www.valedolobo.com
Vale do Lobo FAQ's
Vale do Lobo Algarve guarantees a complete resort experience in a safe, secure and welcoming environment all encompassed in one luxury destination: Property Owners at Vale do Lobo benefit from everything they need right at their fingertips, from banking and grocery shopping through to boutiques, 15 restaurants - boasting diverse international cuisine - unbeatable night life, a rich year-round events calendar, 2km of golden beach and some of Europe’s finest sporting facilities.
Vale do Lobo is the ultimate family destination and offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to appeal to every member of the family in a safe, secure and welcoming environment thus it offers a community spirit unlike any other. From painting classes and cocktail parties, to bridge evenings, Portuguese lessons and activities throughout the year.
Vale do Lobo Algarve is located just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport, which is serviced by direct flights from most major European cities. In only a few hours of leaving your home you can expect to be standing outside a beautiful villa, soaking up the Algarve’s sunshine, making it an incredibly convenient and attractive option, even for weekend visits.
The Algarve enjoys almost year-round sunshine with the added benefit of cooling Atlantic breezes, without suffering from the unbearable heat of other traditional destinations. This is a special advantage for golfers as many holes of our two championship courses are located alongside the coast and during the summer months these cooling breezes are very welcoming.
Vale do Lobo Algarve operates a strict policy of low density development, working sympathetically with the natural surroundings of the resort and as such villas, facilities and golf courses nestle harmoniously along a stunning natural backdrop, including a protected wildlife reserve.
Properties in Vale do Lobo Algarve are renowned for their excellent return on investment and the resort boasts some of the last remaining beachfront locations in Europe, keeping it high in demand. Add in the quality and continual improvement and innovation to facilities and services and the final result is one beyond comparison.
Vale do Lobo Algarve promotes a family-oriented community, operating 24-hour security vigilance through specially trained patrols and CCTV. Property Owners and visitors can also enjoy their time peacefully in the resort with 24-hour medical care and a host of wellness facilities.
Founded in 1962, Vale do Lobo was the first development in the Algarve and is today the largest luxury resort of its kind in Portugal operated by the same company. With a total area of 450 hectares and approximately 1,500 residential and holiday properties, Vale do Lobo Algarve is a self-contained community offering endless facilities and services in a unique location.
Discover dream experiences for all the family! Golf, tennis, sailing, beach, swimming pools, bars, restaurants, concerts, sporting and cultural events that complement outstanding accommodation.
Situated just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport in a location of breathtaking natural beauty, the resort offers the ideal environment for your holiday, with top-quality accommodation - ranging from modern apartments to luxury detached villas with golf and/or sea views.
Vale do Lobo Algarve welcomes families and couples, and the greeting is warm, open and generous. Guests feel at home, and it’s memorable. This is where life-long friendships will blossom, and where lasting impressions will be formed.
Stylish, contemporary architecture complements the organic personality of the resort, which has been shaped to blend effortlessly into the indigenous landscape of the region’s natural beauty, flanked by golden coastline and a nature reserve.
Yes, the Kids Club caters for children between the ages of 6 months to 12 years and is located at the beach-side Praça complex along with mini-golf and children’s swimming pools.
A number of activities are organized throughout the year including football camps, tennis and golf. For more information on current activities, please contact the Resort Reception.
Yes, you have access through the Praça to Vale do Lobo’s 2km stretch of beach with sunbeds, sunshades and surveillance throughout the summer.
From the Kids Club and mini-golf through to watersports, live music and special themed dinners, Vale do Lobo operates an extensive array of activities for all the family to enjoy daily, particularly in the summer months.
Available facilities include the Wellness Centre with its state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and soothing Royal Spa, the Tennis Academy, which is the largest one in Portugal with 14 courts, gym and swimming pools, the Shopping with several shops, winery, farmacy, and an art gallery.
Also the Resort Reception, a round-the-clock Medical Centre the complimentary Resort Shuttle for gettting around the resort, and unrivalled security.
15 restaurants and bars are available at Vale do Lobo; some offering gourmet cuisine and intimate settings with others providing the perfect place to enjoy a family meal. Dishes range from Oriental or Italian to seafood or a steakhouse. Special holiday menus with entertainment are also available throughout the summer months.
