NoSoloAgua

NoSoloAgua sits at the western end of Praia da Rocha in Portimao, tucked beside the marina under the ochre cliffs and stacks that give the beach its name. It works as two connected venues. The upper level is built around a large saltwater pool that looks straight out to sea, ringed with loungers and Bali beds. Below it, on the sand itself, wooden day beds and low sofas are set out with curtained cabanas at the front. The Atlantic here is genuinely cold compared with the Mediterranean, which is part of why the pool gets so much use. Food and drinks are served in both zones from late morning onwards, and the kitchen keeps going through the afternoon so you never have to leave your bed for lunch. Music builds through the day, with DJ sets timed to the sunset and party nights that run well past dark in high summer. Families are catered for too: an inflatable water park is anchored off the beach in season. The club is attached to the RR Hotel da Rocha, so hotel reception handles a lot of the bookings, but it is open to anyone. Beds go quickly in July and August, so reserve ahead if you want one on the sand rather than by the pool.