A Touch of Miami in the Algarve: Hotel Pestana South Beach Alvor

The hotel has 79 rooms and is located just 97 steps from the sea. I love that expression!

How it all started

Last year, while walking along the boardwalk in Alvor, I discovered Sea Deck, a beachfront restaurant that I later found out belongs to Pestana South Beach. At the time, I had no idea there was a hotel behind it, but I was immediately drawn to the restaurant’s unique design, its red-and-white stripes, and the iconic “Love” sign in the sand.

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It felt so stylish and completely different from most places in the Algarve. Even though I live in Lagoa and regularly travel around the region, I had never come across this spot before. It felt like a hidden gem.

Once I realised the restaurant was part of the hotel, the mission became clear — I wanted to experience both places. The perfect opportunity came this June, when temperatures soared and a relaxing pool day, followed by dinner by the sea, sounded ideal.

The most impressive hotel suite I’ve stayed in

After seeing the photos online, I was very excited to finally visit the hotel. The interiors, designed by Cristina Matos, are full of vibrant colours and the hotel’s signature red-and-white stripes, giving the whole place its own personality.

The lobby, bar, and breakfast area are all connected into one bright, open space filled with large windows and retro decorative details, including an old-fashioned typewriter.

We stayed in a spacious suite with pool views on one side and sea views on the other, plus a spacious terrace. One detail I particularly loved was a large vintage-style photograph of synchronised swimmers above the bed. It gave the room a unique character, perfectly complemented the hotel’s Art Deco aesthetic and was something I kept looking at while relaxing in bed.

The bedroom opens onto a balcony-style corridor overlooking the three pools and leading to the terrace, which offers views of the Atlantic Ocean. The children’s room was equally impressive, filled with natural light from large windows and offering access to both the balcony and the terrace.

After the initial excitement of seeing the suite, we headed straight to the pools. Three infinity pools, all identical and lined up in front of each other, allow guests to choose their favourite spot. Each pool has a shallow section that is perfect for children or simply sitting with your feet in the water while taking in the beautiful Art Deco surroundings.

You can relax on sun loungers by the pool, in a quieter area near the grass, or on the gorgeous white double daybeds with flowing white curtains that create a real beach-club atmosphere. The rattan egg swings were another lovely touch.

Sunset dinner at Sea Deck

We spent the afternoon by the pool before getting ready for dinner. Our reservation was at 7pm, and reaching the restaurant couldn’t have been easier.

A private boardwalk leads directly from the hotel to the beach and Sea Deck. Guests simply use their room card to open the gate, and within a few steps, they’re at the restaurant.

The restaurant was quite busy and, unsurprisingly, the outdoor tables filled up first, so I would definitely recommend making a reservation.

The menu features fresh fish, seafood, meat dishes and vegetarian options. We wanted to sample a bit of everything, so I chose a vegetarian Penne Garden Ratatouille, my husband went for a meat option, Slow Braised Pork Cheek, and we shared a seafood starter – Clams in Bulhão Pato Sauce.

We were lucky to have a very attentive waitress who made sure everything was perfect throughout the evening. She even helped guests remove fish bones at nearby tables with impressive skill.

To finish, we ordered churros, something you don’t often see in Algarve restaurants, and a passionfruit panna cotta, which was absolutely delicious, the same as our main dishes. Watching the sunset from Sea Deck was one of the highlights of the stay.

Discovering the area

One detail I really appreciated was the WhatsApp message the hotel sent after check-in. It included recommendations for exploring the region, from sunset at Cabo de São Vicente in Sagres to birdwatching at Rocha Delicada Trail and walks along the Alvor Boardwalks through the protected wetlands of the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve. The famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail was also suggested.

As we had another very hot day ahead, we decided to take an early morning walk along Alvor Beach before returning for breakfast. Breakfast had everything from fresh fruit and Portuguese pastries to pancakes, juices and plenty of healthier options.

After the great start to the day, we relaxed on the stylish red sofas in front of the pool area. One of the lovely waitresses recommended an iced coffee, a large coffee with milk and ice, which was delivered directly to our sunbed. It was the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

The hotel bar features light snacks all day, and its menu includes salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and a great selection of cocktails.

Later that day, we visited the charming centre of Alvor, located just a five-minute drive away or around twenty minutes on foot via the boardwalk. The village is full of restaurants, cafés, bars and family-friendly activities.

Families might enjoy a visit to Eden Alvor, which offers mini golf, a pool and spa facilities, while more adventurous visitors can try experiences with Sky Dive Algarve or Alvor Kite Centre.

Final thoughts

I loved the Art Deco design and chic atmosphere of Pestana South Beach. It’s a boutique hotel with a fantastic location, direct beach access and plenty to see and do nearby. Whether you’re planning to explore the wider Algarve or simply relax around Alvor, it’s a place that’s very easy to enjoy.