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A clifftop garden estate near Porches, open since 1992 and famous for its food
- Since 1992
- Two-MICHELIN-star Ocean
- Spa by Sisley Paris
- Kids’ club
The story
In 1992, Dr Reinfried and Anneliese Pohl found a clifftop site above the Atlantic near the village of Porches and set out to build a resort there. When Vila Vita Parc first opened that year, little of today’s estate existed.
The following year brought the main hotel building with 73 more rooms and suites, and the Residence, 29 rooms on the cliff edge that now house Ocean restaurant. In 2007 the hotel brought in Austrian chef Hans Neuner, and Ocean won its first MICHELIN star in 2009 and its second in 2011.
Kurt Gillig, who first came as executive chef, became general manager in 2010 and kept food and wine at the heart of the resort. The last big phase of building was completed in 2018 with the VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris.
At a glance
- Where
- Clifftop at Alporchinhos, near Porches, central Algarve
- Open since
- 1992
- Rooms
- 203 rooms, suites, apartments and villas
- Dining
- Ocean (two MICHELIN stars), Atlântico, Aladin Grill and more
- Wellness
- VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris
- Pool
- Seven pools
- Children
- Welcome; kids’ club
- Grounds
- About 22 hectares of subtropical gardens
- Nearest airport
- Faro, about 45 km
Why book it
Two MICHELIN stars
Ocean, on the cliff edge, has held two MICHELIN stars since 2011.
A cellar to explore
The wine cellar, eight metres underground, holds more than 11,000 bottles and hosts tastings.
Gardens and calm
Whitewashed buildings sit among fountains and subtropical gardens behind the estate gates.
Something for everyone
Seven pools, a kids’ club, a spa and a beach below the cliffs keep all ages busy.
Amenities
Food and drink
- Ocean, two MICHELIN stars
- Atlântico
- Aladin Grill
- Cave de Vinhos wine cellar
Wellness
- VILA VITA Spa by Sisley Paris
- Yoga and Pilates
Pool and outdoors
- Seven pools
- Beach below the cliffs
- Subtropical gardens
Experiences
- Wine and cheese tastings
- Gourmet events with guest chefs
- Private yacht charter
Service
- Kids’ club
- Villas with butler service
Did you know?
A chef who stayed
Kurt Gillig arrived as executive chef and went on to run the whole resort.
A cellar underground
The Gothic-style wine cellar sits eight metres below ground.
Thirty years of growth
The resort opened in 1992 with far fewer buildings; its last big phase, the spa, was finished in 2018.
Good to know
Best for
- Food and wine lovers
- Couples who want calm and space
- Families who like a kids’ club
- Spa lovers
Think twice if
- You want to walk to a town
- You want a party atmosphere
- You want a lively beach-town nightlife
- You prefer a small boutique hotel
Book Ocean well ahead. The beach is reached by steps down through the cliffs.
Location
Ready to choose?
See it side by side
Wondering how Vila Vita Parc compares with Pine Cliffs Hotel above Praia da Falésia?
Last checked: October 2026. Sources: Vila Vita Parc: legacy and culture, Vila Vita Parc careers: our history, MICHELIN Guide, The Leading Hotels of the World, British Airways, Luxury Travel Diary. Facts change: please confirm details with the hotel when booking. We may earn a commission.