EPIC SANA Algarve is a 5-star resort on Praia da Falésia in the Albufeira area, set between a pine forest and the Atlantic and a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts. It has 229 accommodations in three categories: 160 Deluxe Rooms, 26 Deluxe Suites and 43 Resort Suites, which are aimed at families, and many have balconies or terraces overlooking the pine forest, gardens, pools or the ocean. Five restaurants and two bars serve international cuisine, including the Abyad buffet with vegan and vegetarian options, and 24-hour room service is available. The Sayanna Wellness centre offers massages and beauty treatments, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a heated indoor pool, and there are three outdoor adult pools and two outdoor children pools. The Little Stars Kids Club serves children from four to twelve, and babysitting is available by appointment. The resort connects to the Falésia coast by a wooden suspension bridge that crosses the pines and cliffs to a private route down to the beach.
Location and getting around: the hotel is well to the east of Albufeira old town, near the long red cliffs of Falésia and about a seven-minute walk from the beach per Expedia, with Vilamoura nearby. It is about forty minutes from Faro airport and around two and a half hours from Lisbon by motorway. This is a destination resort rather than a base for evenings in Albufeira, so plan on a hire car or taxis if you want to reach Zoomarine, the Albufeira marina dolphin cruises or Benagil. Free self-parking and valet parking and an electric-car charging station are listed.
Rooms and who it suits: the Resort Suites are designed for families, and the garden-view and ocean-view rooms are good for couples. Expedia lists a free breakfast buffet with some rates, which is worth checking when you compare. The hotel suits travellers who want everything in one place, including beach, pools, kids club, wellness and several restaurants, and who are happy to treat the resort as the main part of the trip.
Good to know: the resort also has conference facilities, so weekdays can be busier in spring and autumn. Many guests choose it for a week of beach time with an excursion or two, such as a dolphin cruise or the Faro old town. Rates are at the top end of the region and rise in July and August, so book early for school holidays.
Why stay here
- ✓Suspension bridge to Falésia Beach
- ✓Five restaurants and two bars
- ✓Sayanna wellness centre and spa
- ✓Three outdoor adult pools
- ✓Heated indoor pool
- ✓Little Stars Kids Club
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Electric car charging
Good questions
Is EPIC SANA Algarve on the beach?+
It is a beachfront resort on Praia da Falésia, with a wooden suspension bridge and boardwalks giving access to the sand. Expedia lists a walk of about seven minutes.
Is it good for families?+
Yes. It has a kids club for ages four to twelve, children pools, Resort Suites for families and a babysitting service by appointment.
How far is it from Albufeira town?+
It is well east of Albufeira old town, near Vilamoura, so a car or taxis are the easiest way to reach town and the boat departures.
