Martinhal, Portugal: Family Spy Club Review
Family Spy Club - Maddie Donnelly - Fuss Free Family Travel Writer
Family spy club review: Martinhal lisbon oriente & martinhal sagres, Portugal
First and foremost, I would like to convey the feeling we’ve come away with as a family having just returned from a ten day trip with Martinhal. That feeling is: rested - and the fact that we’ve had an ACTUAL holiday - with children.
If you know, you know!
The end of the summer holidays and return to school, sparks many school drop off discussions with parents about what they got up to - an array of different trips from camping, to Airbnb stays, to all inclusive package getaways. A common theme from many of these travel stories, was the sense that despite me being told they had a great time - it more often than not came with a caveat; that it was hard work with the kids because of…(insert an array of reasons such as stone floors, no stair gates, thin walls, no A/C, lack of children's activities, sense of guilt for wanting to just lye and read a book and relax, having to plan all meals, little help from in laws who came along for the holiday) and the list could go on.
As we head towards October half term and our thoughts turn to our next holiday plans, we wanted to share our thoughts on Martinhal and chat to founder and travel expert Chitra Stern about how and why Martinhal began, and why it makes the perfect family getaway.
Roman Stern, CEO, Owner, Founder of Elegant Group & Chitra Stern, CEO, Owner, Founder of Martinhal Resorts and United Lisbon International School
Staying at Martinhal feels incredibly unique and very much tailored to the nuances of family life! How did you go about mapping out the Martinhal guest experience and do you feel being a mother yourself influenced an integral part of its creation?
Chitra Stern: Yes, we started to develop the business idea at the same time we started a family. Having our first child made us realise that sophisticated places were not welcoming children and child-friendly places didn’t offer the quality that we were used to. So we found a new niche in the luxury hospitality market and created a unique concept. Having four children before we opened our first resort in Sagres and living on site certainly helped us to develop the concept and details further!
What in your opinion, sets Martinhal apart from other family holidays?
Chitra Stern: The family-friendly ethos and details, offering a truly exclusive experience to each family member resulting in happy adults AND children at the end of their holiday. No one feels that they’ve had to compromise on the quality of the experience. Being not only child-friendly, but also parent-friendly, considering all that’s needed for a luxury holiday for the whole family without compromising on design, elegance, and quality is what sets us apart.
So what makes a good family holiday?
This is pretty subjective and there are so many factors at play, including children's ages (and how many of them you’ll be in charge of!) personalities, whether they are neurodiverse or having additional needs, individual specific likes and dislikes and the parents or caregivers sense of what they find relaxing and enjoyable. There is no one size fits all, but for us, flexibility is key and above all, EASE. We have two
children aged six and fourteen months, work incredibly hard in our day to day lives and jobs, so anything for an easy life, happy children, minimum fuss and effort is a huge win for us. Above all we also needed some time to ourselves, as much as we adore our children, spending time with each other too on holiday was very important.
Why Martinhal?
Martinhal was founded on the parents-matter-too principle of “Enjoy your cappuccino with the foam still on top”. This resonated. With our girls the ages they are, one of us is always running off after our smallest, eyes to the ground and surveying for danger while the other plays with and entertains our six year old while she discusses the ins and outs of just about everything in life. (Her latest interest is Snowshoe Hares and the Tundra…I’ll say no more…).
Martinhal currently has four destinations in Portugal, two in Lisbon; Martinhal Chiado in the centre and the newest addition, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente - as well as two in the Algarve - Martinhal Sagres and Martinhal Quinta Do Lago. We were fortunate enough to spend three nights at Lisbon Oriente which opened its doors in June 2023, as well as a five night visit to Martinhal Sagres.
When speaking to some other guests during our visit, there was a common theme of families wanting to return year after year. Why do you think Martinhal attracts this level of guest loyalty?
Chitra Stern: Loyalty is thanks to the excellent service and staff, combined with the amazing facilities. I think guests came back because we ensure hassle-free luxury family holidays and guests know they will feel the whole family has had a restful holiday with beautiful memories for all ages. At Martinhal, guests can enjoy time as a family, time as a couple, as well as “me time” achieving the right balance so each family member feels they have had the holiday they sought.
