We stayed at the Domes Lake Algarve in June, for some laid-back luxury in Portugal. The hotel was definitely impressive! Here’s a rundown of what we liked, and what we didn’t…
My boyfriend, three-year-old son and I enjoyed a 4-night break at Domes Lake Algarve in June 2025. We flew from Bournemouth with Jet2, and stayed in a beautiful room on their B&B service.
We arrived, and felt very swanky. It was definitely a step up from our usual holiday accommodation. There’s a grand entrance, with stairs leading down to the pools area.
It was a swift and easy check in, and the receptionist showed us to our room. It’s such a big hotel I was definitely thankful for this, especially after my recent experience getting lost trying to find my room at the Alcudia Garden Aparthotel in Majorca.
The grounds at Domes Lake Algarve are lovely – manicured gardens, palm trees everywhere and an actual lake in the middle of it all. There’s even a little wooden walkway over the water so you can wander around for a morning walk, without leaving the hotel.
Domes Lake Algarve review in short
Our bedroom at Domes Algarve
Walking into our room was like walking into a spa – so fresh, so clean, and it just smelt so good.
The room was bright, clean and felt properly luxurious. Big squishy bed, another one made up for Reggie, a huge balcony with a view over the water, and plenty of space to fling open suitcases and make yourself at home.
Big fan of the massive bathroom too – always a win when there’s both a bath and a shower, especially when travelling with a little one.
The balcony was great for the evenings when it was Ben’s turn to put Reggie to bed. I had a lovely evening with a glass of wine and a book laying on that lounger (the one that isn’t mouldy) watching the sunset.
Food and drink at Domes Algarve
Breakfast at Domes is an event – pastries, fresh fruit, hot bits, good coffee, fresh juice on tap – the type where you squeeze it out of the orange yourself. It’s all buffet-style but felt fresh and well looked after. In fact, I’d say it was one of my favourite hotel breakfasts ever.
There was plenty of choice, and everything was lovingly made. There was sparkling wine, freshly made omelettes and a wonderful view over the pools – what more could you possibly want?
We had two lunches at the hotel, at the pool bar. On the first day I had pork tacos which were really good, but could definitely have had a bit more filling – or at least a side. And then on the last day I had a ‘katsu chicken burger’ which was filled with sticky BBQ sauce, and not in a good way. Didn’t really enjoy that gristly offering to be honest, but it was nice to sat at the pool bar, which you can see under the canopy here.
It overlooked this pool, and my son loved feeding the little birdies that came to visit us after their bath on the shore.
For our other two lunches we had sandwiches from the little supermarket a few minutes walk away. They had this amazing sandwich bar where you could pick exactly what you wanted, like Subway but classier, and Portuguese. They were delicious.
On the first night we went to the steak and sushi restaurant at the hotel, Blend. We decided to stick with sushi, and then go back the next night for steak, although we didn’t actually make it after being a bit shocked at the price that night.
It was so good though…
The restaurant was lovely, it was out on the lake and you could feel it moving with the water. The staff were really friendly and gave us lots of advice on our indecisiveness.
Reggie had this ‘child’s portion’ of spaghetti…
One night we tried the buffet dinner at the hotel, which was really good quality too. Like the breakfast there was a good range of food, but it was all so tastefully done. I liked that I got to try a few things, and there was plenty of options for Reggie too.
It was a little pricey at €50 each without drinks, and €25 for Reggie (his most expensive dinner ever?) but we really enjoyed it so can’t complain. We had a few courses to make the most of it!
Spa time!
You get an hour a day at the spa at Domes, although we stayed two on the first visit and no one said anything. We managed to visit twice on our trip, seeing as Reggie loved the kids club so much.
The spa was fab. With a steam room, sauna, two jacuzzis, a large pool and about 5 different jet stations, there was plenty to experience. As well as the whole ‘just relaxing’ thing too.
We were the only people in there on the first day, and there was one other the second time. So good to have a private spa!
You could also get massages and therapies on demand, although we felt the spa experience was enough.
Kid’s club and activities
If you’re travelling with kids, there’s a little playground at Domes, a kids’ club, and loads of green space to run about. We were only going to use the kids club once, so we could try the spa, but Reggie loved it so much he asked to go back. Ok!
A word of warning though: I think it’s great for babies, and then 4+. At 3, Reggie was actually only allowed in the ‘mini club’ which was a very small room where the babies go. The image you see above is for 4+, and did have all the toys and a Wendy house to the side, which I seem to have cut off. After some negotiation we were allowed to leave him in the kids club seeing as they weren’t very busy. I wouldn’t have left him there if it was just the mini club though. He’d have been bored within a minute.
If they’re under 4 you have to pay €25 for a three-hour session, over 4 and they’re free. It’s all to do with ratios. I was perfectly happy to pay the money for what ended up being a 2:1 ratio though.
We just relaxed by the pool just outside the kids club relaxing in the knowledge that he was safe, and close by.
Location of Domes Lake Algarve
Domes Lake Algarve is just a short stroll from Vilamoura Marina if you fancy a change of scenery. We ate in the marina on two of our four nights – there are loads of bars and restaurants there, and shops too. Useful if you forget your son’s entire suitcase, like I did.
Just a few minutes the other way and you’ll find the beautiful sands of Praia de Quarteira. There are a few beach bars, plenty of loungers and all of the sea to enjoy.
Flights to Faro
We flew to Faro from Bournemouth with Jet2. In May 2025 they started flying to over 25 destinations, creating a great hub for us in the south of England.
Gosh it was so easy, it was great. We parked just outside the airport, breezed through check in and security in just a few minutes and sat calmly at our gate. In fact, it was so easy it didn’t feel real.
You can also get package deals to Domes Lake Algarve from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK hubs if you’re not near Bournemouth.
Click here to see flights to Faro with Jet2. You can see all the flights from Bournemouth Airport with Jet2 here and you can book your holidays to the Algarve with Jet2holidays here.
My Jet2 experience was a great one with friendly staff, an easy flight and swift airport experience. Would definitely fly with them again!
The Jet2 app kept us updated at the airport with the details of our transfers and any delays. We actually decided to take an Uber rather than wait for our transfer, and we could change this within the app.
Would I go back?
Absolutely. It’s not cheap, but for a treat holiday it ticks all the boxes – beautiful setting, tasty food, great wine, no stress. I would’ve preferred our second lounger cushion not to be mouldy, and the weather was a bit spring like for June, but you can’t have everything.
Domes Lake Algarve felt fancy but still family-friendly – we saw plenty of families and couples happily coexisting without it ever feeling overrun. If you’re after an Algarve break where you don’t have to do much except float between pool, lake and bar – this place is spot on.
I was invited to experience Domes Lake Algarve by Jet2 in return for my honest thoughts on the hotel and experience.