Vale do Lobo ensures there is plenty to keep you entertained, including live outdoor concerts and entertainment at the Praça.
Babysitters are available through the main Resort Reception if you are planning to dance into the early hours.
You also do not need to worry about driving as the Resort Shuttle can take you to and from your property to the resort’s facilities.
There are currently 36 eighteen-hole golf courses in operation in the Algarve.
There are two high seasons for playing golf in Portugal. The first is between mid-February and May and the second is from mid-September to November.
It is during these periods that courses in the Algarve are at their busiest, there isn’t any noticeable difference between weekends and weekdays as courses are mainly used by visiting foreign tourists.
We have a free shuttle service to and from the Vilamoura area, Quinta do Lago and a selected area of Albufeira.
Vale do Lobo offers equipment rental services (clubs, buggies and trolleys).
We do not rent footwear or golf balls, but shoes and balls can be bought at the clubs golf shop - Nevada Bob’s.
Upon request, we are happy to organise tournaments / events for guests.
We also organise annual tournaments, such as the Amateur Week in January and the Foursomes Week in May.
Yes, we do have special conditions for groups, such as 1 free green free out of 8 players.
Yes, memberships are available for singles, couples or families.
Golfers are welcome to carry their bags or take buggies.
Soft spikes, socks and collared shirts are mandatory. No jeans, training or bathing clothes are allowed.
Valid handicap certificates are necessary upon check in. Handicap limits of 28 for men and 36 for ladies, are also applicable.
A Nutrigenomic consultation covers your medical, family and lifestyle history, detailed dietary history, often includes body measurements, and always cheek swab. It’s friendly, informative and very easy. Your specialist therapist will send your swab off for analysis, and around a month later will create a detailed report on the results, with personalized recommendations regarding your diet and lifestyle. You can also follow this up with other consultations if you want the reassurance of a more controlled dietary regime.
Nutrition and fitness are always in the media and we have all heard of the latest fad diets or fashionable nutrition, but it is important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. With a Nutrigenomic consultation you have the reassurance that you are eating to suit your body’s needs, and that you are making a positive change on your lifestyle, while working on preventig a number of diseases and ailments that you could be genetically susceptible to.
The Royal Spa offers a variety of soothing and luxurious treatments to cater to diverse skin conditions, relaxation or just some well earned pampering. Its tranquil Oriental-inspired surroundings offer a haven from the stresses of the outside world. Alternative therapies and the latest technologies are all available, including gift packages and sports massages.
Royal Spa receptionists are experienced in all treatments and will be delighted to assist you in planning your spa program. It is recommended that you book your treatments in advance to be able to select your desired time and avoid disappointment. To make your Royal Spa reservation please visit us or call 289 353 480 (from outside of our villas/resort) or 3480 (internal line).
Leading a healthy lifestyle is very important and the Fitness Centre offers a range of the latest equipment, fitness classes, expert guidance and monitoring from qualified personal trainers. It also works in conjunction with the Vale do Lobo Medical Centre to ensure you are keeping fit safely and in tune with your body’s requirements.
The Vale do Lobo Medical Centre works round the clock and offers a special House Call service. It also has direct access to emergency services. The team there cover general practitioner consultancy as well as a host of specialist areas, such as maternity, cardiology, dentistry and dermatology amongst others. The Medical Centre also provides information on staying healthy and a number of handy holiday check-ups.
It is recommended that you book your appointment for the Victor Picardo Hairstyling Group hairdresser or beauty services in advance to be able to select your desired time and avoid disappointment.
To make your reservation please either visit us or call (+351) 289 353 439 (from outside of our villas/resort) or 3439 (internal line).
To start your relaxing spa experience, please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
We'll be happy to give you a tour to acquaint you with the surroundings and introduce you to the spa facilities, such as sauna, Turkish bath, hammam, relaxation room, and also the Fitness Centre.
Being respectful of the environment is part of the Royal Spa experience, so we would kindly ask you to use only the number of towels necessary.
Should you arrive late, your appointment may need to be shortened to allow the therapist to be on time for the next appointment.
On the day of treatment, try to stay out of the sun and avoid alcoholic beverages. Also do not schedule a physically demanding endeavour after a spa appointment. When in doubt, contact the Royal Spa to ask whether it is advisable to engage in a particular activity prior to your appointment.
