10 Reasons why Dunas Douradas Beach Club is the perfect family resort:

There are several great reasons as to why the Algarve is one of the best places to go for a family holiday. We've put together some of the features of our resort that make it the ideal place for families with children of all ages. 

1. We have a fantastic Kids Club that will make sure that the youngest ones are perfectly happy if you want a bit of alone time, or just simply want to spend some quality time with your teens. 
2. We have a restaurant in the club house that is perfect for all ages. We are very child friendly in the resort; you won’t have to deal with people getting angry with you if your children are misbehaving. In high seasons we also offer a complimentary kids area by the restaurant with movies and drawing equipment. This is a supervised area, so you can eat without running around after your children.
3. The resorted is gated and has security, so there’s nothing to worry about with regards to your children’s safety.
4. We have 4 pools; one shallow kid’s pool, two outdoor larger pools with different depths and one deep indoor pool which is heated. The pools are supervised by lifeguards.
5. We’re only 50m from the beach, with card access back to the resort, that if some of the family prefer not to visit then it’s easy to get between the two.
6. We have a gym and spa for those who want to treat themselves and keep fit during their stay. This is all in the clubhouse, so you've no need to travel far at all.
7. We have babysitters that can be called if you would like to go out on the town, or just want to have a few drinks down at the bar. 
8. We offer swimming lessons for those children who want to learn properly by a trained professional. 
9. Our apartments and villas ensure that you can have your whole family in one place rather than having to have different hotel rooms. 
10. We have a large grass lawn that gives your children plenty or space to run around, kicking a ball or playing games.

We hope these 10 reasons encourage you to stay with us as a family. If you have any more questions, please have a look on our website, call the reception: +351 289 351 300 or simply type your questions here and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Christmas break events at DDBC

During the Christmas holiday at DDBC, service will mainly continue as normal, with a la carte menu in the restaurant and everything open as usual. There are a few new additions to the menu to give you some more wintery dishes:

·         new dishes of the day

·         a Sunday roast option on Sundays

·         a salmon burger

·         Mozzarella “Au Gratin” (warm)

·         “Dunas” Tapas (For 2)

·         “Dunas” Vegetarian

·         Portuguese Fish Casserole

See the lunch and dinner menus here: 

Lunch menu

Dinner menu

On the 24^th  of December, however, the restaurant will only be open for breakfast and lunch (Bar open for drinks until 6.00pm)

On the 25^th of December, the restaurant & bar will be open all day. There will be a special Christmas lunch menu and dinner «a la carte».

On the 26^th of December, the restaurant will be open from 9.00am until midnight and available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It’s Boxing Day, and for all the football fans out there, our big screens will be showing the Premier League matches live in the restaurant. Why not come and join us for a pint or a cocktail while enjoying the matches?

The match schedule:

On New Year’s eve, we have the following programme:

• Welcome drinks from 7-8pm
•  Soup: Velvety-smooth mushroom soup served with pigeon leg
• Starter: Duck liver, tomato jelly, poached egg & trilogy of toast
•  Fish dish: Turbot, prawns & scallops, served with carrots, cauliflower soufflé and vegetab
•  Meat dish: Hunks of fillet steak in Mediterranean flavours
•   Dessert: Selection of ‘seafood’ in sweet flavours
•  Firework display

*Vegetarian options are available on request.

Entertainment:
- Band “The 4 Covers”
- Special programme (starting at 7.00pm)

Dress Code:
- Smart casual

Reservations:
- 30% deposit on Reservation
- Cancelations with refund, only until 15th December

*(**) Price:
- 105€ p/p (adults)
- 45€ p/p (12 to 16 years old)
- Special children menu available (>12 years old)

*Drinks not included. A tempting selection of wines and champagne, at special prices, will be available.
** No discounts.

NYE program 

We recommend booking as soon as you know you will be joining us for the New Years Eve celebration, because it is very popular and is always fully booked. We hope this information is helpful, if you would like to find out more please contact us on Facebook, Twitter or phone the reception on : +351 289 351 300.

We look forward to hopefully seeing you all during this Christmas holiday, and if not, see you next time! Wishing you all a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

5 must see beaches in the Algarve

In the Algarve, there are plenty of stunning beaches that everybody should visit. Although the beaches in front of our resort, Dunas Douradas Beach Club, are great, there are so many more worth seeing during your stay. We have put together five that we feel are an absolute must see:



Praia da Galé is a stunning beach located to the west of Albufeira (approx. 40min drive from DDBC). This is one of the few beaches that has easy access by car, because it is not surrounded by cliffs like some of the other popular beaches. There is a great beach bar overlooking the beach, perfect for having a cocktail break, a snack or simply just to enjoy the view. There are also a few restaurants with a wide variety of fresh seafood within walking distance. There are lifeguards during the high seasons/swimming seasons, and there are toilets easily accessible.

