VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve: Location, Reviews & Nearby Towns

The former VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve rebranded as Wine & Books by the Sea in 2020, keeping its prime beachfront location just 150 metres from Salgados Beach in Albufeira. This 5-star property offers 189 rooms, direct beach access, and multiple pools.

Distance to Salgados Beach: 0.1 km (direct access) ·
Star rating: 5-star ·
Number of rooms: 189 ·
Average guest rating (Tripadvisor): 4.0 / 5 ·
Nearest airport: Faro Airport (35 km)

The table below summarises the essential details for anyone considering a stay.

Which is nicer, Vilamoura or Albufeira?

Vilamoura: marina and golf

• Vilamoura is best known for its modern marina, luxury yachts, and several championship golf courses. According to Wikipedia (online encyclopedia), the marina can accommodate over 1,000 vessels and is flanked by restaurants and bars. Golfers have access to five courses within the resort.

Albufeira: beaches and nightlife

• Albufeira offers a wider variety of beaches, including the popular Praia da Oura and Praia dos Pescadores. Tripadvisor (travel guide) notes that the town has a lively old town with traditional restaurants and a vibrant nightlife strip called “The Strip”.

VidaMar location advantage

• VidaMar sits in Albufeira’s quieter western side near Salgados Beach, offering a middle ground: close enough to the old town (7.5 km) for evening trips, but far enough for a relaxing beach holiday. Jet2Holidays (travel operator) states it is 3 km from the nearest bars and restaurants.

The implication: If marina glamour and golf are priorities, Vilamoura wins. If you prefer sandy beaches and a lively after-dark scene, Albufeira—especially near Salgados—gives you both without the marina price tag.

What is the best resort in Algarve, Portugal?

Top-rated resorts on Tripadvisor 2026

• Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice list for the Algarve includes properties like Pine Cliffs Resort, Tivoli Carvoeiro, and the renovated Wine & Books by the Sea (formerly VidaMar). Prices start around £51 per night, according to Tripadvisor (hotel booking platform).

VidaMar vs Wine & Books by the Sea

• The former VidaMar is now Wine & Books by the Sea, an adults-focused resort under the MAR Club brand. It still occupies the same beachfront location with 189 rooms and five restaurants. Jet2Holidays (travel operator) confirms the property is certified sustainable.

Criteria for best resort

• “Best” depends on what you value: beach access, dining variety, or budget. For direct sand and multiple pools, VidaMar (now Wine & Books) is a strong contender. Booking.com (hotel booking site) shows it scores 8.0 out of 10 from guests who prioritise location.

The trade-off: The rebranding has shifted the target audience to adults-only and book-themed luxury, so families with children may prefer other resorts, while couples get a more tailored experience.

Where is the posh part of the Algarve?

Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago

• These two areas, near Almancil, are the Algarve’s most exclusive. The Guardian (travel section) describes Vale do Lobo as a gated resort with private villas, golf courses, and a beach club.

Vilamoura marina

• Vilamoura’s marina area is also upscale, with designer boutiques and waterfront dining. The casino and luxury hotels add to the polished feel.

Albufeira old town

• Albufeira’s old town combines cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings with a mix of mid-range and premium hotels. The area around Salgados Beach, where VidaMar sits, is quieter but still within reach of the old town’s charm.

Why this matters: If you want pure luxury and seclusion, head to Vale do Lobo. If you prefer a balance of beach, dining, and a bit of glamour, Albufeira’s western edge—including the VidaMar location—gives you a classy base without the full resort price.

How far is VidaMar, Algarve from the beach?

Direct access to Salgados Beach

• The resort has direct beach access, with the sand just 150 metres away (Jet2Holidays (travel operator)).

Walking distance and amenities

• Salgados Beach is a wide sandy beach backed by dunes. Tripadvisor (attraction page) notes it has lifeguards in summer and a small snack bar.

Beach quality and facilities

• Guests can walk to the beach in under two minutes. The hotel also offers towels for beach use. According to Booking.com (guest reviews), many visitors highlight the proximity as a major plus.

The pattern: Few 5-star hotels in the Algarve can claim 150-metre beach access. This makes VidaMar / Wine & Books a standout for beach lovers.

How much is a taxi from Vilamoura to Albufeira?

Taxi fare estimates

• The distance between Vilamoura and Albufeira is about 15 km. Rome2Rio (transport comparison site) estimates a taxi fare between €20 and €30 depending on traffic and time of day.

Alternative transport options

• Uber and Bolt operate in the region and can be cheaper, often €15–€22. Buses run between the two towns for around €3, though they are less frequent (ViaMichelin (route planner)).

Travel time and distance

• The drive takes roughly 20 minutes on the A22 motorway. The fare can increase during late-night hours or peak summer season.

The catch: If you’re staying at VidaMar and planning a day in Vilamoura, a round-trip taxi will cost about €40–€60. For budget travellers, the bus is a viable alternative, but it adds travel time.

5 rows, one pattern: Albufeira offers better value for beach lovers, while Vilamoura appeals to golfers and those seeking a polished marina scene. VidaMar’s location gives you the best of both if you’re willing to pay for a short taxi ride.

10 specs, one pattern: The resort packs a lot of amenities into a single property, with pool-to-restaurant ratio that suits guests who prefer to stay on-site. The lack of clarity on all-inclusive is a small but important gap for budget planners.

What guests say: Quotes from the road

“We had a wonderful family holiday here. The pool area is huge, and the direct beach access meant we never felt crowded. The staff were friendly and the rooms were clean and modern.”

— Trevor, family guest via Tripadvisor (guest reviews)

“Wine & Books by the Sea has completely transformed the old VidaMar. The new themed decor, the library lounge, and adults-only focus make it feel fresh and sophisticated.”

— Maria, solo traveller via Booking.com (guest reviews)

“Location is unbeatable – you basically step off the property onto the sand. The restaurant quality is good, but expect to take a taxi if you want to explore Albufeira nightlife.”

— James, couple via Booking.com (guest reviews)

The pattern across reviews: the hotel’s prime beachside spot and ample facilities earn consistent praise, but the rebranding has created some confusion about what is included and what is not. For couples seeking a quiet, adults-only retreat, Wine & Books by the Sea delivers; for families wanting a traditional all-inclusive, the picture is less clear.

Bottom line: The former VidaMar—now Wine & Books by the Sea—is exactly what the new name suggests: a literary-themed, adults-oriented resort that keeps the remarkable 150-metre walk to the beach. For couples and solo travellers, the switch offers a more curated experience. For families, the loss of the all-inclusive option (if confirmed) may push them toward other Albufeira resorts. For anyone looking for the best Algarve beachfront, this property remains a top contender—just confirm the package that fits your needs before booking.

While VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve provides a unique wine-and-books concept, the Tivoli Vilamoura resort remains a popular choice for families in Vilamoura.

Frequently asked questions

For Irish readers planning a trip: VidaMar / Wine & Books by the Sea is 35 km from Faro Airport – a 90-minute transfer. If you’re weighing Albufeira against Vilamoura, consider that Albufeira gives you cheaper accommodation and more nightlife within a short taxi ride. For golfers, Vilamoura still holds the edge. The choice is clear: beach lovers and couples who want a quiet base pick Albufeira; golfers and marina fans pay the premium for Vilamoura.