Nikki Beach Algarve

Posted on August 23, 2007
Filed Under Algarve Beaches

Nikki beach arrived in the Algarve this summer with a big bang, and not with just one gorgeous location, but two! And from the looks of it, Nikki Beach is planning to stay for a while. This is a good thing, now we have two beautiful places to tan our hides, drink, eat, party and lounge the warm summer days and nights away…got to love the Algarve!

This will be a two-part post first on Nikki Beach – Portimao then Nikki Beach – Vilamoura.

About the locations: Nikki Beach Portimao is directly behind the Marina and shopping areas. Nikki Beach Vilamoura is towards the back of Tivoli hotel, and the Beach Bar is across the street, directly behind the restaurant.

Nikki Beach Portimao Algarve

We’ve been to both locations a few times and impressed by the layout, landscaping, general environment and ambiance, beautifully done. The staff is well outfitted in a very Zen type look that’s relaxed and modern, and there’s an over all feel that Nikki beach has a specific way of doing things….first impressions were great. Unfortunately, first impressions didn’t hold after we tried to order a drink. Staff is generally friendly, but something is lacking in the organization, with both ours and other guests drinks taking 20+ minutes to arrive or being forgotten altogether.

On three separate visits there appeared to be cash register issues, complicating things at the bar. On our last visit to Nikki Beach Portimao we ordered at the bar but this didn’t speed things up much — with 3 bar tenders and 2 guests it still took 10 minutes to order a drink, and we had to focus on getting the bartenders attention. There was plenty of staff around looking busy, doing everything but taking drink orders and tending to guests…humm? But after thinking about it, I don’t recall seeing anyone that looked remotely in charge anywhere near staff or the drink areas, so this may explain it.

Nikki Beach Portimao Night

Eventually we got our drinks (Caipirinhas) they were good, but very strong and noticed they were made from a mix rather than fresh — not quite the same. Slow inattentive service, powered drink mixes and a price tag of 9-14€ each? Hoping this is just a hiccup in the start up operations and management has fixes on the way. I never mind paying for quality and service, but paying for it and getting something sub par is well…not cool. Not a detrimental problem, and easily addressed with some good management.

The lounge areas in Portimao are fantastic well organized and with entertainment every time we’ve been there. On our first visit we lounged on a bed facing the ocean and had the good fortune of getting a stunning moon lit view that lit up the ocean directly in front of us, incredible! If that wasn’t enough, we also got to watch an amazing fireworks show thanks to Sasha Summer Sessions next door, while a live saxophonist played in the background…bliss. With or without fireworks this is an intimate classy setting and a great place to cuddle up with your sweetie and just chill out…. maybe make your own fireworks ;o) Just remember it’s a public spot!

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One Response to “Nikki Beach Algarve”

Nikki Algarve - Vilamoura - Nikki Beach on August 25th, 2007 11:49 pm

[…] Nikki Beach Lounge, in Vilamoura is nestled behind the restaurant and provides a great way to spend lazy afternoons. The set up is nicely done although a bit tight in some areas, but lots of couch and bed areas to choose from. […]

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