If you must shave, do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, particularly a man receiving a facial or a woman receiving any kind of body treatment to the affected area.
Try not to eat for at least an hour before a treatment. Drink plenty of water before and after, especially if you plan to enjoy heat therapy, such as the saunas, steam room or hammam.
Please enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Royal Spa and respect your fellow clients:
In the relaxation room and elsewhere, keep conversations at a low volume. Please turn mobile phones and pagers off before entering the Royal Spa.
Yes, please!
It's mandatory to submit Health Information Form on your first visit to the Royal Spa. If you have any medical conditions, be sure to mention them.
Please also inform the therapist if you are wearing contact lenses before you have a facial.
Upon arrival you will be given a robe and slippers to wear. Please also remember to bring your bathing suit if you plan to use the swimming pool, saunas or steam room.
In the treatment room you will be provided with disposable underwear, or if you feel more comfortable, you can keep your own.
Your privacy will be protected at all times; your therapist will leave you to change in private.
Many treatments require removal of jewellery.
All valuables should be secured in a locker and locker keys kept with you at all times.
Members and guest are fully responsable for their property.
The Royal Spa is not liable for any loss or damage to private property used or stored on the premises.
Your treatment time is exclusively reserved for you, and in consideration for other guests, we kindly request a minimum of five hours notice. If you are not able to keep your appointment, we will be happy to reschedule. Any appointments missed or cancelled with less than five hours notice will be fully charged.
Yes. Treat your friends and loved ones with a day at the Royal Spa.
Please let us help you find the right gift.
Yes of course!
Please ask advice to your therapist at the end of your treatment or if you prefer pass by the Royal Spa reception where you can choose from our complete range of products and ensure your relaxation and wellbeing continues.
Please openly communicate your treatment expectations. Even though we do our best to anticipate your needs, spa treatments are very personal experiences.
Talking to your therapists will enable them to customize your services to ensure your satisfaction.
You sign up directly at the Fitness Centre or at the Royal Spa Reception.
The openings hours of the Fitness Centre are from 08:00 to 19:00 (Monday to Friday) and from 08:00 to 16:00 (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays).
During these hours the Fitness Centre is always supervised by qualified Fitness Trainers.
Yes, we offer guidance on how to operate the equipment, should you require this.
Yes, showers, lockers and towels are available.
Yes, personal training is available at an additional cost either on a one-to-one or group basis.
The minimum age is 16.
Yes, at the Fitness Centre it’s necessary to use proper fitness shoes and clothes.
Just ask one of the Trainers at the Fitness Centre and they’ll be delighted to recommend a class based on your fitness goals. All of our classes are multi-level so both beginners and experienced exercisers can enjoy the same classes.
If you have health issues, we recommend that you work on a one-on-one basis with a Personal Trainer, who will design a custom exercise programme for you.
Vale do Lobo Algarve is the largest resort of its kind in Portugal operated by the same company, covering an area of approximately 450 hectares.
Vale do Lobo offers a diverse range of luxury homes to suit all budgets and requirements, from apartments and semi-detached villas (new or resale) to plots (ocean or golf view) for custom built villas. There are currently approximately 1,500 homes in the resort with plans for 500 more.
Sizes range across the resort from 50m2 (studio apartment) to 4500m2 (plots in Oceano Clube area). The houses built on plots in Oceano Clube can vary between 225m2-350m2 depending on which plot, whereas at Vale Real they vary between 340m2 – 500m2.
Vale do Lobo Algarve is proud of its exceptional security procedures and safety measures. The resort operates round-the-clock security patrols while a closed circuit TV system also surveys the main areas of the resort. Security staff are trained to deal with every eventuality, including intensive first-aid. Vale do Lobo’s residential community also liaise closely with management to ensure year-round vigilance.
After choosing a property, a reservation agreement is signed and then secured with a small deposit while the promissory contract is prepared by Vale do Lobo’s legal department and your solicitor. Completion is then scheduled to be signed in front of an official notary.
1. Meet with your Real Estate Consultant
The first step for each client is to meet with one of the Official vale do Lobo team of experienced real estate consultants, who can advise on financial, legal and other aspects of building in Portugal with which you may not be familiar. This is the time to discuss your hopes, tastes, requirements and budget.
