Scheduled to open on 1st October 2024, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve marks a new chapter in the history of the American brand Viceroy, expanding its business further into Europe and establishing a new approach to the luxury experience for all its guests globally.
With 360-degree views of the majestic hills of the Algarve and the open plains, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve introduces a new destination in the heart of the region – a tranquil, culturally rich, and sensitively designed resort, located north of Loulé and just 30 minutes from Faro Airport and the coast. Mark Keiser, President of Development for Viceroy, comments: “The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve represents a new chapter for our brand, being our ‘flagship’ and leading our portfolio with a perspective more focused on the quality of the experience we offer our guests. It is wonderful to see our vision for the brand coming to life in Portugal. As we expand our presence in Europe with this new approach, we reinforce our goal of creating a strong connection between our guests and the destinations they explore.”
Patrick Freeman, CEO of Ombria Algarve, says: “Ombria Algarve is an authentic celebration of Portugal and the Algarve, where local culture, history, design, and natural beauty define us. The Viceroy brand focuses on authenticity and delivering an unrivalled experience for all guests. It is undoubtedly the perfect partner to introduce our first guests and owners to everything that makes the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve an unforgettable destination.”
Enriching experiences that encourage new ways of seeing the world will be one of the main selling points in the brand's repositioning, inviting guests at the new resort to discover the ‘other side’ of the Algarve, thanks to its unique rural setting that allows a deeper connection with the land and culture of the region. All guest experiences will be led by the local community, whose families have lived in the hills for generations and continue to honour a more traditional lifestyle. For example, a honey experience will take guests to discover beehives, guided by a local beekeeper with decades of experience. Guests will also be able to extract honey and enjoy a tour and tasting, making this activity even sweeter and quite educational. While horse riding will offer scenic rides through the landscape and a serene picnic with local delicacies by a river, other experiences will include wine and olive oil tastings, bird watching, exploring nearby hiking and cycling trails, boat trips, and bread and pottery making classes. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole course designed by the renowned Jorge Santana da Silva, with a visit to the clubhouse that will be the meeting point for all golfers. Viceroy aims to bring guests closer to the stories that make the world unique, and culinary experiences will be the perfect illustration, with menus and pairings specially designed for Viceroy at Ombria Algarve.
Integrated into the vibrant heart of an Algarve village, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will offer 76 hotel rooms and 65 residences, in a total area of 153 hectares. Designed by WATG, Promontorio (Lisbon-based architects) and Wimberly Interiors, the architecture and interior design honour the history and culture of authentic Portuguese style, embracing local craftsmanship and seamlessly blending it with more contemporary elements. Comprising 24 accommodation buildings in total, each with different shapes and sizes and with a central tower providing a reference point for all visitors, the design reflects that of a typical and traditional village. All rooms and suites will offer terraces, pools, balconies or jacuzzis, as well as functional kitchens, pantries and wardrobes.
The resort will open with six restaurants with distinct concepts, each honouring the hotel's locality and using products grown locally in its gardens and orchards. Café Central, located in the heart of the village in the main square, will be a charming Portuguese bakery offering homemade pastries, pastéis de nata and light meals from a wood-fired oven. Bellvino will exalt local products in their simplest and most elegant form, specialising in wines, charcuterie, cheeses and olive oil. Ombria Kitchen will offer all-day dining in a family-friendly space, complete with a ‘live’ cooking station in a relaxed atmosphere; it will be a traditional Portuguese restaurant with refined dishes focused on seasonal products served in locally handcrafted pottery. Solalua, meaning ‘from sun to moon’, will be a destination for sophisticated and innovative dishes and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. Casa & Fora, located in the clubhouse, will cater mainly to golfers with its spacious terrace and relaxed menu, including special daily menus and Portuguese craft beers. Salpico, the poolside bar, will serve light and fresh dishes, perfect for hot days, from the comfort of a sun lounger or a private cabana.
The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will have four swimming pools (three heated and one seasonal) with views over the valley and the sunset. For all families, the Kid’s Club will offer outdoor and indoor fun spaces, including a games room, a mini kitchen and a nursery. The Viceroy brand's Holistic Spa, equipped with a thermal pool, eight treatment rooms and beauty spaces such as a hairdresser and barber, will open in early 2025. For meetings and events, the resort will offer a ballroom, outdoor event space, a conference room and two additional meeting rooms. From the central square to the views of the region's famous citrus orchards and fig trees, the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a serene escape from the bustling Portuguese coast.
The project is dedicated to the sustainability of local ecosystems, with a plant nursery ensuring the development and growth of local species and the preservation of existing flora and fauna. Over 700 oaks trees have been planted and 1,800 linear metres of riverine habitat have been restored. Solar and geothermal energy and bioclimatic architecture are present throughout the resort.
The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will be open all year round, with rates starting from €530 per night for a Deluxe King Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
