I had the pleasure of staying at the Cascade Wellness Resort, a luxurious haven where elegance and nature exist in perfect harmony. Perched atop the breathtaking cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, this resort is embraced by some of Portugal’s most stunning beaches, including Dona Ana, Camilo and my personal favourite, Canavial — a hidden paradise tucked between the cliffs (be warned: the access path is winding but worth every step).
The resort’s concept draws inspiration from Portugal’s Age of Discovery and the personal journey toward holistic well-being. Every detail is designed for a truly special stay: a top-tier spa, indoor and outdoor fitness activities, dreamy pools and a refined international cuisine with a local twist. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to private apartments and villas, spread across five uniquely themed wings — four celebrating the continents once explored by Portuguese navigators and a fifth dedicated to Portugal itself.
Stepping into my room, I was greeted by a heart-melting surprise: local Algarvean sweets and a personalised chocolate plaque inscribed with one of my favourite quotes: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” And from my balcony — an endless view of the pool merging into the ocean.
A Culinary Journey
I started at The Gastropub, where Portuguese culinary heritage is showcased through fresh fish and seafood on display. One highlight was the Portimonense-style tuna loin served with sweet potato purée and vegetables — an authentic dish from the Algarve’s western coast.
For dessert, I enjoyed coconut quindim with passion fruit sauce, the exquisite tonka bean crème brûlée with cocoa sablé and Tavira sea salt, and three vegan and gluten-free delights: a 70% chocolate brownie with raspberries, Rocha pear almond crumble, and Azores pineapple carpaccio with coconut sorbet — perfect for summer days. My top pick? The pistachio and strawberry cheesecake, an irresistible blend of textures and flavours.
At the Mundi restaurant, guests can travel the world through seasonal theme buffets: classic European dishes, Asian specialities, South American favourites and African delicacies.
But the true crown jewel of the Cascade is the Senses restaurant. Helmed by talented Executive Chef Diogo Pereira and Pastry Chef André Cosme, the tasting menu is an unforgettable culinary voyage. The most surprising moment? The pink prawn, Rocha pear and peas dish. Confession: I usually dislike peas — but here they were transformed into a silky purée, perfectly complementing the sweetness of grilled Rocha pear and the succulent Lagos prawn, finished with a touch of basil oil. A masterstroke that converted me for life!
Other standout moments at Senses included the nori taco with local octopus, Algarve carrot with Aljezur sweet potato, cauliflower à Brás — a brilliant Portuguese classic reimagined without codfish, lobster with creamy bread stew and coriander oil, charcoal-grilled scorpionfish loin with sweet potato three ways, a cheese interlude with aged Azorean cheese and apricot preserve, and the stunning fig, almond liqueur and lemon dessert — layers of textures and flavours that surprise and delight.
Facilities and Breakfast
The resort boasts an outdoor pool, an infinity pool with a sandy bottom, children’s pools, manicured gardens, FIFA-standard football pitches, a serene spa with treatment rooms, heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, ice fountain, a gym with natural light and outdoor training area, and a fun kids club.
On my last morning, I ordered breakfast in my room — a treat I highly recommend. The buffet itself is superb: fresh fruits, a variety of national and international cheeses, vegan options, plant-based drinks, hot dishes cooked to order and, of course, fresh Algarve orange juice — nothing beats it for a perfect start to the day.
Cascade Wellness Resort is undeniably one of my favourite places in southern Portugal — for its flawless cuisine, stunning location and warm, attentive hospitality. I can’t wait to return to Lagos!