As luxury family travel continues to evolve, many travelers are seeking accommodations that offer upscale amenities without sacrificing the flexibility, space and services that make traveling with children easier.
That’s the niche Martinhal Resorts set out to fill.
Founded by Chitra and Roman Stern, Martinhal Resorts has grown from a single beachfront property in Sagres into a collection of four luxury hotels, resorts and residences across Portugal. While each property has its own personality—from Algarve beach escapes to apartment-style accommodations in Lisbon—they all share the same philosophy: delivering luxury experiences designed around the needs of families.
The idea was born from the couple’s own experience as parents of four children. While they loved luxury travel, they found few hotels that truly catered to families without sacrificing design, service or sophistication.
“We didn’t add children’s amenities to a luxury hotel; we designed a luxury resort around family life from the ground up,” says Chitra Stern, CEO and co-founder of Martinhal Resorts.
That philosophy became the foundation for Martinhal Sagres, the brand’s flagship Algarve resort, and continues to shape every Martinhal property today. Rather than simply adding kids’ programming to existing luxury properties, Martinhal incorporated family needs into every aspect of its resorts—from accommodations designed for multigenerational stays to childcare programs, dining spaces and services that make traveling with young children significantly easier.
“Families deserve the same level of luxury, design and service as any other traveler, without having to compromise on what makes a holiday work for children and parents alike,” Stern says.
Designed for Every Generation
At Martinhal, the focus extends beyond keeping children entertained. The brand’s approach is centered on allowing every generation to enjoy a vacation at their own pace while still creating meaningful shared experiences.
“Knowing there is nurturing and professional childcare on-site at each property means grandparents, parents and children can enjoy their own pace and still come together for the moments that matter,” Stern says.
Across the portfolio, Kids’ Clubs welcome children from as young as six months, while the signature Baby Concierge service allows families to pre-book essentials—from cribs and baby baths to bottle warmers and safety equipment—before they arrive.
“Our spacious, fully-equipped apartments and villa-style accommodations are also a huge draw for families who want access to luxury hotel benefits and amenities, alongside their own space to cook, dine and relax together under one roof,” Stern says.
Find the Right Martinhal For Your Clients
While every Martinhal property embraces the same family-first philosophy, each appeals to a different type of traveler, giving advisors several ways to match clients with the right vacation experience.
For families seeking sun, sand and outdoor adventure, Martinhal Sagres serves as the brand’s flagship beach resort. Sterns adds: “For a leisure beach stay with children from toddlers to teenagers, who would seek outdoor activities, Martinhal Sagres is a great choice.”
Martinhal Chiado offers an urban base in one of Lisbon’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
“For a city break with younger children, I would recommend Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon,” says Stern.
Looking Ahead
Martinhal continues to expand thoughtfully while remaining focused on the needs of modern families. The company recently broadened its portfolio with branded residences at Martinhal Lisbon Oriente and is developing a new beachfront hotel in Praia da Luz on the Algarve, scheduled to open in 2028.
“The brand is growing, yet we are extremely thoughtful about the locations and projects we undertake, keeping Martinhal’s ethos and guest priorities at the forefront of our work,” Stern says.
Martinhal Resorts at A Glance
What advisors need to know: Martinhal Sagres is the brand’s flagship resort and remains its signature destination for families seeking an active beach vacation on Portugal’s Algarve coast. Set within a protected natural park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the resort combines hotel rooms with spacious villas featuring kitchens and living areas, making it well-suited to multigenerational stays.
Best for: Active families, beach vacations and multigenerational groups
What advisors need to know: Located within the upscale Quinta do Lago resort community, Martinhal Quinta do Lago offers private two- to five-bedroom villas with gardens and swimming pools, combining residential-style accommodations with full access to Martinhal’s family amenities and services.
A recent boost in accessibility also benefits U.S. travelers, with United Airlines offering nonstop service between Newark and Faro—the Algarve’s first direct connection to the United States.
Best for: Golf enthusiasts, villa vacations and extended family stays
What advisors need to know: Located in Lisbon’s historic Chiado neighborhood, Martinhal Chiado offers apartment-style accommodations that make exploring Portugal’s capital easier for families. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, the boutique property features studios as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities.
Best for: Families combining sightseeing with city exploration
What advisors need to know: Martinhal Lisbon Oriente represents the brand’s newest evolution, blending luxury hotel accommodations with branded residences in Lisbon’s modern Park of Nations district. Designed for both families and bleisure travelers, the property features apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, coworking space, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and Kids’ Club.
Best for: Longer stays, bleisure travelers and families seeking modern Lisbon
For more information, visit martinhal.com.