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente
Based fifteen minutes outside of Lisbon's centre, the newest addition to the Martinhal family is the grand and glamorous Lisbon Oriente, situated in The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations). This area is perfect for families - unlike Lisbon centre, which is beautiful but very hilly and cobbly so not as suitable for buggies and small legs, The Park of Nations offers a number of attractions within easy walking distance, including some beautiful gardens and parks, The Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, Lisbon Oceanarium, The Pavillion of Knowledge science centre and the cities Telecabine Cable Car. We rode this as a return journey for around €25 Euro and it offered a super fun ride for the children and spectacular views over Lisbon and the Tagus River.
Lisbon Oriente is ideal for those looking for a city break with their family - whether that be a work trip or for pleasure. From a corporate perspective - Oriente is brilliantly set up, with a business suite consisting of meeting rooms and private call booths. It boasts an expertly staffed kids club to entertain the little ones, as well as a brand new gym and indoor and outdoor pools for leisure. Our two bedroom apartment was five star, fully equipped with everything you may need for your family and with the option to self cater, it provided us with great flexibility during our stay.
The Terrace Restaurant - Martinhal Lisbon Oriente Review
During our stay, the Martinhal team were thoughtful and attentive and always on hand - we were fully supported by the on site concierge who helped arrange everything from high chairs through to airport transfers and car hire. What was so wonderful was the sense that despite it being an incredibly smart, five star hotel, the children were never once frowned at for being loud, or dripping their swimming costumes in the lift on the way back from the pool! The atmosphere was accommodating and welcoming and it allowed us to fully enjoy everything the accommodation had to offer.
Lisbon Oriente is set within a green oasis, high walled garden which is hidden from the from the front facade. The Terrace restaurant, serving up exquisite, locally sourced food, is on the same level as the garden, meaning the children could run around outside safely while we ate and we could also enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio. Childcare is also available during your meals by pre-arrangement.
During our stay we noticed that technology played a crucial role in the guest experience - with the use of the MyMartinhal.com website. How has using this transformed the way guests are able enjoy their stay at Martinhal? How do you balance this with the more traditional face to face hospitality dynamic?
Chitra Stern: We have worked hard on My Martinhal to ensure that guests can access what is going on across the resort as we have so many different activities for the different age groups and for parents. In addition, there are different dining options and even themed dining events. My Martinhal enables guests to get information about all services available, check availability and make bookings quickly. Guests have become more convenience oriented and want to have the information at their fingertips from anywhere in the resort. However this will never replace the face to face and personal relationships with guests. Guests really create great relationships with our staff during their stay that make a difference.
Childcare
Special Touches - Gift in our babys cot when we arrived at Lisbon Oriente
My husband and I utilised the kids club facilities one afternoon (both of our daughters stayed together which was nice for their first session). I instantly felt at ease despite never having left the children with people I didn’t know - we found the team professional, kind, compassionate and reassuring and activities were tailored for both ages. My older daughter had so much fun that she didn’t want to leave.
These precious few hours meant we had the opportunity to head into Lisbon centre - we took E-Scooters along the river which was a fun way to explore and cost around €12 Euro with the Lime app, taking around 35 minutes. We visited the Time Out Food Market which was fantastic for food and drink and a fun atmosphere - I wouldn’t have said it's suitable for children owing to the noise and crowds (and toilet set up!) it would have been hard not to lose them! But for adults looking for a meal and night out it was great fun. We returned to Oriente via taxi which took under ten minutes.
Property Ownership
Martinhal Oriente was constructed during the ‘Golden Visa’ period, which is now coming to an end - but all apartments and villas are available to buy - meaning you can own some prime, expertly managed real estate with all of the benefits of a stay at Martinhal. This opportunity, alongside the newly opened Martinhal International School mean that if you’re considering a relocation to Lisbon it is a fantastic set up to transition your family. I must admit we were very tempted! Lisbon is brimming with culture, art and energy so it’s certainly worth exploring if you’re keen on a European move.
The opportunity of property ownership feels to be an important part of the Martinhal offering. How can families benefit from owning a Martinhal property?
