Vila Joya

Vila Joya, a luxury hotel with two Michelin stars in the Algarve

Vila Joya is a luxury hotel located on the protected Atlantic Ocean coastline in the Portuguese Algarve. The property presents itself as a discreet private villa, with 12 rooms and 9 suites, each with its own ocean views. Its interiors blend traditional and contemporary styles, with select fabrics, subtle colour palettes and details such as antiques and maritime art. Some units feature a private Jacuzzi, sun terrace, small garden or private pool, and there are options with a shower open to the starry night sky.

Two-Michelin-star restaurant

Vila Joya's restaurant was the first in Portugal to receive two Michelin stars. Chef Dieter Koschina has held those two stars for more than two decades and offers a menu that changes daily, with beautifully presented dishes. The culinary offering has established itself as one of the most highly regarded and sought-after dining experiences in the Algarve.

Vila Joya Sea, a casual seafront offering

For a more relaxed atmosphere, the hotel has Vila Joya Sea, a beach shack serving cuisine from the "roof of the world" and modern Japanese-inspired dishes and menus. The space, bohemian and laid-back in style, is designed for lunch, sunset or dinner, with ocean views and sounds. Food service begins at 1:00 pm and last orders are at 2:30 pm; in the evening, first orders are at 7:00 pm and last orders at 8:30 pm.

Spa, wellness and gardens

Vila Joya's spa offers relaxing and detoxifying treatments by massage therapists, in a setting with architecture, interiors and fragrances inspired by travels through the Orient. The hotel also has a fully equipped gym and private yoga sessions, which can be held overlooking the ocean or under the stars. Guests can stroll through the gardens among trees and flowers and round off the day with a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a glass of wine.

Natural surroundings and location

The hotel sits above Praia da Galé beach, on the Algarve coast, surrounded by cypress and palm trees. Its gardens blend into the landscape of limestone cliffs and dunes. The area is known for its light, its particular microclimate and some of the world's best golf courses. Faro airport is 48 km away, Seville airport 246 km and Lisbon airport 258 km.

History and family management

Vila Joya was originally acquired as a family residence. In 1982, founder Claudia Jung began transforming the property into the discreet hideaway it is today. In 1991 she brought in Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, with whom she raised the culinary standards of the Algarve: they achieved their first Michelin star in 1995 and their second in 1999. Since 2003, the hotel has been managed by Joy, Claudia's daughter, who has continued the family legacy and brought a modern influence to traditional values, enhancing elements such as the Moorish architecture.

Services and available spaces

The property offers accommodation in rooms and suites, a Michelin restaurant, the casual Vila Joya Sea space, a spa with massages, a gym, private yoga, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, as well as gardens. Social and corporate parties are also organised. The Michelin restaurant serves lunch with seating at 1:00 pm and dinner with a single seating at 7:30 pm. Reception handles general enquiries via a contact form and, for urgent matters, by phone or email.

Location and contact

Estrada da Galé, 8200-416 Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal