Now open: Viceroy in Ombria Algarve

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve has opened its doors, telling a new story for Viceroy as it continues to expand into Europe and sets its sights on a new tone and approach to the guest experience globally.

With sweeping 360-degree views of the Algarve’s rugged hills and open plains, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve presents a new destination in the creative heart of the region – a peaceful, cultural and sensitively designed resort north of Loulé and just 30 minutes from Faro Airport the coast.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort offers 141 rooms, including guest rooms, suites and residences, all on 5.2 acres. These properties are divided into 20 room types, characterized by features such as terraces, large balconies with built-in seating, private pools and hot tubs, and small kitchens, pantries, and dressing areas. While the floor plan and furnishings remain consistent throughout, each room offers a unique view due to the different locations of the buildings.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a varied and carefully curated dining experience across six unique venues, each paying homage to the hotel’s location and using produce either grown on-site in their gardens and orchards or locally sourced. Together, these dining establishments form a vibrant culinary landscape that reflects the diversity of a city:

Café Central: This charming Portuguese bakery and a lively place on the “praca” (Main Square) offers homemade pastries, fine coffee, pastel de nata, afternoon tea and light wood-fired meals. It is a meeting point for tourists and locals and an ideal place to meet up with friends or shop for handicrafts or fresh baked goods.

Bellvino: A cozy wine bar that champions enogastronomy and local produce in its simplest form, specializing in wine, charcuterie, cheese and olive oil. “The Sommelier’s Playground”Guests have direct contact with the sommelier and can enjoy private tastings. The menu features local Iberian pork, known for its unique flavor and traditional cooking methods, where the meat is first cured in sea salt and then dried by the cold breeze from the nearby mountains for at least six months. Bellvino’s cheese selection comes exclusively from goats and sheep, as the region’s hot climate is unsuitable for cows. The olives used in the restaurant are of the Maçanilha variety, grown on the property and used in the Viceroy brand olive oil, produced in collaboration with the producer Monterosa.

Ombria cuisine: This all-day, family-friendly space serves as typical Portuguese cuisine, presented in the style of a five-star hotel. Guests can enjoy a buffet and à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere with a live cooking station and tiled walls. From eggs prepared to order and jams made from fruit from the estate’s gardens, the emphasis is on seasonal and local ingredients. The menu adapts to the seasons and is served in locally made earthenware. Pizzas are prepared in a large wood-fired oven with Portuguese ingredients such as Iberian pork, figs and smoked tuna.

Solalua: Meaning “From the Sun to the Moon”Solalua is a destination for ultra-creative and innovative dishes in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, open from evening until late. Seafood takes center stage with imaginative interpretations such as a savory twist on the traditional “bolas de Berlin”, a classic cream-filled donut reimagined with crab, along with a dessert version of beignets with goat’s milk ice cream and local honey. The cocktail menu is equally inventive with unique combinations such as a mix of oysters, pear and gin, garnished with dusted river mint, a local herb.

Casa & Forums: Located in the clubhouse, it is aimed primarily at golfers with its spacious terrace and relaxed menu, including daily specials and craft beers from Portugal. Here guests can enjoy various sports broadcasts from football to Formula 1.

Salpico: Meaning “Squirt” or “scatter”The pool bar serves refreshing poolside dishes including cured fish, finger foods, champagne and oysters.

FACILITIES

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is home to four swimming pools (three heated and one seasonal) with valley and sunset views. For families, the Kid’s Club offers both outdoor and indoor areas, including a large game room, a mini kitchen and a kindergarten. The holistic 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. For meetings and events, the resort offers a ballroom, outdoor event spaces and a conference room and two additional meeting rooms. From the central cobbled square to views of the region’s famous citrus groves and fig trees, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve offers a tranquil retreat away from the busy Portuguese coast.

DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

Designed by WATG, Promontorio (Lisbon architect) and Wimberly Interiors, the architecture and interiors celebrate 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.

The buildings embody a lively village and are arranged in different angles and shapes. The castle-like clubhouse gives the building an additional village character. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a hiking resort with a loop main road and indoor and outdoor accommodation with branching paths. Parked bicycles, outdoor art, water features and benches along the streets create a village atmosphere throughout.

Architecture, landscaping, material sourcing and design aesthetics reflect the natural surroundings and create the perfect, responsible resort. Bioclimate smart homes use state-of-the-art solar and geothermal energy sources as part of a commitment to protecting the environment. The project is dedicated to the health of local land and ecosystems; A tree nursery ensures the development and growth of local species and the conservation of existing flora and fauna, while over 700 oak trees have been planted and 1,800 linear meters of riverine habitat have been restored. Solar and geothermal energy and bioclimatic architecture are present throughout the resort.

LOCATION

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a striking hilltop retreat whose white buildings are visible from afar against a backdrop of rolling hills. 25 kilometers of natural springs flow through the property, including the Aljebra River, while the nearby town of Loulé offers a glimpse of the local with its historic castle, cathedral, traditional restaurants and the lively Mercado de Loulé, where travelers can find fresh fish and classic dishes Leben offers products from the Algarve. The Algarve is divided into three different regions: the Sea, the Barrocal and the Serra. Located in the Barrocal, a dry and harsh landscape characterized by slopes, low vegetation and crops such as fig, olive, carob and cork trees that thrive in this arid environment. Nearby is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a protected natural park known for its bird watching opportunities and scenic hiking trails around its lagoons. The area maintains a slower and traditional way of life with a deep connection to the land.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Rich experiences that inspire new ways of looking at the world are at the heart of the repositioned brand. We invite guests to discover the “other side” of the Algarve and learn about the local culture and heritage. All guest experiences are led by locals whose families have lived in the hills for generations and continue to honor the more traditional way of life. Highlights include:

Be a shepherd for a day: Guests can grab a walking stick and become part of a timeless country practice by learning about traditional sheep-raising practices and assisting with shepherding tasks alongside a local shepherd.

From beehive to honey: Led by a local beekeeper, this tour highlights the important role bees play in the ecosystem, explores the world of honey production, and observes beekeeping practices from a safe distance. The experience ends with a honey tasting, which also includes other local delicacies such as goat cheese and Tor bread.

Traditional pottery workshop: Under the expert guidance of a local artisan, guests learn the intricacies of traditional clay molding techniques before sending home their masterpieces to bake and take home.

Horseback riding and picnic: This experience is designed for up to five participants and promises a new perspective on Monte da Ribeira. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome to join this guided excursion, which offers a leisurely picnic break and the opportunity to capture precious moments with Polaroid photos.

Other experiences include wine and olive oil tastings, bird watching, exploring nearby hiking and biking trails, picnics in the valley, wine tasting and vineyard tours. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on the GEO-certified 18-hole course designed by Jorge Santana da Silva.

Hotel website

Viceroy of Ombria Algarve
Rua da Ombria
Ombria, 8100-396
Portugal

+351 289 413 900