Chitra Stern: It works differently according to each resort but we offer guaranteed return investment opportunities where owners can use the property for shorter periods in the year, if that is what they want, as well as residential options at Martinhal Oriente where people choose to live in branded residences with all the services.
Tell us a bit more about the Martinhal International School in Lisbon? How did the idea come about and do you think there will be further development in the education space?
Chitra Stern: I’ve been part of a government-led task force to attract foreign direct investment and during that process, I brought up the need for a quality international school within central Lisbon, in order to compete with other worldwide destinations. Education is crucial for families when deciding where to live or relocate to and Lisbon didn’t have enough International Schools to attract companies and families to reach their foreign direct investment goals. At the same time, we have identified an opportunity to breathe new life into a former educational facility still with its original art deco façade in Park of Nations, and though it was the perfect location for our United Lisbon International School, right next to Lisbon’s most modern neighbourhood.
Through extensive research selecting the right global industry partners, as well as having a large family of our own, my husband and I were able to apply our first-hand knowledge of the importance of education for international families relocating to a major capital city like Lisbon.
The school’s extensive state-of-the-art offering and facilities were completed and opened for operations in September 2020. It was the start of the transformative community that is Edu Hub Lisbon. Watch this space!
How has the recent economic climate affected Martinhal, if at all, when it comes to family holidays and those looking to move abroad?
Chitra Stern: For many years now, foreigners have been moving to Portugal for different reasons over the years. Portugal has a temperate climate which appeals to many northern Europeans. Safety and security issues have also played a role as people have migrated from cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to Lisbon. Lisbon features high on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the most attractive places to live. Geopolitics all over the world dictate that people want to find safer and stable places to live. People want to feel welcome where they move to and Portugal has a very open, tolerant and liberal society.
The recent economic climate post-COVID has been rocky all over the world. Portugal’s economic data have been quite good compared to other countries although there is a housing crisis here like in other countries.
Tourists feeling the crunch of the economic situation at home have started coming in other seasons other than summer to enjoy an early summer, an extension of their summer or winter sun as well. Flights tend to be cheaper outside of August as well, so it makes sense.
Martinhal Sagres
The second part of our trip took us South to Martinhal Sagres, the southernmost point of Europe in Portugal's Algarve region. Nestled on the picturesque cliffs of Portugal's Algarve coast, Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort is a true gem that seamlessly blends luxury, family-friendliness, and natural beauty.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in guest expectations and demand over the past thirteen years since opening your flagship resort, Martinhal Sagres?
Chitra Stern: Well, the world has changed a lot, as have guests’ expectations. People want to feel the places they visit and the brands they use are aligned with their life philosophy. Sustainability and authenticity as well as exclusivity have become more important. Guests want to keep going back to hotel brands they truly love and I believe Martinhal is a “love brand”. We have also had to invest a lot in IT hardware and software over the years as families have multiple devices and need much more bandwidth as devices are used for entertainment, social media, business and communications. More guests are “working from anywhere” as well.
Accommodation
Martinhal Sagres offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotel rooms to spacious villas. We stayed in one of the two bedroom Ocean Villas, which I’d say are probably the best location (easily accessible from the children's clubs, village square play area and pools - little legs in our family are not keen on walking far!) all whilst offering breathtaking views of the beach and sea. The rooms were both downstairs with an open plan living room, kitchen and terrace upstairs. This meant you could really enjoy the views in the mornings and evenings as the sun set. We found it to be clean and well-appointed, fully air conditioned and with all the amenities you'd expect from a luxury resort. In comparison to Oriente, it felt more of a beachside holiday home than a hotel apartment which was apt for the location and feeling of relaxation. The towel and bedding test were passed with flying colours - super soft and luxurious!
What is Martinhals approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility now and for the future?
Chitra Stern: Sustainability and environment have been on our priorities since the beginning and when building the projects. We have solar and photovoltaic panels, have worked on water desalination system in Sagres to be able to use it to water our gardens, that have been carefully planned with indigenous plants, hence resulting in the gardens having less water needs. Martinhal Sagres has been awarded the Green Key award for its environmental-friendly procedures and processes. There are a number of activities for recycling, single use plastic reduction, laundry policies as well as beach cleaning and local charity support. Martinhal Sagres specially has shown a great impact on the local community by creating jobs and bringing business to local commerce and activity partners.
