Pestana Alvor South Beach

Here the South Beach is purely metaphorical — the Pestana Alvor South Beach takes its name and style inspiration from Miami’s most popular neighborhood. Design-wise, it’s a bit of a departure from the traditional resorts and hotels that line this stretch of Portugal’s southern coast. Then again, the geography and climate — wide, sandy beaches, crashing waves, endless sunshine — is similar enough to Florida. Why shouldn’t an Art Deco hotel work?

Why not, indeed, mount the ceilings with colorful artwork and line the walls with fanciful wallpaper? Why not forgo one gigantic swimming pool for a trio of infinity pools and rows of cheerful yellow chaise lounges arranged on a wooden deck? Why not skip the Portuguese breakfast buffet and opt for a detox smoothie; why not trade off those generic strawberry daiquiris for spicy wasabi cocktails delivered with a flourish by poolside attendants called the Pool Girl and the Ice Cream Boy?

The Pestana Alvor South Beach has originality, surely, and a kitschy sense of humor that sets it apart from the neighbors. But there’s substance here. Guest rooms and suites, done up in bright whites and nautical stripes, are spacious and quiet. Some have balconies and sea views; all have flat-screen TVs and free wi-fi. A contemporary continental breakfast is served in the light-filled restaurant — the kitchen is open all day, except for dinner. Luckily, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the cafés, bars, and restaurants of Alvor Beach. Go ahead, take the scenic route along the sand: the sea, as the Pestana Alvor South Beach frequently reminds its guests, is just 97 steps away.