 

Ilha de Farol is, as you may have figured, an island that’s a very short boat ride from mainland Faro (approx. 30 min drive from DDBC). If you want to go somewhere that has a completely different atmosphere, then this is the beach for you. There is a beach all the way around, so you can choose whether you would like to go to the busier parts or you can have a little private section to yourself (although only the main beach is supervised). Farol has restaurants, beach bars and toilet facilities. The island is great for a day on the beach or a beach party depending on what you are after. There is a small fee for the boat ride, and parking is available just before you get on the boat.

Praia da Rocha is a beautiful beach located on the edge of Portimão (approx. 55min drive from DDBC). This beach is surrounded by cliffs giving it a very nice feel, and because of the amount of bars and restaurants surrounding it, it has become one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve. There is a tarmac road leading up to the beach, making it accessible for those who can’t walk too far. There are lifeguards during the high seasons/swimming seasons and there are toilets easily accessible.

Praia da Marinha is a glorious beach located in Lagoa (approx. 50 min drive from DDBC). This beach is one of the most emblematic beaches in the Algarve. You have to go down a steep flight of stairs to reach the beach, however, it is definitely worth it. It is surrounded by picturesque orange rock formations and has been named one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe. The water is crystal clear, making it perfect for those who like to snorkel.

Praia do Garrão is a beach located in Almancil  (50m from DDBC) and is a perfect family beach within walking distance of the resort. If you walk along the beach you will find several excellent restaurants, as well as watersport facilities. During the summer season there are lifeguards from early in the morning until sunset.

We hope you have enjoyed some of our beach suggestions for your next visit and we would love to hear your thoughts. Which is your favourite beach in the Algarve? Do you have any suggestions for more beaches that we could add to our next beach post?

Why you should spend time in the Algarve in the winter time.

When you think about the Algarve, you usually think about sun and beaches. What confused me is why they think this will go away in the winter time. Yes the temperature is going to be lower, but most days you will still be able to pull off wearing a t-shirt. Here are some things that are great about the lower seasons in the Algarve:

• You can go for great long walks on the beach without getting too hot and ending up not being able to move.

• The beaches are empty so it’s almost as if you have a completely private beach.

• You can go horse riding either just around Pinetrees or sometimes you might be lucky enough to even go on the beach. Something which would never be allowed in the summer time! 

• At Dunas Douradas Beach Club there is a heated indoor pool (a lot of the apartments and villas also have private Jacuzzis)

• You can play tennis without getting too hot(although that is no promise as it does get quite hot on some days)

• You can actually spend some time in your room with a view and enjoy it, rather than feeling guilty about not soaking up the rays every minute of the day.

• Winter months are perfect time to enjoy some of the best golf courses in Algarve. You can not only avoid summer queues but also have a more enjoyable game due to the temperature being better suited.  

• The prices to stay in the resort are quite a lot lower than in the high seasons. (have a look on our websites to compare the different rates)

• Flights are usually very cheap meaning that you can easily go for just a weekend.

• If you are very lucky it could still be sunbathing weather but rather than being surrounded by people constantly you actually get breathing space.

• When you go out for dinner and lunch you get better service because there are less people around, meaning that you have the waiters’ full attention.

• You can also always go to Forum Algarve and go shopping where the prices are much lower than places like the UK and Scandinavia.

Most people tend to only visit the Algarve in the summer time because they think that that is the only time worth going but we far from agree... and hopefully you will have changed your mind after reading this! 

6 Restaurants to Experience in the Algarve

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.” 
― Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance. When you are on holiday, you want to treat yourself to the best meals in the area. We have decided to treat you to a list of some of the tastiest places in the Algarve. No not only the expensive top restaurants, but also the budget gems. These are all within a 45min drive of the Beach Club.

Enjoy:

Henrique Leis (Almancil)

Website: http://www.henriqueleis.com/
One Michelin Star Restaurant
Certificate of Excellence 2013
Call (+351) 289393438
Open: dinners only (closed Sunday and Monday)






Henrique Leis is a fantastic restaurant based in Almancil. It is not the cheapest place in the world but it will definitely be worth every single penny. (At an average food without wine is around €60) The restaurant offers excellent food and a perfectly romantic atmosphere. We can assure you, you will walk out smiling. If there is somewhere worth spending that little bit more for, this is it. Booking in advance is recommended.

