Hotels often have the biggest pools, and sometimes an indoor pool in the spa as well. In Lagos, a lively old town opens onto the sculpted cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Here are the 10 hotels I've selected in Lagos, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, Belmar Spa & Beach Resort and Cascade Wellness Resort.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
10 places shown
The pool. Heated covered pool in the spa, as well as outdoor pools and a children's pool. The paid thermal circuit includes a hot tub.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa's thermal circuit (paid, by reservation).
The pool scores 9/10 on Kayak. One guest in July 2018 did find the pool cold, though, without saying which one.
Guide's tip. For a warm swim, go for the spa's covered pool rather than the outdoor ones.
The pool. Indoor pool, in addition to four outdoor pools and a children's pool.
Kayak's review summary says the outdoor pools aren't heated: rely on the indoor pool.
Guide's tip. Outside summer, only the indoor pool promises pleasant water: check its opening hours when you arrive.
The pool. A heated pool is advertised, plus an indoor pool in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The listing doesn't say whether the heated pool is the outdoor one or the spa pool: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, in addition to an outdoor pool.
The pool scores 9/10 on Kayak and guests enjoy the pool area, without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: ask about the indoor pool's temperature if you're coming in winter.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities, in addition to the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed if you're coming in winter.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities, in addition to the sea-facing outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool advertised as heated, in addition to the outdoor pools.
Travellers rate the pools 8.5/10 and list them among the highlights. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the indoor pool's opening hours out of season.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, outdoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and sauna.
A few guests found a pool closed for maintenance when they arrived. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Check that all the pools are open during your stay.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve (Hotel), with 8.9/10 (1,120 reviews · Kayak). Next come Belmar Spa & Beach Resort (8.8/10) and Cascade Wellness Resort (8.7/10).
None of the places selected in Lagos clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, Vila Galé Lagos and NH Lagos Algarve Resort have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected in Lagos gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve and Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luz Bay Hotel | Outdoor pool only; guests mention maintenance and temperature issues. | 6,4/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
Sources: Kayak.
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