Design and Boutique Hotels in Algarve

Octant Vila Monte

Some of the best beaches in the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park are a short drive from this design hotel. It’s a renovated farmhouse preserving the traditional Algarve and Moorish architecture, and surrounded by gardens. Located between Olhão and Tavira, it has 55 rooms in a boho-chic style. The two outdoor pools are heated, and there’s a restaurant focusing on regional cuisine.

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Octant Praia Verde

Praia Verde, close to the town of Castro Marim, is one of the few beaches in Algarve that foreign tourists have yet to discover. It’s literally a green beach, backed by pinewoods. Surrounded by the pine trees, this boutique hotel is a short walk from the sand. You can see the ocean from some of the tastefully-designed rooms on the top floor. Although it’s a better option for couples, it also attracts families, with a family suite, a kids’ pool and a kids’ club. The restaurant serves healthy, Mediterranean, rustic-style cuisine.

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Casa Modesta

Consisting of two buildings, this property has just nine rooms, with private terraces. It’s a contemporary construction but inspired by Algarve’s traditional architecture. You can see the lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the distance, and can reach beaches on barrier islands by ferries departing from the town of Olhão, less than 15 minutes away. There’s an organic garden, from where it gets many of the fresh products served at breakfast.

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Casa Mãe

Lagos’ best-designed hotel is a short walk from the main tourist attractions and several beaches. Part of it is a renovated 19th-century estate, and another part is a contemporary annex. There’s a total of 31 rooms, an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool at the spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant.

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Memmo Baleeira

One of Portugal’s first design hotels was remodelled and features minimalist interiors with neutral colors. What never changes is the view of the ocean at “the end of the world” (Sagres, Europe’s southwesternmost town). Its 144 rooms and suites have balconies, and most offer a partial or frontal sea view. There are great beaches within walking distance, but this is actually a good hotel for a getaway outside bathing season, with a spa with a heated indoor pool. On warmer days you’ll probably prefer the outdoor pool, and can always enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant.

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Hotel California Urban Beach

This boutique hotel in Albufeira’s Old Town is conveniently found within walking distance of a number of restaurants and bars, but you’ll also want to enjoy drinks and meals at its stylish bar and restaurant. The elegant rooms are minimalist and contemporary, and there’s also a vegan spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

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Aqua Pedra dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel

A hotel with direct access to the popular Oura Beach in Albufeira was given a makeover and turned into an adults-only property with contemporary design. The rooms and suites with balconies face the sea and overlook pinewoods, as does the rooftop sun lounge. It’s also possible to relax at the outdoor pool and enjoy meals of local and Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant.

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Vila São Vicente Boutique Hotel

Boutique hotels aren’t necessarily high-end hotels, and this one proves it. Rated three stars, it has elegant rooms with balconies, views over the beach in the center of Albufeira, and a rooftop pool. It’s for adults only and recommended for couples.

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Palmares Beach House Hotel

Lagos’ longest beach (Meia Praia) is right in front of this adults-only hotel. With just 18 rooms and two suites with sea views, it’s a place for couples to relax. Both the restaurant and the outdoor swimming pool overlook the beach.

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Vila Valverde Design Country Hotel

Those who prefer the countryside, should stay at this design hotel in Lagos’ rural outskirts. The beach of Luz is just down the road (a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive). It’s a country estate from the 19th century that’s been refurbished and divided into 15 spacious rooms, some of them with a terrace. A peaceful garden surrounds the swimming pool, and there’s also a spa, a restaurant and a bar.

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Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda

This boutique hotel above Lagos’ Porto de Mós Beach is one of the most romantic in Algarve. Couples relax in the heated swimming pool, on the clifftop with a subtropical garden, or at the spa with a sauna and Turkish bath. The uniquely furnished rooms and suites have private balconies or terraces. The restaurant offers haute cuisine with a sea view.

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Conversas de Alpendre

Here you have the choice of stylish suites, a tree house or a bungalow with a sea view. It’s a beautifully-designed hotel in the countryside, but just five minutes from charming Cacela Velha and its magnificent beach. Most of the suites face the outdoor swimming pool.

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Companhia das Culturas

Less than ten minutes from Castro Marim, this renovated farmhouse has four apartments and nine rooms. The elegant design mixes pieces from different styles and periods, and uses cork and natural stone. For many, the highlights are the organic breakfast and Mediterranean dinners served at the restaurant, and the hamman scented with Algarvian rosemary.

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