Martinhal Resorts is a renowned family hotel chain pioneer in the Portuguese market: they offer the best experience for families possible in terms of accommodation, services, food, and even a family concierge.
Last week, I got invited by Martinhal Resorts to try out the day pass: they are opening their incredible pools, gardens, and family-oriented activities to day guests, and they offered to me and the kids to go and check it out.
I decided to take the Cascais line train with both my kids, and after a few misadventures with both taxies (to and from the station in Cascais) and the train station ticket machine, and we were at Martinhal around 11.00.
Right at the entrance, you can already see Martinhal dedication to family fun, with a total of 700 sqm indoor area dedicated to the young ones plus 2300 sqm of outdoor area which include two kids’ pool, an amazing playground with a zip line and a wooden castle, a trampoline, a small football field, and so on.
An oasis for the whole family
Of course, upon arrival, Elio wanted to stop there first: he and Elsa first played in the playground, then we went dipping in one of the kids’ pools, perfect for Elsa too because it’s only 25 cm deep and warm.
The Martinhal provides clean and fluffy towels: next to the pool, there is a restaurant where you can get food and in the afternoon they serve the great ice cream from Gelato Davvero.
In the same building, you can also find the kids club, which you pay an extra fee for: they have different offers depending on the kids’ age, from creche and babysitting service to family activities in the afternoon. You can check this link for further info about the many childcare services and baby concierge.
The Pool Hangout
Right before Elsa needed to nap, we headed to the main pool, which is on the opposite side: we crossed the whole Martinhal property but in 10 minutes we were there.
The main pool area has a kids’ pond with fountains and a big pool for grown-ups: they are at the center of a grass patch with nice pine trees that create the perfect shades over the lounge chairs.
The Pool bar is right at the location and it has a Mediterranean menu which you can check the menu; I ordered a poke bowl that I enjoyed in peace while Elio was having fun with some kids in the pool, and Elsa was down for a nap. Such a treat for a busy mom!
There are some foam blocks and tubes on the premises that kids can use to make figures, but the best game was playing with the fountains, which kids can switch on and off and play with.
The afternoon went on calmly; I got a bit of rest, and, afterward, the three of us hang out by the pool: the kids’ pool it’s perfect if you don’t feel like dipping in the colder and bigger pool. I had luckily just purchased a lovely sunproof swim suite for Elsa from Kids Go Thrifty and a nice hat from The Mini Market Lisboa to keep Elsa protected: both businesses sell preloved and good quality kids clothes on IG.
The Kids Club
At the end of the day went back to the kids club to check it out briefly: despite not using the service this time, the kids got a chance to play with the toys and enjoy the building workshop, the kitchen, the blocks, and the stuffed animals’ corner.
I am sure we will back very soon since the kids had a blast, and I am looking forward to trying the Finisterra Spa, which has its dedicated pool and a great offer of massage and self-care services, including some special Mom&Me/Dad&me packages: and I will definitely be back with my husband because being at the pool with two kids that don’t know how to swim has definitely proven to be a bit stressful!
Martinhal can make everyone happy
Are you looking for a special but relaxed day with your family? Then you should consider Martinhal: You can choose between the pool pass (day or monthly), the playground pass (daily, monthly and a special 3 months offer, which you can find the prices here.
During summer they have a special Sunday Brunch offer that includes the use of the playground facilities: reservation is needed since it’s often fully booked, and you can check prices and details here.
You can also just book any time a table at the Mbar, the restaurant inside the kid’s area, and your children can enjoy all the playground facilities while you enjoy your lunch! Is it that wonderful?
Are you a tourist coming to visit Lisbon?
If you plan to visit Lisbon and you are looking to enjoy nature and the ocean, I strongly suggest checking the Martinhal offer and packages. Martinhal has a location in central Lisbon in Rua das Flores (Chiado), but the Cascais branch definitely has a charm connection to nature that makes it very special.
Adding from what described above, they have also a wide range of sports activities, different types of accommodations (from full serviced rooms to Family villas), and a bike rental service which you can use to explore the surrounding beaches, like Guincho or Cascais itself, which is about 15-20 minutes away.
