Why Martinhal Sagres Might Be the Most Family-Focused Resort in Europe
We’ve traveled a lot with our kids — over 50 trips and counting — and we’ve seen our fair share of “family-friendly” hotels. But Martinhal Sagres in the Algarve, Portugal, was on a whole different level.
This place wasn’t just family-friendly — it was truly family-focused.
And yes, there’s a difference.
As a mom, travel expert, and founder of Mimu & Me, I spend a lot of time helping families figure out how to make travel easier — whether that’s through packing lists, travel activity kits, or full trip planning. But at Martinhal? For once, I barely had to lift a finger.
Here’s why I think every parent should have this resort on their radar.
The Thoughtful Touches Start Before You Even Arrive
When we booked our stay at Martinhal Sagres, we opted for a beach hotel room with stunning ocean views. What we didn’t expect? Walking into a room already set up with a cot, a pack ’n play, & a bed rail — without even having to ask. And if you're staying in an apartment or villa, they include a potty, high chair, and even a diaper pail PLUS there are baby gates already installed on every staircase, so you know your baby or toddler will be safe!
Our kids were welcomed with thoughtful gifts in the lobby: a stuffed Martinhal fox (the resort mascot, named after all the foxes in the area as it's a nature preserve!), a coloring package, and even a silicone bib for our toddler. It was clear right away: this place doesn’t just tolerate families — it was built around them.
Mealtime = Magic (and Relaxation)
One of the biggest challenges of traveling with little kids? Mealtime meltdowns. But Martinhal changes the game.
You've got four main options to choose from for dinner (click for the menu)
There’s a kids-only buffet stocked with toddler-sized plates and utensils at O Gambozinos, which also opens to the main play area at the village square. Every restaurant includes fresh baby food on the menu (and if your baby is eating a specific food, they'll MAKE IT FOR YOU!). And here’s the part that blew me away: supervised play areas inside the restaurants at As Dunas and O Terraco. So while your little ones eat or play, you can actually sit and enjoy your meal — no negotiations, no juggling, no guilt.
Oh, and outside? There are playgrounds right next to the dining areas — including trampolines, bouncy castles, and even a zipline. You can sip your coffee or glass of wine while watching your kids safely explore just steps away.
One amazing thing the resort offers is a breakfast or half board plan. Breakfast can be purchased for 24 euros/day for an adults, and kids under 8 eat FREE with a paying adult (kids under 12 are 12 euros/day). The half board option is 60 euros/day per adult (again kids under 8 are free with a paying adult and kids under 12 are 30 euros) which includes buffet breakfast and either a 3 course lunch OR dinner. We found this to be totally worth it as our dinner would have easily cost us more than that.
The food is truly amazing. They source locally when they can - from local farmers for their produce and cheese to local fisherman for their fish and seafood.
Built for Real Families (Not Just Instagram Moments)
The resort includes multiple heated pools, each with toddler-friendly wading areas. One of the pools is indoor/outdoor — and just outside it? A full helicopter-themed playground.
There’s a central village square with:
• A market stocked with everything from baby food and snacks to floaties, wine, and everything you need to make a meal in your apartment or villa.
• Organized kids’ activities, football camps, and even swimming and bike lessons! They even run occasional "academies" with professionals teaching things like tennis and football (soccer).
• Casual dining where you can relax while the kids roam safely - MBar to one side, and O Gambozinos on the other.
You'll also find numerous heated pools scattered throughout the resort, including toddler wading pools! You'll never feel crowded here (and if you do, there's always somewhere else to go - the beach, hiking, renting a bike & trailer for your toddlers to explore, or checking out the soccer field or forest play area!).
And here’s one of my favorite details: stroller tracks built into the stairs throughout the resort. It’s such a small feature, but it shows just how deeply Martinhal has considered real parent needs — not just aesthetics.
A Variety of Accommodations
I will say that this resort is HUGE. You can book everything from a beach or terrace hotel room like we did, to a private luxury villa with a private pool. Right near the main building you'll find the Ocean Houses which offer stunning views over the property and the beach, and further back you have a variety of other quieter properties. Scattered around the edges of Martinhal are the Luxury Private Villas - perfect for larger groups or families wanting some privacy.
Childcare You Can Trust
Martinhal offers nursery care starting from birth, plus kids’ clubs for toddlers, preschoolers, and teens. Whether you want to sneak away to the spa or simply take a break, there are options you can actually feel good about. Their childcare providers are trained, and have even received additional training for children with special needs. This blew me away - I've never heard of a resort offering this.
And if you’re traveling with another parent or caregiver, it’s one of the few places we’ve visited where both adults said:
“I actually feel like I’m on vacation.”
Would We Go Back?
Without hesitation.
We paid for this trip ourselves, and I would book it again in a heartbeat. In fact, it’s the only trip so far where we didn’t even use our Mimu & Me travel kits — which we never leave home without. That’s how thoughtful, stimulating, and supportive this resort is for families.
Planning a Trip to Portugal with Kids?
I’m a travel planner who specializes in family travel — and I’ve toured Martinhal with their team to get all the insider details. Plus, we've lived in Portugal for the last few months and have tried to visit places with a "tourist lens". We've got insider info!
If you’re curious about:
• The best room or villa options for your family’s needs
• When to book for better prices
• What activities to book as a family
• How to pair Martinhal with a full Portugal itinerary
• Better pricing and even additional room options
Send me an e-mail at bbritten@travelonly.com. I’d love to help you plan something a trip that actually makes travel with your little ones enjoyable.
If you'd prefer to book yourself, visit their booking engine here.
- Brittany