Destination food, when your holiday is not just about the villa!

January 8th, 2026 |

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For many of our guests, lingering over long, delicious meals with family and friends is an essential part of their time away - whether cooking together in the comfort of the villa or venturing out to discover the local cuisine. For others, nothing compares to the indulgence of an in-villa chef crafting a gourmet meal exclusively for their group.

These selected villas all feature kitchens that blend style with practicality, offering the ideal space for relaxed cooking and effortless entertaining, where preparing meals becomes both easy and fun.

And for those who prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals, it is also possible to book additional cook services or a private chef at many of our featured holiday rentals; allowing you to completely unwind without lifting a finger and enjoy beautifully tailored, multi-course meals made with care.

From the North of Portugal down to the Algarve, here are some top foodie experiences you can enjoy, when booking with Almond Blossom Rental Villas:

Casa dos Flamingos main option A

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Fully serviced with a resident housekeeper and private cook, Casa dos Flamingos accommodates up to 12 guests. Set in an idyllic, peaceful location, this elegant estate features two independent yet interconnected wings, each with its own heated pool, private terraces and sweeping views across Mediterranean gardens to the sea.

It is ideal for two families or a group of friends wishing to holiday together while still enjoying their own space. The rosemary-scented gardens invite slow mornings, barefoot afternoons and long hours lost in a good book, where time drifts easily under the Algarve sun.

For those feeling more adventurous, a private boat transfer can take you to nearby secluded beaches, or you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on the calm waters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

From October to May, the villas may be rented separately for 4 or 8 guests with a minimum stay of four nights. During the high season, the full property is available for up to 12 guests with a minimum one-week rental: View Property

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Must try local speciality: Oysters from the Ria Formosa!

Some of our favourite “Fine Dining” experiences in the Algarve

Hilltop Main

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Hilltop Villa is set on a high plateau overlooking a woodland of cork oak and olive trees, perfectly positioned between Grândola and Melides on the Alentejo Coast. Thoughtfully curated, the luxurious and exceptionally spacious interiors span 350 square metres and feature four bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests.

This is a place to truly slow down — enjoy a yoga session on one of the surrounding terraces, curl up with a good book, or simply unwind by the striking infinity pool while breathing in the stillness and scents of the Alentejo wilderness.

Guests who love to cook will appreciate the professional indoor-outdoor kitchen and dining areas, ideal for preparing and sharing meals with friends and family.

Some of the region’s most beautiful beaches are just a short drive away, while the popular beaches of Pego and Carvalhal, with their hip beach restaurants, and the vibrant village of Comporta are only 30 minutes away.

A minimum stay of seven nights applies, with a first-night welcome dinner included in July and August: View Property

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Must try local speciality: Açorda Alentejana (bread soup with olive oil, poached egg, garlic and coriander)!

Great restaurants in and around Melides:

Quinta da Boavista River View

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Perched high on a plateau in the heart of the Douro, this vineyard villa lives up to its name with truly outstanding views. Steeped in history, Quinta da Boavista dates back to the 17th century and comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests.

Sun-drenched terraced gardens surround the main Quinta, while the swimming pool enjoys a breathtaking position suspended above the vineyards and the River Douro. The original lagares — once used for treading grapes — have been beautifully repurposed into a gym, and guests can also enjoy a padel court, snooker table and table tennis.

The historic wine cellar creates a memorable setting for celebratory dinners, with meals prepared by a regional cook or private chef for your family or group. Quinta da Boavista also produces its own table wines, which of course, you are invited to taste during your stay.

A minimum stay of two nights applies in low season, or 3 nights in high season, and breakfast is included daily: View Property

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Must try local speciality: Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (casserole of cod, potatoes, eggs, onion, olives and olive oil)!

Our favourite eateries on the Douro region:

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