Vila Joya is a small paradise on the Algarve coast, a romantic palace with Moorish architecture. Far beyond the typical concept of a boutique hotel, this is a family home and knows how to welcome in an exemplary way, full of fascinating details and stunning cuisine that holds two Michelin stars thanks to the mastery of the famous chef Dieter Koschina. I went to find this hidden treasure in the Atlantic and “from the beginning to the end of Vila Joya, there is something in the middle that cannot be explained”.
In 1982, founder Claudia Jung acquired this property as her family residence and everything around us mirrors its elegance, building a unique concept here. Currently, it is daughter Joy who manages this inheritance in a sublime way, where art and the influence of modernity continue to be part of the DNA of this house. When we arrive, our eyes reach the vast Atlantic, Praia da Galé and the golden dunes, where palm trees, cypresses and agaves merge into the Mesozoic limestone landscape. The colorful flowers illuminate the green hills that merge on the horizon with the vast blue sky and the eternity of the sea. A perfect setting that predicts a dream stay.
Rooms and Suites
Vila Joya has 4 rooms and 9 suites, all different and with a unique personality, decorated with great taste, elegant and wisely relaxed and comfortable, with a touch of Algarve charm – shells, driftwood or antiques. The sound of the sea echoes through the open windows, the view of the sea and the colorful gardens are a constant. A natural light that falls on the cliffs and immediately calms us down.
In addition to strolling along the seaside in the late afternoon, the desire is to stay here, immerse yourself in this silence, only broken by the songs of birds and the constant rocking of the tides. It is also in this setting that breakfast takes place, in buffet and à la carte format, with a varied offer of hot and cold dishes and regional products. Everything happens at a calm, unhurried pace, which is why breakfast is available until all guests have finished.
Dieter Koschina – Two Michelin Stars
Excellent gastronomy is undoubtedly one of Vila Joya’s strengths. Austrian chef Dieter Koschina arrived at the property in 1991 and has since raised culinary standards in the Algarve, winning two Michelin stars. The Tasting Menu, and the Wine Pairing, is surrounded by talent and inspiration with an offer that is reinvented daily and with a high level of confidence and sophistication in each dish. Local and seasonal ingredients, and the flavors of the sea, are present in the creations of Chef Dieter Koschina, together with Executive Chef Stefan Langmann. And if the flavors are divine, the setting is also perfect, on a terrace overlooking the sea and an unforgettable sunset. The dishes arriving at our table are authentic works of art, of flavor and technique, and slowly night falls, almost without us noticing it. This is one of those experiences that we want to keep with us.
Villa Joya Sea
For moments of relaxation by the sea, Villa Joya Sea is a kind of Beach Club and an authentic must where the flavors of Latin America meet Japan. And if the combination seems unlikely, there’s nothing like trying it and falling in love with the chefs’ proposals. An open kitchen where on one side there is Chef Rafael Oyama and his extraordinary Japanese delights, and on the other, Chef Hiram González from Mexico. Together they are unbeatable. We chose the Latin and Asian tasting menus, both incredibly delicious, with highlights for the Gyosas, Tataki, Ceviche or the incredible Tuna Tostada, but also the desserts and exclusive cocktails from barman Nathan Otten. Once again, we watched a beautiful sunset with Margarita in hand and feet in the sand, something so simple can be perfect.
If we don’t want to leave the hotel at lunch time, the snacks at the Pool Restaurant are always a good option with Bulhão Pato Clams, Burrata, Squid Salad, among others.
Service
Vila Joya provides a dream stay and encompasses all services in an exemplary way – accommodation, gastronomy, spa, gym, green spaces or swimming pools. The human factor of the entire team (from the lobby to the restaurants) was crucial, we were received in a warm and genuine way, always professional and with a smile. We feel good and it’s easy to understand why. The stay went by very quickly, so we promised a new visit with more time to enjoy all this tranquility that is so good for us.
By Carla Branco
INFO: http://www.vilajoya.com