With far-reaching 360-degree views of rugged Algarve hills and open plains, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has opened in Portugal’s favourite playground.
If you’re looking for a little southern Europe sunshine or pine for Portugal’s bucolic vistas, you’re in luck with the newest arrival in Algarve.
Designed by WATG and Promontorio (Lisbon-based architect), the architecture and interior design honours the history and culture of authentic Algarvian style, using locally sourced materials and techniques that reflect the region’s heritage. This attention to detail creates a sense of place that is deeply connected to the surroundings.
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Embodying a vibrant village, buildings are positioned at different angles and vary in shape, and the castle-like Clubhouse adds additional village-like character. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a resort designed for walking, including a main road in the shape of a loop, with accommodation situated on the inside and outside with offshooting paths. Parked bicycles, outdoor art, water features and benches along the roads evoke a village-like feel throughout.
The sublime new Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, which is located just north of Loulé and only 30 minutes from Faro airport and the coast, boasts 141 guest rooms, suites and residences, all set within 5.2 hectares of manicured grounds and some featuring terraces, balconies, private pools and jacuzzis as well as small kitchens, pantries and dressing areas.
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The new Viceroy also offers a diverse and thoughtfully curated dining experience across six unique outlets, each paying homage to the hotel’s locality and utilising produce either grown on-site in its gardens and orchards or sourced locally. These include Café Central, a charming Portuguese bakery and vibrant spot on the “praça” (main square) that offers homemade pastries, elevated coffee, pastel de nata, afternoon tea and light meals from a wood-fired oven; Bellvino, an intimate wine bar championing enogastronomy (the art of pairing food and wine) and local produce including Iberian pork and the estate’s own olives; and Ombria Kitchen, a family-friendly all-day dining space.
Also look out for Solalua, a destination for ultra-creative and innovative dishes where seafood takes centre stage; Casa & Fora, which caters to hungry golfers at the estate’s clubhouse; and Salpico, a pool bar serving refreshing poolside fare.
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There’s also plenty to keep travellers busy, from the property’s four swimming pools to a modern Kid’s Club, which provides both outdoor and indoor spaces, including a large playroom, a mini kitchen and a nursery. The holistic-focused Spa by Viceroy, equipped with a thermal pool, eight treatment rooms and beauty outlets such as a hairdresser and barber will open in early 2025.
A range of rich experiences also encourages new ways of seeing the world. All guest experiences are led by locals whose families have lived in the hills for generations and continue to honour the more traditional ways of life. Grab a stick and become a shepherd for the day, learning about traditional sheep herding practices alongside a local shepherd learn more about the vital role of honey bees in the ecosystem from a local beekeeper; explore local pottery traditions with a local artisan; or take a horseback adventure to Monte da Ribeira that concludes with a picnic.
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Other experiences include wine and olive oil tastings, bird-watching, exploring the nearby hiking and cycling trails, picnics in the valley, wine tastings and vineyard tours. Golf enthusiasts can also tee off on the GEO-certified 18-hole course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva.