It's not an easy mix, family friendly and 5 star, but this place nailed it. The villas are large and comfortable, babysitters in the restaurants to play with the kids while we eat our lovely meals (albeit, kids running back and forth, but we all have them so no one cares), heated pools, gorgeous beach, kids club, game room for older kids, tennis.... It just goes on and on. And then the beaches in southern Portugal are amazing! It's hard to leave the resort except that these places are so pretty! If you want a vacation, with your kids, go here!

We spent 10 days over New Year at Martinhal - 3 adults and 2 small children each at different stages of a nasty flu that started its rounds at Christmas. Despite our illnesses we managed to have a lovely time - mostly due to the amazing warmth, care and thoughtfulness of the staff. Could not praise them enough. In addition the hotel rooms were beautiful and a pleasure to be confined to for convalescence. The food, facilities, childcare/kids club were all great and there is plenty beyond - the coast and beaches east and particularly north of Martinhal are magnificent.

We stayed in the beach room with full sea view for 5 nights. The beach is maybe a 3 minute walk from the beach rooms. These rooms are superb as you have a stunning view and you can hear the sea all night - not in a loud way more a soothing you to sleep way. There are also beach rooms partial sea view and they are just as described - same style of room but not a full view of the sea. This was our second visit to the Martinhal after having visited during the first year in 2010.

All staff encountered were very good as before from reception to maid service, restaurant and maintenance staff. All very friendly and courteous and had obviously been trained to very high standards. The cleanliness of the rooms and all equipment was as spotless and in great condition as it had been during my first visit 3 years ago. The maids were great as they would nip in if you were just gone for breakfast for half an hour and they would have the place spotless on your return.

The main O Terroco restaurant was closed for a couple of weeks whilst its being extended so I'm sure this will add to the experience in the Martinhal. We dined in O Terroco restaurant the last time and the 5 course menu there is superb. Not cheap but definitely worth trying at least one night. As such on this occasion all food had to be taken in As Dunas which was fine - some nice seafood choices. A couple of nice restaurants in Sagres itself but many are closed in January. Fish is the main speciality which was superb - try the sea bass!

We stayed in Early January - deliberately as we knew the place would be very very quiet. Which it was! We had the pools and restaurants to ourselves which suited us fine. We went in October the first year and it was busier but not too crowded - this may have changed since as the resort is certainly gaining in popularity. I would say choose your time wisely as if you're going for a quiet relaxing couples break then avoid certain times of the year as this is a family resort and as such the peak holidays season would be jammed with lots of kids etc. (I'm not anti kids - its just it wont make for a relaxing couples break :-) Next time I go back I would say it will be March/April - we were lucky with the weather in January maybe 17/18 degrees most days. Also, the rates can vary widely depending on the time of year you pick.

I would advise getting a car if you're staying for any length of time as there are things to see in the area and the town of Sagres is maybe 1.5-2 miles. There are mini markets on the way to the town which are fairly well stocked for those who are going on the self catering option. There are also nice towns within half an hour drive that are worth a look. All in all a very nice relaxing break and cant wait to go back....

We went twice to the Martinhal and experienced a sea view villa the first time and then a garden view villa on the second trip. I would say that it is worth paying the little more money to get the sea view as waking up in the early morning with the beach and sea at your horizon is really unforgettable. sitting on the top floor veranda with a nice Nespresso coffee (machine provided by the hotel with complementary capsules). The rooms are nicely designed with a modern clean nordic design with flat screen TV and free wifi. The garden view villa was just as nice but you realise you can't quite relax as there is always guests going back and forward in front of the house. It felt a bit claustrophobic the garden house after experiencing the bay view.
there are many outdoor activities in the resort with indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court, gym, sauna, spa, bike rental, small shops.
during the day there is a morning and afternoon kids club where children can play safely supervised by a friendly staff, most of whom speaks english. Most hotel staff will always make the effort for you to feel at home.
The only criticism that I would give is the restaurants long waiting time. Literally you could spend the afternoon to have your lunch. We decided to go out for dinner in the village which was quicker and cheaper. You can also cook your own food in the fully furnished kitchen. there is a supermarket in Sagres.
There are many breath taking view beaches around Sagres, but the sea is cold and it can be windy.