Vila Joya (Albufeira)

Website: http://www.vilajoya.com/en/cuisine/2-michelin-star-restaurant/
Two Michelin Stars Restaurant
Call (+351) 289 591 795
Open: Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner.




If you are looking for a romantic place with good service and great food this is one of our best suggestions for you. Vila Joya offers a variety of food to the highest standard. If you have a special occasion or simply feel like treating a loved one this is the place to go. This is a very exclusive restaurant, which is based in a boutique hotel so booking in advance would be recommended. The prices aren’t exactly low, but that can only be expected going to a two Michelin star restaurant. Booking in advance is recommended.

3wonders(Loule)

Website: http://www.3wonders.pt/
Call (+351) 289 462 838
3Wonders by the road that connects Loulé to Goldra,
in Alto do Relógio, Betunes
Open: Monday-Saturday 17.00 - 23.00 
Closed on Sunday




If you want to find delicious food with a unique view, this is the place for you! 3Wonders has a spectacular panoramic terrace, located up in the hills in Loulé facing the valley and the sea in the horizon. They offer a great variety of food, from hot and cold tapas in the afternoon together with the famous Vienna coffee. They also offer a superb variety of international cuisine in the evening. A perfect romantic setting but some nights there are themed nights and live music, for those of you who prefer that. As well as this, they have a lovely gin bar and signature cocktails available.

A Quinta (Loule)

Website: http://www.aquintarestaurant.com/
Call (+351) 289 393357
Rua Vale Formoso, Almancil, Loule, Algarve
Open: Monday - Saturday
. Dinner: 19.00 – 22.30
 - Closed all day Sunday




A Quinta is a restaurant that you will not regret going to. It is based in Loule with a lovely view and ambiance. The food is delightful and so are the delicious traditional Portuguese wines. They offer everything from fresh fish and meats to the vegetarian options available. This is a great for going with a group of friends, or as a couple. Booking in advance is recommended.

Pig & Whistle (Almancil)

Website: http://en.thepigandwhistle.pt/
Call (+351) 289 395 216
Main Street towards Faro, Almancil 8135, Portugal.
Open: Every day from 6pm until 2am.


If you are on a budget, but you still want to have an enjoyable meal, Pig & Whistle have what you are looking for. The restaurant is based in the heart of Almancil and offers a variety of great dishes. It is a small and cosy restaurant with a great vibe. The staff members are very friendly and you can be sure to find something you like on the menu. Booking in advance is recommended.

Albatroz Restaurant in Dunas Douradas Beach Club (Almancil)

Website: http://www.ddbc.pt/bars-and-restaurants-algarve/albatroz-restaurant/
Call: (+351) 289 351 300
Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Sítio do Garrão, Apartado 3164
8135-902 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
Open: Every day. Breakfast 9am-11am - Lunch 12pm-5.30-pm - Dinner 7pm-11pm


Albatroz, is a restaurant based within a 5 star resort on the coast. This restaurant is perfect for families and groups of people because of the amount of both indoor and outdoor space. In the summer time there is a kids area available while you eat and the restaurant offers live music on selective nights. The food consists of everything from Scandinavian to English as well as Portuguese cuisine. With the lovely sea view and super friendly staff, you are sure to have a great breakfast lunch or dinner here.

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We hope you enjoyed reading about some of our favourite places in the Algarve. Have you tried any of these restaurants? Do you have any more suggestions worth mentioning in our continuing restaurant posts in the future?
Please comment below or feedback on our Facebook page

Weddings 2014 at the Beach Club

Planning to get married next year? The Beach Club has beautiful grounds for the setting of your ceremony and will take care of all the details that will make your special day unforgettable.
Your family and friends can stay at our luxury apartments, enjoying magnificent views and 5 star facilities.
Our restaurant will be pleased to organize a menu for the reception, according to your taste, special decoration and a photographer.
 

We still have some dates available in May and October 2014. Book your dream wedding now sending an e-mail to the restaurant manager.

 

Fifth Anniversary of the Beach Club goes with a bang!

More than 100 owners and guests gathered on the evening of 12th October, 2013 to celebrate the fifth aniversary of the Dunas Douradas Beach Club in style, in the comfortable surroundings of the Albatroz restaurant. The invited guest list included Mr Trond Vikre, the Norwegian Consul in the Algarve and Algarve MP Dr. José Mendes Bota. 

The welcome was made by Dunas Douradas Beach Club CEO, Evy Ougendal and an after-dinner speech was made by the Chairman of the Owners' Committee, Colin Dixon. An auction organised by committee member, Hassan Dahabiyeh and chief receptionist, Nelson Santos, raised over €4,000 for a local childrens' charity. 

The event was rounded off by a fireworks display.