Culinary Getaway in Portugal at W Algarve in Albufeira

If Portugal is on your radar this year W Algarve deserves a prime spot on your list. Perched on the cliffs of Albufeira on the southern coast this colorful resort is turning food and drink into a full contact sport in the very best way.

Instead of just snapping photos of pretty plates, you can roll up your sleeves and get in on the action. The hotel has launched a lineup of culinary masterclasses that feel more like hanging out in a friend’s cool beach house than a formal cooking school.

Start with the Cataplana Masterclass at Market Kitchen where Executive Chef Andrea Ciuccio walks you through one of the Algarve’s most beloved seafood dishes. Picture a copper cataplana pot bubbling with local fish garlic and herbs with Atlantic views right outside the window. It is Portugal in a pan, and you get to say you made it yourself.

On Fridays the Sushi Masterclass keeps things global at Market Kitchen. You will be rolling California spicy tuna and salmon avocado with ultra fresh fish from nearby waters and pairing everything with house wines. It is relaxed fun and very Algarve meets Tokyo.

Families and anyone with a pizza obsession should make their way to Paper Moon on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Pizza Masterclass lets kids and grownups build their own pies from scratch then watch them bake in a proper brick oven before enjoying every last bite.

To top it all off, the Mixology Masterclass at the W Lounge turns Mondays and Thursdays into cocktail lab nights. Step behind the bar shake, stir and taste your way through signature creations or finally master that classic you always order, but never quite make at home.

In between all the cooking and mixing W Algarve is full vacation mode. It’s like big west facing suites with wide balconies ocean views for days and touches like Algarve tiles sardine pillows and mini bars shaped like local chimneys. With six bars and restaurants a sleek AWAY Spa a serious Techno Gym powered fitness center and a tempting pool scene this is the kind of place where you can easily turn your  stay into a Portuguese escape.