2. Tour of the Resort
Taking these into account, the real estate consultant will guide you around the different areas and show you the options within Vale do Lobo so you can decide which could potentially suit you and your family.
3. Designing your home (Applicable only to plots with construction)
Upon reserving the plot of your choice, you and your real estate consultant will begin to discuss design with one of the resort’s design architects. The architect will show you styles and elements of existing properties to discover your personal tastes, and propose a design which takes best advantage of your chosen plot, in the style you prefer and integrating elements that you have chosen from existing properties or models.
4. Costings (Applicable only to plots with construction)
There follows the process of integrating your feedback and getting the design just right, upon which the final design is quoted for by the construction department.
5. Agreeing the contract
Upon your approval of the costing, a contract is signed. At this point you will meet a representative of the Proprietors’ Club, to discuss the resort benefits you will enjoy as a Property Owner and the property management services available to you.
6. Obtaining your deeds
Meanwhile, the resort’s legal department obtains the property deeds from the local council, and the licensing department prepares and submits technical drawings to obtain the construction license.
7. Construction begins
Next, the construction department selects the appropriate builder from the contractors with which it habitually works, a Vale do Lobo project manager is assigned to your project, and building commences. At different phases throughout the building process you will choose finishes, with the help of your project manager.
8. Keys to your home
Upon completion of building, landscaping and interior decoration, if requested, the villa is officially handed over from Vale do Lobo to you and your Vale do Lobo property dream becomes a reality…
Most of the time this is a stepping stone for a dream house. The largest selection of resale property available within Vale do Lobo can be found at the Official Real Estate Office where the expert team is able to help clients select the best property for their requirements.
This special residency card is aimed at any non EU nationals who are looking to gain a visa to allow free travel in the European Union and Schengen Countries.
The Golden Visa is granted to individuals who:
- Buy a property in Portugal of a value equal to or greater than €500,000
- Complete a minimum period of stay in Portugal of 7 days in the first year
- Complete a minimum stay of 14 days during the subsequent periods of 2 years
- After the 6th year a definitive permit shall be issued with the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship
This regime allows for tax exemption on almost all income from foreign sources and a flat income tax rate of 20% on the majority of revenue sources, such as salaries.
Some other advantages of this special tax regime include:
- Tax exemption on pensions
- Tax exemption on inheritance
- Tax exemption on capital income
- Tax exemption on dividends and interests
Mortgages for property in Portugal are normally available for up to 75 percent of the value of the bank valuation (loan to value LTV). This generally means that you’ll need to find a 25 percent deposit and be able to prove your income. Mortgages in Portugal are available over periods of between 5-30 years. Lending criteria and rates vary between mortgage companies.
All acquisition costs can be offset against future capital gains tax liabilities providing they are properly documented, so it is important to keep and file records carefully.
Notaries and Registration fees are fixed, whereas Purchase Transfer Tax (IMT) and Stamp Duty are based on the declared price of the property. Stamp Duty is charged at a fixed rate of 0.8%, whereas Purchase Transfer Tax for villas and apartments is charged according to a sliding scale that is altered each year, varying between 1% and 8% (e.g. 6% over €550.836). For urban plots for construction, the tax rate will be 6.5%.
The IMI tax is payable annually. The tax is calculated upon the taxable value (VPT – Valor Patrimonial Tributário) of the real estate property. The IMI rate is determined by the competent Municipality Assembly for the next year. The applicable rate ranges between 0.3% and 0.8%.
Residential properties and plots of land with a tax registration of at least 1 million euros are subject annually to stamp duty at 1%.
Portugal still remains a place where it is possible to buy a property using an offshore company. In 2003 the Portuguese government blacklisted and thus penalised most offshore tax jurisdictions.
However there are still territories which are not on the Portuguese black list and by purchasing a property in Portugal through a properly structured corporate vehicle incorporated in one of these locations, it is possible to avoid the penalties of offshore companies. Delaware and Malta are currently the most popular white listed jurisdictions for holding property.
