Resort
Porches, The Algarve
Vila Vita Parc
A clifftop resort in Porches, Algarve, spread across 22 hectares of subtropical gardens with direct access to a private white sand beach.
Price on request
Hotel · Algarve, Portugal
Vila Joya
A former private residence above Praia da Galé in Albufeira, with four rooms, nine suites and a restaurant that has held two Michelin stars since 1999.
Overview
Vila Joya stands above Praia da Galé on the coastline of Albufeira in the Algarve. The property began as a private family residence, acquired by Claudia Jung in 1982, who converted it over time into a small hotel while keeping its domestic scale and Moorish architectural details. In 1991 she brought in Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, who earned the restaurant its first Michelin star in 1995 and a second in 1999, the first restaurant in Portugal to hold two. Since 2003 Claudia's daughter Joy has run the property, adding her own touches while keeping its character as a home rather than a conventional hotel.
The property has four rooms and nine suites, each with its own view of the Atlantic Ocean. Interiors mix antiques, maritime art and contemporary Portuguese design. The Royal Suite Alegria, at one hundred and forty square metres, is the largest, with a private garden, heated pool and an outdoor shower open to the sky. Suite 7, at eighty-five square metres, has an extra large walk-in closet and a bathroom with both a double shower and a bathtub. Other categories include Suite 1001 Nights, once the house ballroom, and Sweet Sixteen, the room used as a honeymoon suite by founder Claudia Jung.
Dieter Koschina still changes the restaurant menu daily, working with Executive Chef Stefan Langmann, Maître Paulo Luz and sommelier Arnaud Vallet; the largest table in the Michelin restaurant seats six. A separate beach restaurant, Vila Joya Sea, operates each summer on Xiringuito beach near Praia da Galé with a new menu and décor, this season combining Japanese cooking from Chef Rafael Oyama with dishes from High Asia by Chef Sabin. The spa, referred to on site as the 'recanto', has two full-time therapists plus a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, an open-air gym, a Turkish bath and sauna with sea views, two swimming pools and a Floating Room added at the end of 2024 for aquatic bodywork.
- Rooms
- 13
- Minimum stay
- 1 night
- Check in
- 15:00
- Check out
- 12:00
Why we like it
- Four rooms and nine suites, each with its own view of the Atlantic Ocean
- Two Michelin stars held since 1999 under Chef Dieter Koschina
- Family-run since 1982, now managed by founder Claudia Jung's daughter Joy
- Beach restaurant Vila Joya Sea changes its décor and menu every summer
- Royal Suite Alegria has a private heated pool and an outdoor sky-view shower
- Spa includes a Floating Room for aquatic bodywork, added at the end of 2024
Gallery
Rooms & suites
Categories shown for orientation. Your travel advisor will confirm which are available for your dates and recommend the one that suits the trip.
Royal Suite Alegria
The largest suite at Vila Joya, with a private garden, heated pool with a counter current jet system and an outdoor shower open to the sky. Interiors mix antiques and contemporary Portuguese design.
140 m²Up to 2 guestsAtlantic Ocean viewSuite 1001 Nights
Once the house ballroom, this suite combines Portuguese and Japanese details with original terracotta floors and a working wood fireplace. Reached by a grand staircase from the main hallway.
Up to 2 guestsAtlantic Ocean viewSuite Joia
A secluded suite with a charming living area and a large bedroom in natural light. Two spacious terraces overlook the sea, one with a Jacuzzi.
Up to 2 guestsSea viewSuite 2001
A one-bedroom suite with Moorish décor in ivory and white, a mirrored fireplace in the living area and a sun deck with direct garden access. The bedroom and double shower both have sea views.
Up to 2 guestsSea viewSweet Sixteen
Originally the honeymoon room of founder Claudia Jung, this first-floor suite has terracotta tones and cherry wood accents, with a southwest-facing terrace, sunbeds, a private outdoor dining area and a double bathtub. Available as a two bedroom suite on request.
Up to 2 guestsOcean viewSuite 7
A suite with the feel of a country house, with a large sea-view bedroom, an extra large walk-in closet and a bathroom with both a double shower and a bathtub. Has direct access to the gardens.
85 m²Up to 2 guestsSea viewJunior Suite Maresia
A junior suite with sea views, a private garden and direct access to the spa.
Up to 2 guestsSea viewDeluxe Terrace Room Claudia
A bright room with sweeping ocean views, where breakfast, lunch or a sunset cocktail can be brought to the private terrace or daybed.
Up to 2 guestsOcean view
Amenities
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Vila Joya Sea beach restaurant
- Pool restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Gym
- Turkish bath and sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Two swimming pools
- Floating Room
- Room service
Reserving through us
Included when your travel advisor confirms this stay
- Daily breakfast for two
- Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Property credit or equivalent where the house offers one
- Early check in and late check out on request
- Welcome amenity and your travel agent known to the general manager
Eligible preferred amenities are applied wherever available, subject to the property at the time of stay, and are confirmed in your proposal.
Location
Algarve, Portugal
Golden cliffs, sheltered coves and a coast that works from Easter to November.
Questions
- How many rooms does Vila Joya have?
- Vila Joya has four rooms and nine suites, each with its own view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Does Vila Joya have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
- Yes. Chef Dieter Koschina has held two Michelin stars at Vila Joya since 1999, the first restaurant in Portugal to do so, and he still changes the menu daily alongside Executive Chef Stefan Langmann.
- Is there a beach restaurant at Vila Joya?
- Vila Joya Sea is the property's beach restaurant on Xiringuito beach near Praia da Galé. It changes its décor and menu each summer; the current concept combines Japanese cooking from Chef Rafael Oyama with dishes from High Asia by Chef Sabin.
- What can I do at the spa?
- The spa, called the 'recanto', offers massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture with Dr. John Sanchez, personalised yoga, a Turkish bath and sauna, an open-air gym and a Floating Room for aquatic bodywork added at the end of 2024.
- How far is Vila Joya from the airport?
- Faro Airport is 48 kilometres away. Seville Airport is 246 kilometres and Lisbon Airport is 258 kilometres.
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