Picture a spa pool so luxurious it has its own soothing ocean soundtrack; that was my welcome at the new floating room at Vila Joya in Portugal’s sun-drenched Algarve region.
The one-of-a-kind floating room at Vila Joya is designed to blend in with its surroundings of vast sea views, lush gardens, understated décor, and minimalist atmosphere. Lined with mosaic tiles, the room houses a spacious, chest-deep, custom-made swimming pool, which is heated to body temperature and ideal for Aquatic Bodywork Therapy.
What is a floating room?
First things first: let’s talk about floating rooms. The concept of floating therapy dates back to the 1960s, when neuroscientist Dr John Lilly began experimenting with sensory deprivation tanks designed to block out external stimuli. At first, it was about scientific curiosity rather than spa days out, but by the late 1970s, floating therapy had slowly made its way onto the global wellness scene thanks to the multitude of benefits that it offers including stress reduction, pain relief, improved focus, and muscle relaxation.
As a complete newbie to Aquatic Bodywork Therapy, I was excited to experience the promised near-weightless feeling in the water and tension relief. What I did not know was that Aquatic Bodywork Therapy involves being cradled like a sea otter by a trained therapist, and delivers something far more intimate and unexpectedly moving.
Enter Pernilla, my warm and radiant therapist, who instantly made me feel at ease and clearly explained each step of the therapy process and what would be expected of me. Essentially, light flotation aids would be attached to various parts of my body, allowing Pernilla to gently guide me to the surface of the water. From there, she would use soft bodywork and acupressure techniques to ease tension and support joint mobility.
Aquatic Bodywork Therapy in the floating room was a lot more therapeutic than it sounds and I found myself gently drifting on my back, surprisingly clear‑headed and lulled by a gentle hum. I became acutely aware of my breath, the internal sound of my heartbeat, and the subtle release of tension in muscles that were unknowingly clenched. More than just floating, it was like being held in a cocoon – safe, quiet, and strangely profound. By the end, I felt not only physically lighter but mentally clearer, as though something deep within had exhaled.
Relaxation all round
Beyond the soothing rooms of Vila Joya’s spa, is its small and perfectly formed hotel, or rather a home away from home and I was lucky enough to enjoy some extra time here. With just 13 rooms (nine suites and four rooms) and abundant gardens, Vila Joya feels like a large private villa. While all its rooms boast stunning sea views that make the most of the Algarve light and sunsets, each one has its own distinct character, reflecting the building’s origins as a private residence. Some feature Moorish design with original hand-painted tiles and antiques, others draw on Japanese minimalism with wooden baths and panelling, and a few offer whirlpools on their terraces.
Onsite facilities include the aforementioned spa, a rooftop sauna and a Turkish bath, a whirlpool tub, a tennis court, bike rental, along with two outdoor swimming pools (one which is adults only), and a small gym.
On the food front, no visit to Vila Joya is complete without a visit to its spa or dining at either of its world class restaurants. The hotel is home to a two-Michelin-starred restaurant headed up by Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, as well as a more relaxed yet equally impressive beach shack, Vila Joya Sea, headed up by both chef Rafael Oyama and chef Hiram González.
The Vila Joya Michelin restaurant is possibly the most beautifully positioned dining spot in the Algarve, with lunch and dinner served in the open air and views looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant serves an ever-changing menu made from fresh, seasonal produce and I was fortunate to experience chef Koschina’s 13-course ‘Favourites’ tasting menu; each course was a masterclass in flavour, artistry, and precision.
And, down on the beach, Vila Joya Sea serves modern Japanese and Pan-Asian fare from Wednesday to Sunday, and Mexican cuisine by The Flying Chefs on Mondays and Tuesdays. The food across the board here is delicious, vibrant, and stunningly presented, and well worth trying.
Hotel snapshot
What: Vila Joya
Where: Algarve, Portugal (40-minute drive from Faro Airport)
When: March – November with average temperatures of 23-degrees in spring and 28-degrees in summer
Rooms: 13 in total – nine suites and four rooms, all with sweeping views over the beach and sea below
Hotel rating: 5-stars
Price: From €1,040 per night including breakfast, in a Deluxe Double room in low season
Website: vilajoya.com
Instagram: @VilaJoya
Thank you to The Hotel Guru for arranging my unforgettable stay at Vila Joya, a true hidden gem.
Beach spa essentials
- The Saint + Sofia Simone Basket Bag is roomy and stylish, making it perfect for carrying your spa day and beachside essentials.
- The White Rock Bikini from BAÍAH offers a glamorous high-waisted look and is made from high-quality, quick-drying fabric.
- For all day comfort, Archies flip flops are lightweight, come in array of colours, and are smart enough for brunch.
—
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and wellness writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield.
