Mercan Properties Invests €107.8 Million in New Hilton Hotels at Lagos Marina

Mercan Properties has launched two major hotel projects at Lagos Marina, further strengthening Portugal's position as a top global tourism destination.According to an article by Elisabete Rodrigues for Sul Informação, Mercan Properties has launched two major hotel projects at Lagos Marina, further strengthening Portugal’s position as a top global tourism destination. At the ceremony marking the beginning of construction, Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties, announced the group’s commitment to enhancing tourism in the Algarve, with an investment of €107.8 million in two new hotels: the Lagos Marina Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Hilton Garden Inn Lagos.

The development will transform the area near Lagos’s old railway station, which will be preserved as part of the architectural plan. The five-star Lagos Marina Hotel will feature 180 rooms, including suites, and luxurious amenities such as infinity pools, a spa, and a rooftop bar. The Hilton Garden Inn, a four-star property, will offer 90 rooms and suites equipped with kitchenettes, catering to a more practical and versatile guest experience.

Lagos Marina developments

During the event, Hugo Pereira, Mayor of Lagos, emphasised that this investment would help drive year-round tourism, addressing seasonality by offering a variety of attractions beyond the traditional sun-and-beach appeal. Lagos aims to draw visitors interested in golf, water sports, cultural heritage, and more. The construction phase is expected to create around 150 jobs, while the full operation of the hotels will provide 188 permanent positions in the region.

This is one of many investments by Mercan Properties in the Algarve. The group has several other projects underway, including the Hard Rock Hotel Algarve and the Marriott Lagos, with a total regional investment of close to €400 million. Vilanova noted that Portugal has become an exciting new destination for American and Canadian tourists, offering a blend of history, culture, and leisure, further setting the country as a premier travel golf destination.

Hilton’s involvement in these projects underscores the growing importance of the Algarve as a luxury tourism hub, attracting high-profile international brands.

Tee Times Golf Agency fully supports these exciting developments at Lagos Marina, as they align with our mission to offer the best in luxury accommodations and exclusive packages. With these new Hilton hotels, we are able to continue providing top-tier options for our clients who seek unforgettable Portugal Golf Holidays. Tee Times remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences, combining world-class hotels and curated golf packages for those looking to explore the beauty and leisure of the Algarve.

Photos: Elisabete Rodrigues (Sul Informação).

Unforgettable Autumn Escape: Golf, Halloween, and Family Fun at Quinta do Lago

Looking for a family getaway this October that combines world-class golf, Halloween fun, and luxurious relaxation? Tee Times Golf Agency invites you to experience the ultimate autumn retreat at Quinta do Lago, one of the Algarve’s most exclusive destinations. Nestled within the Ria Formosa nature reserve, Quinta do Lago offers privacy, security, and a breathtaking natural setting perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

For golf enthusiasts, the recently upgraded €7 million South Course offers a top-tier playing experience, blending challenging holes with stunning views of the Algarve coastline. But that’s just the beginning! Quinta do Lago is more than just golf – it’s a destination where family fun and adventure meet harmoniously.

This October, celebrate the spooky season with a range of exciting Halloween-themed activities. Start with the Spooktacular Brunch at Bovino, where you can enjoy perfectly grilled steak cuts, Halloween-inspired cocktails and mocktails, and lively music that will get you dancing like a zombie. The kids are also in for a treat with unique entertainment, making it a brunch the whole family will enjoy.

The Halloween Costume Parade at Dano’s promises fantastic family fun. Dress up in your spookiest costumes and enjoy an afternoon of face painting, a magic show, delicious treats, and cold brews for the adults. Take your chance to win irresistible prizes for the best outfits!

For those seeking a night of thrills, the Haunted Dinner at Casa do Lago is the perfect way to enter the Halloween spirit. Dress up in your scariest costumes and enjoy a chilling menu with live music and a thrilling atmosphere. The event is family-friendly, with kid’s entertainment ensuring that even the little ones have a spooky good time.

Quinta do Lago Junior Golf Camps

If you’re travelling with young golfers, don’t miss out on the Junior Golf Camps at the Paul McGinley Academy. With tailored programs for different age groups, from Tiny Tees (ages 3-5) to Birdies (ages 6-13), your children will have the opportunity to improve their golf skills while making new friends and having fun.

At Quinta do Lago, the blend of luxurious accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and endless family activities makes it the ideal place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of Portugal’s southern coast. Tee Times Golf Agency offers exclusive packages that combine the best of golf, Halloween festivities, and the unique charm of autumn in the Algarve. Take the chance to create lasting memories in this one-of-a-kind destination for your best Portugal golf holidays. Book your family getaway today!

Photo by: Quinta do Lago.

2025 reopening: Highgate’s vision to reshape hotel experience in the Algarve

In an article published by Travel News, Alexandre Solleiro, CEO of Highgate Portugal, confirmed the closure and extensive remodelling of four hotels in the Algarve, with their reopening scheduled for April 2025. The hotels involved are Salgados Dunas Suites, Salgados Palace, Palm Village, and São Rafael Atlântico, the latter of which will rebrand under the Kimpton name. Solleiro emphasised the focus on improving the infrastructure and elevating the hotel experience in the Algarve and tourism offerings, primarily through luxury branding.

The renovation is set to begin in November 2024, after the hotels close in late October. Solleiro assured that all preparations are “100% guaranteed,” with approved budgets, finalised designs, and contracts signed. Furniture orders are already underway. This large-scale project aims to shift away from the all-inclusive model, repositioning the hotels for the upscale market. Solleiro highlighted the transformation of Palm Village and Dunas Suites into branded residences, which will “completely change the marketing of the complex.”

Hotel experience in the Algarve

Solleiro’s comments underline the importance of better infrastructure in attracting high-end tourists, stating that these changes will introduce “an interesting proposition for the luxury market.” He also mentioned that the rebranding of the Salgados hotels would cater to different luxury market segments, supported by a golf course and a conference centre, making the destination more appealing to various upscale tourism sectors.

Despite these closures, Solleiro expressed optimism for 2024, noting a 7% growth in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) even with partial closures due to renovations. He believes that the repositioning of the hotels will lead to “significant growth after reopening.” Additionally, Highgate is exploring further expansion opportunities in Portugal, with potential investments on the horizon for 2025.

This ambitious project demonstrates a commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure for the best Portugal golf holidays, particularly the hotel experience in the Algarve, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

Photo by: Travel News.