Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
Being a mother is a precious gift, but it can also be very exhausting at times. You give everything you have, 24 hours a day, and often forget to take care of yourself. A mother's health is crucial—not only for her own well-being but also for the health of her child. Yet, many mothers struggle to find time to care for their health, to pause, and simply enjoy a moment of silence. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child," originating from an African proverb, holds so much truth. The challenge today is that many parents no longer have a village. We raise our children in isolation from extended family members. In my case, my family lives in Portugal, while I reside in Switzerland. As a result, I have to build my own village, which is not an easy task in a country where the culture is not very open-hearted.
When I visit my family in the Algarve, I try to make time for myself. My parents and sister love looking after my boy. This spring, my baby boy and I traveled alone to Portugal for five days, and I had the chance to be pampered by the spa team at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa. I enjoyed an amazing massage and felt reborn afterward.
A key factor that distinguishes this spa is the annual training provided by the brand, which continuously updates and refines the techniques, gestures, fragrances, and comfort of the products (by L`Occitane) utilized. This ensures the team remains motivated and committed to delivering the highest quality service to clients. The human element is crucial here, with exceptional therapists providing unparalleled relaxation and wellness experiences.
A hotel with history
Constructed at the dawn of the 19th century and christened "Vila Nossa Senhora das Dores," the house, completed in 1918, was originally a private residence for António Júdice de Magalhães Barros, a prominent canning and cork magnate. He lived there with his wife and five children. Until their relocation to Lisbon in 1924, the house was the venue for memorable parties attended by renowned artists and politicians. Legend has it that in 1934, Bela Vista became the first hotel in the Algarve when a family member of the owner rented the house and transformed it into a hotel, naming it Hotel Bela Vista due to its unparalleled sea views. Due to the political upheaval of the time—the Spanish Civil War followed closely by World War II—and Portugal's neutral stance, the hotel attracted an array of notable yet unexpected guests: spies, couriers, and Spaniards fleeing the civil war. The hotel's guest book from that period, which is still available for viewing, features names such as Sidónio Pais, King Umberto of Italy, and the Counts of Barcelona. Another distinguished guest was Baron Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim, acclaimed as the greatest Finn of all time, who stayed for a while in Room 105. His photo and letter of appreciation are now displayed on top of the hotel piano.
Adults only
The hotel is very strict with the rule “adults only”. So, Mike and I have to come back as a couple some time in the future and experience the history and exclusivity for ourselves.
More Information: www.hotelbelavista.net
Pictures © Bela Vista and Francisco Nogueira