Minor Hotel Group is dipping its toes into the European market with the opening of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort, a rebranded former Tivoli Hotels & Resorts property.
Formerly a Tivoli Victoria, the 280-room hotel is one of 14 properties across Portugal and Brazil which Minor picked up in its €294.2 million ($US311.16 million) acquisition of Tivoli last February.
The hotel – which sits on southern Portugal’s Algarve coast and is set to open in April – has undergone a number of renovations, including the main lobby, spa and gym.
Most guest rooms are interconnecting and a new luxury family suite category will accommodate up to four guests. The two-bedroom Anantara Suite will have a large terrace with a private dining area, jacuzzi and sundeck. Four swimming pools include an adults-only pool with golf fairway views, and a children’s pool. Amenities include a tennis court and fitness center with a personal trainer available, as well as a golf guru (the hotel overlooks the Arnold Palmer designed Oceânico golf course). The rebranded spa will offer Ayurveda therapy and yoga and tai chi sessions.
Previously executive sous chef, Bruno Viegas was promoted to executive chef at the hotel’s main restaurant, Emo, a modern take on Algarve’s native cuisine complemented by Portuguese wines. Presenting one of the most diverse Portuguese wine collections in the Algarve, resident wine guru António Lopes, who was voted 2014’s best sommelier of Portugal, will host tasting sessions that have the option for a private visit to a local vineyard.
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