Vila Joya in Albufeira is the leading European boutique resort, according to tour operators from all around the world who voted at the European ceremony of the World Travel Awards (WTA). Its helicopter and limousine services, together with the golf on offer, all contributed to the decision announced on 17 October.

Portugal, which received nominations in 27 categories for the European section of the awards, won five Tourism Oscars – for the best European city (Lisbon), best City Break destination (Lisbon), best cruise destination (Lisbon), best golf and leisure resort (Praia d’el Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, in Óbidos) and best boutique resort (Vila Joya, in Albufeira).

Seven hotels won awards in the Portuguese category, four of which are in the Algarve.

The Hilton Vilamoura is the best Portuguese hotel, while the best resort – Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort – is in Alvor. The leading family resort is the Pine Cliffs Resort (Albufeira) and the best golf resort is the Hotel Quinta do Lago. The Bairro Alto Hotel (Lisbon) won the award for the country’s best boutique hotel, the Westin CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa (Torres Vedras) is the best conference hotel and the Convento do Espinheiro (Évora) the best spa resort.

For the first time in the history of the World Travel Awards in Europe, internet users were able to play a part in choosing the winners by casting their votes online and joining their voice to that of the thousands of tourism professionals, although the latter’s vote was considered to be worth twice that of an ordinary “civilian”.

All the winners of the European version of the World Travel Awards will now qualify for the world final, which is held in London, on 8 November.