The newly-built Martinhal Oriente stands as a visually stunning testament to the art of sustainable luxury architecture. Its design narrative revolves around the interplay between opulence and ecological consciousness, highlighting a commitment to responsible urban development. Within this architectural marvel lies a profound respect for nature, evident in its lush green façade with Portuguese olive trees gracing each balcony. Inside, biophilic design thrives, increasing guests’ connectivity to nature through direct and indirect natural elements and Portuguese plants, fostering an atmosphere of tranquillity and wellness. Deepening its commitment to water conservation, a meticulously designed central drip irrigation system waters the plants, sparing precious water resources.
The large, luminous spaces within the hotel owe their brilliance not only to the use of powerful low energy LED lighting, but also to the generous expanse of windows inviting the sun’s radiance to embrace every corner. This design choice not only minimises dependence on artificial lighting but also paints the interiors in the changing colours of the seasons with beautiful garden views. Moreover, the integration of solar panels contributes to the use of renewable energy to power the building, an infinite energy source that creates no harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Martinhal Lisbon Oriente boasts a sophisticated central control system underpinned by the cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technology, where a KNX system orchestrates lighting, energy, and water seamlessly, empowering users for resource optimisation.
In line with our values, Martinhal Lisbon Oriente finds its place within Parque das Nações, a beacon of sustainable living. This modern neighbourhood encapsulates the future of urban planning with its energy efficient Climaespaço heating and cooling system, and efficient waste collection through a pneumatic vacuum suction system exemplifying a commitment to a cleaner world.
Service
The staff at Martinhal Sagres truly shine and we couldn’t fault the service. They are not only courteous and attentive but also genuinely warm and welcoming. On our second from last night our baby daughter was very sick in the night (that feeling of doom sets in as you think about having to travel home!) and at 1am we realised we had no bottled water. One call to the concierge and within 5 minutes one of the team came to the door with bottles of water, fresh towels and sheets. We also got a courtesy call the next day to check on her to see if she needed to see the on site medical team (thankfully she was absolutely fine!) This service was just excellent and made us feel truly looked after.
The Martinhal team were all incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and thoughtful throughout our trip, both at Lisbon Oriente and in Sagres. How do you maintain this seamless level of service and brand consistency throughout all sites?
Chitra Stern: We have a strong company culture that has been built organically over the years. We invest a lot in the recruitment and training processes. There are several internal marketing with communication efforts, obviously. Employee loyalty is something we’ve worked hard on since the beginning and we have created a strong Martinhal family recruited and retained with our brand values in mind.
One thing parents do worry about when away is medical facilities and the nearest hospital - so for the worriers out there who like to cover all bases (us!) there is a nurse on site who is always around for immediate medical first aid. Vila do Bispo is 10 Minutes from Sagres and can provide an ambulance and the nearest public hospital is in Lagos (30 min drive) in addition to Alvor (40 minutes drive).
Family-Friendly
The "Raposa Kids Club" with it’s iconic fox mascot offers an array of age-appropriate clubs and schedule of activities for children throughout the week. When we arrived we were gifted very sweet little fox toys for the girls, sun hats, a backpack and Martinhal bottle which the children loved. Due to the size and the capacity of the Sagres resort, our girls were in two different clubs but this meant my 6 year old came away having met some lovely new friends to play with, all her age.
The baby club takes infants from 6 months old, which is much younger than many other holiday providers and for this fact alone I’d say that if you have babies under twelve months or just above, you can confidently leave them in great hands and enjoy some time to yourself. They had very very charming little baby outings each day around the resort in six seater buggies, it was great they weren’t just indoors the entire session and just felt more enriching (which alleviated any parent guilt for having them in clubs!) The older children's clubs also organised a huge variety of outdoor activities including swimming sessions throughout the week to keep things varied and entertaining.
The playgrounds, four swimming pools, and secluded beach access all contribute to the family-friendly atmosphere and it's all within such easy reach so great to mix up the holiday each day. All restaurants were near play areas so the children could entertain themselves, within view, whilst adults finished their meal.