These arrangements may bring with them other benefits such as:
The ability to sell the property in the future without the buyer having to pay Real Estate
Transfer tax
Avoidance of Portuguese capital gains tax on re-sale
Avoidance of donations tax or inheritance tax
Avoidance of the deemed benefits provisions in U.K. law
However as taxes and the manner in which they are applied change frequently, specialist advice should always be taken before entering into any arrangements.
There are a number of costs related to buying a property in Portugal that you need to budget for, like the purchase transfer tax (up to 6%), lawyers fees (up to 2%) and notary, registration and or mortgage stamp duty (0.8%).
Yes. For anyone looking to buy or sell property in the resort, we created The Official Real Estate team to ensure the very best solution for you.
Years of successful sales, combined with unique connections to the rest of the resort, offers those looking to both buy and sell a property in the resort an unrivalled service.
The Real Estate team is central to the Vale do Lobo resort and this allows the team to offer links to resort services and facilities to property owners that other agents are simply unable to achieve.
Wether or not you are a full time resident, by joining the Proprietors Club you become a Resort Member, with privileges and discounts offered at the resorts facilities, and will also have access to a range of exclusive services, including management and maintenance of your home.
Yes, our Tourism Department will organise the rental of your property on your behalf, providing the guests in your property with a number of exclusive services. Properties in Vale do Lobo rent well throughout the year, attracting both holidaymakers and the golfing market. We operate strict quality control and periodical monitoring to ensure your property is kept in the best condition so that you are able to maximise your rental potential.
Not at all, but using Vale do Lobo’s services will certainly make your life much easier as only one contact is required through our Proprietor’s Club or the 24-hour Resort Reception, and service is provided at the very highest standard.
The Vale do Lobo Resort Membership covers a number of services, including resort security and surveillance, daily door-to-door collection of domestic refuse and 24 hours reception facilities. This applies to all Property Owners. In addition, condominium fees are also applicable to property owners purchasing apartments.
The Resort Membership offers many benefits and privileges within the resort as well as exclusive access to an extensive range of property management services through the Proprietors Club.
The Proprietors Club provides several property management services for the convenience of its members. With a dedicated reception adjacent to the Club of Clubs space, where the multilingual team provides support to the many services available, including payment of bills, monthly statements, supervision of the property maintenance and cleaning, garden and pool maintenance services, installation of cable TV, telephone, internet, surveillance system and alarms. These services depend on individual needs, but are highly recommended for your peace of mind.
Resort Members are also issued with two Resort Member Cards per membership, that provide discounts at the many facilities throughout the resort like the Golf Club, the Wellness Centre, the Tennis Academy, the Kids Club and at the resorts diverse range of restaurants, bars and shops. They also get exclusive access to the Club of Clubs a luxury members lounge at Parque do Golfe, the use of the Resort Shuttle, entry at the Praça and Tennis Academy swimming pools and the opportunity o acquire up to six Family Cards per year to provide similar benefits to family members.
Nationalities of Property Owners – updated 2015
| British | 60% |
| Portuguese | 14% |
| German | 12% |
| Irish | 7% |
| Dutch | 5% |
| Others | 2% |
10% Permanent Residents
Approximately 10% of our property owners live in the resort year-round, others choose to spend long periods of time here, and some stay just for holidays while others purchase purely for rental investment. The resort’s community of residents is very friendly and welcoming, they have available to them a number of exclusive activities and events taking place throughout the year.
Golf Memberships, valid for both Ocean and Royal golf courses, are available to purchase however Property Owners have direct admittance to the club while other candidate members do not. Memberships are valid for 5 years with the possibility to renew for additional periods of time.
Golf members have reserved tee times available which can be used for themselves and their guests by booking up to 3 months in advance.
Property Owners also are entitled to special discounts on rentals, golf lessons and other services provided by the club.
Property Owners are attracted to Golf Club Memberships, so they can enjoy the unique and friendly atmosphere created by our Golf Club, that hosts daily competitions played on both courses throughout the year.
Team competitions are organised every Saturday on both of Vale do Lobo’s golf courses, where a relaxed but competitive environment is enjoyed by members and their guests as they spend the day on two of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, followed by social drinks in the relaxing atmosphere of the Clubhouse. Single and daily competitions are also organised during the week, so are regular social functions that contribute to making the Vale do Lobo Golf Club a rewarding place to take up a golf membership in the Algarve.
Be the first to know about our offers, experiences & news!
