I had three very different but delectable dinners at Macdonald Monchique - there was a traditional chicken piri piri with the most scrumptious yellow sweet potato, a bun-less burger (not my choice and seemed a bit random but was delicious nonetheless) and a surprisingly amazingly delicious veggie curry.

I loved that for most of the dishes, you could choose whichever two sides you like - I thoroughly recommend the spiced wedges. They were absolute perfection.

For her part, Holly fell a little in love with the green beans with bacon.

We had a couple of cracking puddings too - one night I went for that classic Portuguese dessert of apple crumble (ahem), however I had it with peanut butter icing which OMG you must totally do. It was scrumptious.

I was most excited upon seeing the below on the menu: chocolate brownie with peanut butter ice cream, caramelised walnuts and banana puree.

Obviously, it was delicious, but tbh somehow wasn't quuuuiiite as good as I'd been expecting. Personally, I think it would've been better warm. The presentation was beautiful though and I loved the flavour combo.


Activities

There's a lot going on at Macdonald Monchique, but one of my favourite activities during our stay was actually being taken on a guided walk of the surroundings.

We strolled up and down the mountains, past waterfalls and natural hot springs, through different terrains and the nearby little town.

I could hear birds singing, the air was so fresh and it was so wonderfully green.

As a Londoner, it felt so wonderful to be properly in nature, and I was loving all the greenery.

It was so calm and still and really felt like spring was on its way.

The next day we did a BodyFit class back at the resort which I was surprised to actually enjoy - there are lots of classes on offer which I thought was great.


The spa

The spa is perhaps the most unique part of the resort, and we loved it - Holly and I both had full body massages which left me feeling v zen.

We also made the most of the thermal circuit which included lots of fun things like scented rain showers with rainforest sound effects, steam rooms, foot jacuzzis and a sauna.

Unfortunately it was a little chilly to take a dip in the outside pool but we did have a little swim in the indoor one.

As the sun made its way to bed, it was bathed in the most beautiful light.

I actually would've liked the pool to be warmer still but what Holly and I both did love were the heated loungers.

Absolutely dreamy.

It's safe to say I left Macdonald Monchique feeling wonderfully relaxed and happy - it had been the most delightful and luxurious stay, and the service had been faultless throughout. The staff really were fantastic.

I half want to go back in peak season to make the most of the heat, but at the same time, it was pretty darn awesome feeling like we had the resort to ourselves half the time. It was possibly the perfect sister break too - I think the (Portu-)gals will be back.

Holly and I were guests at Macdonald Monchique but all opinions are completely honest and unbiased.

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