Viceroy expands in Europe with Portuguese village-inspired resort
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is gearing up to open its doors on 1 October 2024, marking its continued expansion in Europe.
With far-reaching 360 degree views of rugged Algarve hills, the new opening comprises 141 guestrooms, suites and residences. Courtesy of WATG, Promontorio and Wimberly Interiors, architecture and interior design will honour the history and culture of Portugal, embracing local craftsmanship and seamlessly blending it with more contemporary accents. With 24 accommodation buildings in total – each of varying shapes and sizes, and with a central tower providing a focal point – the design reflects that of a traditional village. All guestrooms and suites will offer a mix of terraces, pools, balconies or jacuzzis, as well as small kitchens, pantries and dressing spaces.
The resort will launch with six dining outlets, each paying homage to the hotel’s locality and utilising produce either grown on-site or sourced locally. Café Central, situated in the heart of the village on the ‘praça’ (main square), will be a charming Portuguese bakery offering homemade pastries, pastel de nata and light meals from a wood-fired oven. Bellvino will specialise in wine, charcuterie, cheese and olive oil, while Ombria Kitchen will be a traditional Portuguese restaurant focusing on seasonal produce served in locally-crafted clay crockery. Solalua, meaning ‘from the sun to the moon’, will be a destination for creative dishes and cocktails, and Casa & Fora, located in the clubhouse, will cater to golfers visiting the property’s 18-hole golf course, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva. Salpico, the pool bar, is set to serve fresh, light dishes to be enjoyed from the comfort of a sunbed or private cabana.
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve will be home to four swimming pools with valley and sunset views, while a holistic spa will be equipped with a thermal pool and eight treatment rooms. Beauty outlets such as a hairdresser and barber will open in early 2025. For meetings and events, the resort will offer a ballroom, outdoor event space, conference room and two further meeting spaces.
The project is dedicated to the health of the local land and ecosystems – a plant nursery for instance will ensure the growth of local species and preservation of the existing flora and fauna, whilst over 700 oak trees have been planted and 1,800 linear metres of river habitat restored.
“Viceroy at Ombria Algarve represents a new chapter for our brand, leading the portfolio with a refreshed perspective on guest experiences – it is wonderful to see our vision for the brand begin to come to life in Portugal,” says Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy. “As we expand our presence in Europe with this new approach, our goal is to build a strong connection between our guests and the destinations they are exploring.”
Patrick Freeman, CEO of Ombria, adds: “Ombria is an authentic celebration of Portugal and the Algarve where local culture, history, design and natural beauty are what define us. Viceroy and their focus on authenticity and guest experience is the perfect partner to introduce our first guests and homeowners to everything that makes Viceroy at Ombria Algarve unforgettable.”