Can you share any notable family stories or memorable moments since Martinhal began?
Chitra Stern: Oh! We have had so many! We have worked hard on celebrating family events at Martinhal – for example my parents-in-law’s milestone birthdays, or my parents 50th wedding anniversary, our own milestone birthdays, our children’s birthdays. These events have brought together family and friends from all over the world sometimes and we have created wonderful memories. These celebrations are so important, especially since COVID. During COVID, we held onto some of these memories and moments while we longed to see each other again.
We also make it a point to celebrate each opening with an inauguration party. It is important for the stakeholders as well as us as founders and CEOs.
Portugal is clearly close to your heart and In 2019 you delivered a TEDX talk about why Portugal is Trending. Do you foresee Martinhal expanding into other countries at some point in the future? Finally, what is your vision and plans for the future of Martinhal?
Chitra Stern: Yes, I do foresee Martinhal expanding to other countries. It is in fact a responsibility to do so as many guests have asked when we are going to open in the rest of Europe and in the USA!
Food and Drink
Martinhal Sagres offers three main restaurants, O Terraço, with its panoramic ocean views, serving more traditional Portuguese cuisine, while As Dunas Beach Bar and Restaurant which specialises in seafood just steps from the beach. It offered daily catch specials to choose from and was our personal favourite of the three! Os Gambozinos is located in the village square (a bit of an epicentre for the exodus post-kids club!) and this offered the genius of a children's buffet, at a perfect, edible temperature (read: no hangry children or frantic blowing on the food to cool it down, so they could eat immediately.) Within the village there was also the more laid back option of the Josper grill - and poolside you could also grab a bite.
Most mornings we ate at O Terraço which offered a huge and diverse breakfast buffet, with a wide selection of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Prosecco was also unlimited should you be so inclined on a morning!
Let’s talk food! How does Martinhal cater for all family members during their stay? (both adventurous and perhaps not so adventurous!) This is often such a big sticking point when families decide to embark on a trip away!
Chitra Srern: Gastronomy is key for Martinhal, good quality and wide range of options for various needs and tastes are part of the Martinhal experience. Based on fresh and seasonal ingredients, we offer a variety of food options through our restaurant concepts. Our menus include vegetarian and vegan options and pay high attention to dietary restrictions (allergies and intolerances). Our restaurants not only offer childrens menus but also fresh purees for babies from 6 months of age. As for drinks, Martinhal invites guests to discover the very best of Portuguese wines as well as some signature mocktails and cocktails.
Activities
Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or looking to unwind, Martinhal Sagres has you covered. The resort offers a range of activities, from water sports and tennis to yoga and spa treatments. The Martinhal Surf School is perfect for those looking to catch some waves, and the nearby nature reserves provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the Algarve's natural beauty.
During our stay we noticed that technology played a crucial role in the guest experience - with the use of the MyMartinhal.com website. How has using this transformed the way guests are able enjoy their stay at Martinhal? How do you balance this with the more traditional face to face hospitality dynamic?
Chitra Stern: We have worked hard on My Martinhal to ensure that guests can access what is going on across the resort as we have so many different activities for the different age groups and for parents. In addition, there are different dining options and even themed dining events. My Martinhal enables guests to get information about all services available, check availability and make bookings quickly. Guests have become more convenience oriented and want to have the information at their fingertips from anywhere in the resort. However this will never replace the face to face and personal relationships with guests. Guests really create great relationships with our staff during their stay that make a difference.
In summary, our stay at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort exceeded our expectations in every way. This is not just a resort; it's a haven for families. The combination of exceptional service, family-friendly amenities, delicious cuisine, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Algarve makes Martinhal Sagres a destination worth returning to - we can't recommend it enough, and we're already planning our next visit.
If having read all of this one of our readers are now considering booking a stay with Martinhal, how would you describe the experience they may have? Why should they choose to have their next trip with Martinhal?
Chitra Stern: They will certainly enjoy their time at Martinhal! Which Martinhal depends on what experience they want – beach, golf, city or an urban resort! They will definitely enjoy the different culinary experiences at Martinhal – especially in Martinhal Sagres and Martinhal Lisbon Oriente. Creating #MartinhalMemories are what we are about!
